Renovating an older home in Perth can be tricky. You want to keep the charm and character you fell in love with, but also make it work for modern living.

Mista Reno specialises in heritage home renovations and modern extensions, so we’ve helped countless homeowners strike the balance between classic and contemporary.

Here are five smart ways to blend old and new without it looking awkward or feeling forced.

 

1. Preserve the original ceiling roses, cornices and period mouldings 

Those beautiful ceiling roses and cornices? Don’t rip them out! They’re part of your home’s personality. If you’re extending, you can cast new roses and mouldings to match the originals, so the new rooms feel like they’ve always belonged.

Example: At our White Gum Valley project, we kept the original ceiling roses in the main living area and added moulded matching ones in the extension. The end result looks timeless, like the extension was always part of the original home.

 

2. Match skirting and architraves between old and new

A sudden change from old skirting to plain modern boards can feel jarring. Matching skirting and architraves, or having them custom-cut to match originals, keeps the home flowing naturally from one space to the next.

Example: At the same White Gum Valley project, we replicated the original architraves in the modern extension so it felt polished, intentional, and true to the original home.

 

3. Modern extensions that complement, not copy

Your extension doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of the old home. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Think complementary, not copied. Materials, proportions, and clean lines make the old and the new feel connected without trying too hard.

Example: At a Cottesloe project, we added a contemporary rear extension, a vast open-plan kitchen, living and dining area with polished concrete floors, which contrasted beautifully with the classic home we restored at the front of the property. It was a stunning distinction, while still respecting the home’s original character.

 

4. Keep the front façade character and add contemporary style at the rear

Your street façade is your home’s handshake – a first impression – so it needs to be respected. If you preserve the home’s character at the front, you can get creative at the back. Keep the period charm at the front, and add a modern, light-filled extension at the rear for relaxed, contemporary living.

Example: We carefully restored the front façade of a 1922 Fremantle home to its original glory, preserving its heritage details and street appeal.  At the rear, we added a modern extension with an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, featuring large glass doors that flow out to a courtyard and custom-built studio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Celebrate original features and echo them in new areas

Exposed brickwork, jarrah floors, and high ceilings are what make your home feel special. Bring those features into your new spaces by reclaiming materials or echoing the original style so the old and new flow together.

Example: On this Fremantle project, we used reclaimed jarrah from railway sleepers, and exposed brick in both the original rooms and new spaces. By carrying the original features into the new spaces, the whole home felt connected, warm, and full of character.

 

 

Blending old with new when renovating

Blending old and new isn’t about copying the past or overpowering it with modern design. It’s about thoughtful renovation, smart detailing and understanding how to make character homes work today.

If you’re planning a heritage renovation or modern extension in Perth, the key is getting the balance right from the start. We can help you there!