Park City, Utah, has been a place many have called home since the silver mining boom during the 19th century and since then has become well known for its beautiful scenery, skiing, entertainment, and even as part of one the locations for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Since Park City has been a popular place to call home and visit for decades, many of the homes in the area are filled with the charm that only older homes can produce.

Older homes are unique and have become popular for many homeowners to purchase. In part because of their quaintness, but also because Utah’s booming housing market, especially in Park City, is providing a new generation for these older homes to make memories in. Unfortunately, the architecture of older homes, while unique, can also come across as being dark, drab, and smaller, es[ecially when compared to more modern built homes.

Tips to Bring in the Light in your Home Renovations

FloorPlans – Depending upon when a home was built, the floor plan may have a different use. With the assistance of a contractor, look at what non-load-bearing walls can be removed to open up the floor space. For example, an open concept living space shared between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms opens up the area, making it feel larger and providing more space for entertaining and interaction. Depending upon how many bedrooms are needed for your family, another possibility to open up the area is to knock out sharing walls to increase the size of bedrooms, closets, or bathrooms. Other ideas to open up the feel of the home may include extending the back deck or patio to be used for meals, relaxation, and more.

Color Palette: An easy and cheap way to lighten up any room is with the right color selections. Keep paint colors to neutrals that reflect the light in the room. A smaller space can feel much larger by keeping the walls neutral and adding a few accent walls, decorations, and items. Many older homes that were popular at the time had wood-paneled or carpeted walls and lots of wood trim throughout the home. Just like the walls of the house, don’t forget to update any door or trim throughout the house to a light neutral color. And, of course, remove any wooden panels or carpeted walls – unless you enjoy the antique feel.

Indoor Lighting: The lighting of your home can make a massive difference in whether it feels drab and small or feels open and comfortable. A few things can bring back the light and brightness to your Park City Home.
First, switch out the light fixtures to ones with dimming capabilities and offer the most light cast available. Dimming light fixtures will work nicely to use the right amount of light depending upon the time of day and the atmosphere desired. Once the updated light fixtures are in place, only use lightbulbs that produce a clean and bright light. For example, LED light bulbs that are “daylight” color and have a higher wattage. Be sure to follow the light fixture safety recommendations for watt capacity. Don’t forget to find unique floor and table lamps for when the natural daylight dissipates, and you don’t want all the lights on.
Secondly, what window coverings are there? By replacing the binds to double curtain rods, more light can be brought in and reflected. A double curtain rod is excellent for a sheer first curtain that lets in lots of natural light but reduces glare and provides privacy. The second curtain should be something heavier and in a coordinating color to the rest of your decor.
Lastly, update and replace your windows. Older homes’ windows are less likely to let in a clean, unfiltered light stream. Newer windows will also be much more energy-efficient, allowing the curtains to be drawn open, letting in as much natural light as possible.

Brighten Up the Drab

With the right renovations, what once may have been a little bit darker can be made bright and welcoming to new homeowners. All that is needed to bring in the sun are thoughtful renovations and patience. Before you know it, your house will be perfect for you, and you will be home! If you are ready to get started with your Park City home, call Jensen and Company today for all your real estate needs!