Renovating a Historic New England Home? Why Bespoke Interior Design Is Your Smartest Investment

Owning a historic New England home is a privilege—steeped in character, craftsmanship, and architectural details that tell a story. But when it comes to renovating, balancing historic charm with modern functionality is no small feat.

If you’re considering a renovation, you may be wondering: Do I really need to invest in an interior designer? Or can you select finishes and layouts yourself while working with contractors and tradespeople?

The truth is, when it comes to historic homes, interior design is not just about aesthetics—it’s the foundation of a successful renovation. Without a designer guiding the process, you risk costly mistakes, disjointed spaces, and a final result that doesn’t fully honor your home’s history or enhance how you live in it.

Unique Challenges of Renovating a Historic New England Home

Unlike new builds, historic homes come with quirks—from uneven floors and original millwork to outdated layouts that don’t support modern living. A bespoke interior design plan ensures:

• Seamless Integration of Old & New – Updating kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces while respecting historic details

• Strategic Space Planning – Adapting to unconventional room layouts and preserving period features

• Material & Finish Selection for Longevity – Choosing historically appropriate yet durable, high-performance materials

• Custom Millwork & Built-Ins – Enhancing architectural charm with thoughtful craftsmanship

• Modern Functionality Without Sacrificing Character – Upgrading lighting, storage, and layouts while keeping the home’s soul intact

Without expert guidance, these homes can easily lose their charm—or worse, fall victim to renovations that feel out of place, mismatched, or poorly executed.

Why You Can’t “DIY” a Historic Home Renovation

Many homeowners assume they can manage the renovation themselves—coordinating with contractors, choosing finishes, and making layout decisions along the way. But here’s where things often go wrong:

• Mismatched Design Choices – Selecting trendy or mass-produced materials that clash with the home’s historic aesthetic

• Layout Mistakes – Removing walls or reconfiguring rooms without considering the home’s structural integrity or architectural flow

• Overspending in the Wrong Areas – Investing in updates that won’t increase value or stand the test of time

• Decision Fatigue & Project Overwhelm – Historic home renovations require thousands of micro-decisions that are best made with a clear, expert-led plan

By working with an interior designer who specializes in historic renovations, you ensure every decision is intentional, cohesive, and built to last.

The Designer as Your Project Liaison

One of the biggest advantages of hiring an interior designer? We don’t just create beautiful spaces—we orchestrate the entire project to ensure your vision is executed accurately and efficiently.

• Contractor & Trades Coordination – We translate your vision into technical plans that builders, millworkers, and artisans can follow

• Project Management & Organization – Keeping timelines, material orders, and construction phases running smoothly

• Preserving Architectural Integrity – Ensuring that modern updates respect the home’s historical context

Without this level of guidance, the success of your renovation is left up to chance.

Bespoke Design = A Historic Home That Honors Its Past & Supports Your Future

If you’re investing in a historic home renovation, the goal isn’t just to update—it’s to enhance, preserve, and create a space that truly works for modern living.

Many of my clients have said the same thing after their project:

"We couldn’t have done this ourselves. Without an interior designer, we would have made choices we’d regret—and the home wouldn’t feel as timeless or as functional as it does now."

Are you planning a renovation for your historic New England home? Let’s work together to design a space that blends craftsmanship, history, and modern-day comfort.