What Was Old Is New Again

Country kitchens, cozy exposed woodwork, even 1960s shag – all of these are old design news, used many times when they first came into existence. But in recent San Diego home renovations, we’ve discovered a new trend: all of these are coming back, and being combined in new and exciting ways that the original designers would almost certainly never have imagined.

Pre-1900 Designs

Ancient designs arose more out of practicality than a desire for beauty. Leaving beams exposed was easier than covering them. Fine millwork was a luxury that settlers could not afford. Their décor came from rich textiles and the clutter that accumulated naturally as part of daily life. This design aesthetic fell out of favor for a while as ultra-clean modern designs started to proliferate.
vintage truss beam
Now it’s back, with a distinct appeal for today’s family. The relaxed, comfortable feel is very comforting, and it’s a very forgiving design style if you do have children. Messy and cluttered are all part of the design here. Home remodeling in San Diego to capture this look typically focuses on exposed beams and rough-hewn logs as part of the structure of the home or added on top of existing structure. Today’s homeowners often update the look with sleek accents or bright colors, making it a new twist on the old style.

Vintage Retro Made Modern

1960s retro is a very distinctive look. Featuring bright colors, rich textures, and patterns or symbols, these rooms are quite easy to spot. Today’s San Diego home renovations that go retro update the look by adding eco-chic elements. Bamboo accents, natural wood, and recycled or repurposed materials are very common. Cork flooring has become a huge trend in home remodeling generally, and is a common flooring choice for rooms like this.

Kitchens Blend Old And New

Another common trend we’ve seen in home remodeling in San Diego involves kitchens. Many designers are inspired to blend older cabinetry or reclaimed flooring with sleek, modern appliances. The resulting look is simultaneously old/traditional and new/contemporary. It’s a great interplay between the two with a lot of visual interest.