Do we renovate a 1930s home, or keep the charm?

Question

My boyfriend and I recently came across a beautiful 1930s home that is all original, right down to the furniture. We’re talking light greens walls, wood paneling here and there, and wall paper. We will buy it through an FHA loan so we’d be living in it for a year and thought we’d just try to Air bnb it before moving out and renting it so we have some cash flow here and there even when we’re in it.

Our battle is with renovating it. It’s beautiful the way it is, but only to people who enjoy stepping back in time. Should we “ruin” all the original features by modernizing it for its future being a rental? Or just find renters who will also appreciate the charm like us? It’s a unique situation for our location. We’d be among the very few renting a 5 bedroom so we can’t exactly wait around for that perfect family who will love the “vintage-ness”. The kitchen needs redone, but we aren’t sure if we should renovate it to match the 1930s theme, or go with a modern style and update the rest of the house to match that. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Marc Winter · Answer

After living in an 1896-built Victorian for the last 12 years, I can give you these recomendations:

Update the kitchen and bathrooms, redo the wiring and plumbing, keep the original woodwork, arches, assuming they are still in good condition.  If the windows are original, change them out.  Lose the paneling/wallpaper.

Paint the interior colors neutral--light greys, beiges, and white.

If you have original oak hardwood floors, get the best refinisher in your area, medium stain, high gloss finish.

Please send photos when you are done!

Good luck!

Jim K. · Answer

I would focus on what will make you the most money with the fewest headaches. Two things to point out: a 5 bedroom rental property will most likely have kids in it. Kids are often not especially impressed by an elderly home's fragile and painstakingly-preserved vintage charms.

Jay Cooper · Answer

I believe the renovation and the preservation of the charm can co-exist.

You may even consult with an interior designer that can advise on that specific era. You could schedule a few hours with the interior designer so that can provide cues and offer guidance.

Bridgette Delva · Answer

Hi @Riley Herr! That's always a fairly tough one because everyone's taste varies.  As you mentioned, you don't want to pigeon hole yourself into a niche renter or buyer buy trying to preserve the 1930s; that's a VERY unique taste that few will appreciate.  As an investor, it's good to put your investments in a position to be competitive - if everyone wants updated kitchens, stainless steel, and grey walls you give it to them unless you plan on living in the home forever. One caveat is that if you plan to Airbnb it, you could possibly get away with a themed home but likely not with a long-term renter.

One thing that you could do to try and preserve some of the originality is to pick one or two architectural themes you want to accent or feature in specific areas.  That way, you still have some charm but it's modern. For example, if there are original hardwoods, try to restore and re-stain those.  It may be worth it to take advantage of a few free consultations with interior designers just to get some ideas.  Also Pinterest is boss when it comes to inspiration for DIY.

Good luck!

JJ P. · Answer

Keep the classy stuff and ditch the things that are just old.  Some things are irreplaceable as originals.   In our area, that would mean things like Craftman touchs such as old built- ins in the dining room or kitchen, substantial porches, original floors or tiles, wavey glass windows or doors, leaded or stained glass anywhere,  crystal doorknobs, anything made of hardwood.  If it's classy and irreplaceable, keep it.

If it's trashy, trash it.  Wallpaper and funky green paint... out!

Look on Houzz for ideas, there's 1000's of photos.

Dutch Langley · Answer

We just finished rehabbing a 1901 house in a historic district.  What some might think is charming, many just think is old.  As someone said above, keep a few of the vintage touches but update the rest.  Then add back in a few vintage decorating accessories in the house.  I believe you will get more people wanting to Air BnB it if that was the case.

Melissa Wesling · Answer

All great advice above.  I agree that you can keep some of the charm while updating some of the spaces to be more modern (kitchen, bathrooms).  As mentioned above, a 5 bedroom home will likely have kids staying, so be sure that the home isn't too fragile.  One of our STRs was built in 1940 and although we renovated some areas, people do seem to like a touch of charm. On the other hand, a themed rental may catch the eyes of some guests, so depending on your location it could work, such as if it's a historic town/destination.  If it's the beach/lake, it seems people like more of a relaxing beach-y vibe.  Sounds like a great project, have fun!

Steven Soden · Answer

@Riley Herr I am currently doing renovations on a home from the 30’s in Southern California. We have found you can update functionality and looks but still keep the small touches of character you don’t find as much in newer houses. For our house keeping old doors, railing, trim and refinished hardwood floors has kept a lot of the old character while we have been able to modernize the areas that needed to be more operational. There is definitely a mix right in the middle that I think is the best option. Be careful though as every little project turns into a huge project in houses that old.

Mike Dymski · Answer

There is nothing charming about light green walls, wood paneling, and old wall paper. Renovate with period correct fixtures and finishes, most of which you can get at the big box stores.

Riley Herr · Answer

@Jay Cooper very true, we didn’t think of that. Thank you!

Do we renovate a 1930s home, or keep the charm?

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