What's Old Is New Again

Character is not something with which every home is born. Newer construction often sacrifices some of the charm or detail of older home styles that can be incorporated with strategic use of materials and furnishings. Imagination is the limit for homeowners, but here is a sampling of what can be done...

Build from the ground up. Install new flooring that's inspired by the charm of vintage floors. Retailers sell an array of flooring styles that mimic the look and feel of vintage woodwork - wide planks that echo farmhouse floors, distressed finishes and much more. By replicating techniques such as wire brushing and hand scraping, distressed flooring achieves the look of vintage craftsmanship.

Rustic charm of wall accents. Adding a wood accent wall can create the feel of a farmhouse or even an industrial loft. Wood can add an artistic element or focal point to backsplashes and ceilings. Whatever your goal, accent wood makes a statement.

Small touches: Fixtures and surfaces. Don't forget the little details: a glass doorknob, an oilrubbed light fixture or a stained glass panel in the window. These touches go a long way to convey the look of another era in a newer home.

Mixing eras with furniture. Antiques and classic period pieces mix well with more contemporary furnishings to create an eclectic style in a newer home. Mid-century modern elements - from architecture to furnitureweave their way into home décor again this season, proving their staying power.

If homeowners are looking to imbue a newer home with the timeless details of tradition, there's a project of every scale. New materials that are designed to look old will not only perform better, they'll last for years to come. And "timeless" is always on trend.

Success tips for DIY painting projects

If you plan to paint this year, here are some tips to help prepare you for success.

Choose colors with confidence - A fresh coat of paint in the right color can quickly transform the look and feel of any space. To help choose the perfect color for your space, take advantage of the easy-to-use color selection tools available to help you find and try colors before you paint. Homeowners can use the online Color Visualizer, for example, to virtually paint a space and try on different color combinations, making it easy to choose colors with confidence.

Find color inspiration - Choosing the perfect paint color is key to creating the look you want, but how do most people find the right color? More than half of DIYers say they look to nature for color inspiration, while more than a third take their color cues from Pinterest images. Select the right finish - Once you’ve decided on the perfect color, make sure you’re getting the best finish for the space you are painting. For durability and washability, choose a semigloss paint. Semi-gloss is a good option for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, as well as trim. For high-traffic areas, like a hallway or a kid’s bedroom, satin, and egg-shell paints are preferred as the finish is easy to clean and maintain. High gloss paints are also extremely durable and easy to clean, making them perfect for windows, doors and trim. For spaces that have something to hide, a flat finish will work to your advantage.