There’s a reason we fall for heritage homes.

The character, the quirks, the high ceilings and beautiful details — there’s nothing like them. But when it comes time to renovate, things can get murky. What’s worth keeping? What needs upgrading? How do you balance architectural integrity with modern-day living?

After renovating several character homes — and helping clients do the same — here’s what I’ve learned. These are the judgment calls that matter. The kind that make a renovation feel considered, not confused.

1. Keep the front. Extend the back — with purpose.

The original front rooms are often the soul of a heritage home. They don’t need to be reworked — just respected.
A good renovation doesn’t try to make everything match. It lets the front hold its charm and elegance, while the back steps in with flow, function, and the way you actually want to live today.

2. Only keep Baltic pine if it deserves to stay.

Baltic pine can be beautiful, but don’t feel guilty for covering it if it’s warped, patched, or beyond repair. Not every detail is sacred — and your home already has more than enough character.

3. Preserve original details (but match them properly if they need to go).

Keep fireplaces, friezes, ceiling roses — they’re rich with history and can make even a modern bathroom feel special.
If something has to be replaced, do it in context. Victorian details in a California Bungalow just don’t work. Do your research, or ask your designer to guide you — it makes all the difference.

4. Embrace the darker spaces.

Don’t fight a moody hallway or front room. If light is limited, lean into it. Think deep paint colours, wallpaper, layered lighting. These rooms can feel like beautifully cocooned escapes when done well.

A discreet skylight can help in a hallway (as long as it’s not visible from the street), but don’t be afraid of mood.

5. Never drop high ceilings — even in a bathroom.

Ceiling height is one of the luxuries that can’t be faked in a modern build. It adds light, space, and an instant sense of calm. Find workarounds if you need to run services, but don’t sacrifice the height. It’s worth protecting.

6. Choose lighting that nods to the past — without mimicking it.

You can absolutely use modern lighting in heritage homes — just make sure it belongs. Avoid faux-period fittings. Instead, look for materials and shapes that play well with the architecture without trying to copy it.

7. Prioritise the structure first.

Before anything else: restump, level, insulate, rewire, and repair what needs it. These are not the glamorous choices — but they’re the ones that will make your renovation feel calm, functional, and future-proof.

8. Use joinery to bring the home into the present.

Good joinery is the bridge between old and new. It can add functionality without shouting. Use rich materials, thoughtful hardware, and timeless profiles to help the home work for your lifestyle, without losing its charm.

9. Don’t forget the final layer.

A renovation isn’t finished without fabrics, softness, and texture. Think drapery, upholstery, cushions — these are the elements that make a home feel welcoming, not just finished.

The bottom line?

Don’t just update a heritage home. Deepen it. Strengthen it. Let it tell its story — with a few new chapters written in your voice.

Thinking about your own heritage renovation?
This is what I love to help with — spaces that feel grounded, intelligent, and beautiful to live in. You can get in touch here, or explore more of our work and approach at www.picchio.com.au.

What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do in a Heritage Renovation