Designing for the Way You Live: Making Older Homes Work for Modern Families
Homes built in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s - and honestly even the 1990’s weren’t designed with today’s lifestyles in mind. Think tiny kitchens, formal living rooms no one uses, chopped-up layouts, huge bathtubs, tiny showers, and minimal storage. Sound familiar?
But if you love your neighborhood… or your lot, your school district, your commute, or the charm of your home — remodeling can be the perfect way to bring an older house up to speed with modern living.
At David Pollard Architect, we specialize in helping Triangle families reimagine their homes to better fit how they actually live today. Here’s how we approach it.
1. Reworking the Floor Plan for Flow and Function
Many older homes were built with compartmentalized layouts: a kitchen in one corner, a dining room down the hall, and a living room in the front of the house that rarely gets used. Today, most families want open, flexible spaces where they can cook, work, relax, and spend time together.
We help reconfigure floor plans to:
Open up kitchens to adjacent spaces and the outdoors
Create better sightlines and natural light
Add multifunctional zones (like play areas, homework nooks, or home offices)
Improve traffic flow for everyday use and entertaining
Small changes—like removing a wall or reorienting a stair—can make a huge difference.
2. Adding Space Where It Matters Most
Whether your family is growing, aging, or simply evolving, many older homes just don’t have enough space in the right places.
We often add or redesign:
Primary suites with walk-in closets and modern baths
Mudrooms and laundry rooms for organization and function
Family rooms that connect to outdoor living
Home offices or study spaces for remote work and school
Sometimes a small addition or dormer can unlock far more usable square footage than you’d expect.
3. Bringing in More Light and Views
Older homes often feel dark—not just because of smaller windows, but because of how the spaces are arranged.
We look for opportunities to:
Add or expand windows
Create better indoor-outdoor connections
Use natural light to define zones and improve energy efficiency
The result is a home that not only looks brighter, but feels more open, calming, and connected.
4. Modernizing Systems Without Losing Character
Updating your home doesn’t mean losing its soul.
We help preserve the charm and craftsmanship of older homes—like original hardwood floors, trim, or brickwork—while updating HVAC, plumbing, insulation, and electrical systems to today’s standards.
The goal is a home that’s both beautiful and functional, blending old and new in a way that feels intentional and seamless.
5. Designing for the Next Chapter
Maybe your family is growing or your kids are getting older. Maybe your parents are moving in. Maybe you’re thinking about aging in place. Whatever’s next, a smart remodel can set your home up to evolve with you.
We plan with flexibility in mind—so spaces can adapt over time, not just look good today.
Ready to Rethink Your Home?
If your house isn’t working the way it used to—or never really did—it might be time to reimagine it. The right architectural design can breathe new life into an old home and help it grow with your family.
At David Pollard Architect, we guide Triangle homeowners in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest and surrounding areas through creative, thoughtful renovations that honor what’s good and improve what’s not.
Schedule a free 30-minute virtual consult to talk through what’s possible for your home.