• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • First Time Here?
    • Archive
    • London Blogs
  • Blog
  • Travel
    • London Theater Tickets
    • Shopping
    • Tips
    • Tours
    • Transport
    • Maps
    • Parks
    • Resources
    • Restaurants
    • Top 10 London
  • Culture
    • Art
    • Buildings
    • Food
    • London Books
    • Movies
    • Museums
    • Music
    • Pubs
  • Londonism
    • Reviews
    • Fun London
    • Iconic London
    • Life in London
    • London Realities
    • Moving to London
    • Politics
  • The Tube
  • London History
    • Great London Buildings
    • Great Londoners
  • Contact
  • Guidebooks
    • 101 London Travel Tips – Guidebook
    • 101 Free Things to do in London

Londontopia

The Website for People Who Love London

You are here: Home / News Features / How London Homeowners Are Elevating Classic Properties In 2023

How London Homeowners Are Elevating Classic Properties In 2023

Mar 16, 2023 By Jonathan

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a luxury home in 2023, now could be the time. Despite cost of living challenges and recession looming, many property investors are still interested in high end properties and the luxury real estate market in London remains strong. Luxury homes are continuing to sell fast, and if you can combine the allure of a classic period home with modern luxuries, you could be in store for a bigger profit. 

During the pandemic, there was a dramatic increase in the number of high-end property owners moving away from the city in search of more open space in the countryside. But now this mass exodus has stalled and the demand for stunning properties has remained consistently high. If you’re looking to elevate an older home without compromising on luxury, here are a few ways to modernise classic properties for that perfect balance between old and new. 

Why elevate a classic home?

Modernising a classic home can bring a range of benefits, including increased functionality, improved energy efficiency, enhanced safety, increased property value and the preservation of historical features. By updating outdated building practices and materials, such as electrical wiring, plumbing and other systems, a classic home can become more suitable for modern living, resulting in a comfortable, functional, and sustainable living space. 

Additionally, modernisation can actually serve to highlight the historical features of a classic home, giving it a unique and timeless charm while increasing its property value. It offers a great opportunity to create a living space that meets current needs while preserving its historical value and character. It can also act as a selling point to outweigh the negatives of a property that could hold you back from selling in the future, such as a short lease. The following interior design choices are ways to upgrade a classic home into something special and distinctive on the London property market. 

Install a lap pool

London’s most luxurious properties have indoor swimming pools installed, but it’s a change you can make to upgrade your own classic home to make it more appealing to potential buyers or simply to enhance your living space. From indulgent plunge pools that give that spa feel to a home to current or endless pools which are perfect for fitness enthusiasts keen to improve stamina and fitness, a swimming pool is the ultimate luxury and instantly transforms a classic or more traditional home into something modern and opulent. Indoor pools are the best way to make use of a basement room that’s otherwise going to waste to create something truly desirable in the property market. 

Replace masonry with steel and glass

Steel and glass walls have become increasingly popular in recent years, giving a sleek and modern look to properties of all ages. From partition walls between a bedroom and en-suite to brightening up a living or dining room to give the illusion of more space, glass panels still give you that clear divide between areas of your home but are more contemporary than masonry walls and let more natural light in. Trends come and go but with something simple and elegant like glass and steel, you can be confident that the wall will remain in style and elegant for years to come. In particular, if you choose to replicate older style crittall windows with your steel frame, you can nod to the past while embracing the present. 

Embrace open spaces

One of the most effective ways to make your classic property feel more luxurious and inviting is by creating a feeling of open space. That might mean decluttering and taking a more minimalist approach, but it can also be achieved by extending your property to lengthen the kitchen or even by creating a whole new living space with a garage conversion. These projects are possible to achieve with a tighter budget if you’re clever about the design — just make sure you seek out professional advice and ensure that your renovations comply with the necessary building regulations. 

Revamp the heating

Heating can be a challenge in an older property, so if you’re looking to modernise, it can be a great place to start. Fireplaces are often a focal point in period homes but you don’t need to rip them out completely in order to put a contemporary spin on the space. In fact, simply upgrading them to a gas or electric alternative can be provide a contrast with the ornate surroundings while providing you with a more effective heating solution. Likewise, updating the radiators to ultra-modern flat panelled designs will instantly transform your home, make it more elegant and stylish, and ensure adequate heat output. 

Install surprising features

London’s homeowners know that when it comes to designing a standout property, you need to think outside the box. Extend your imagination, from installing lifts which make your property more accessible and will enhance your living experience later in life, to indoor spas for a hotel feel in your own home, or sophisticated bars that make entertaining a breeze. There are various ways you can elevate your home and make it functional and ideal for socialising. Get creative with your interior design and install those features or appliances you’ve always dreamed of having at your disposal to create a home that’s unique, interesting and a conversation starter. 

 

Classic homes have character and style in abundance, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. But there’s no reason why you need to feel like you’re living in the past just because you enjoy the history that comes with a period property. London has always been adept at striking the balance between retaining its history and embracing modernity, so why not achieve the same with your own home? London’s luxury homeowners are finding unique and interesting ways to put a contemporary stamp on their properties by adding modern touches that enhance the home rather than distract from the traditional features. 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Pocket

Filed Under: News Features

About jonathan

Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to Our Free London Updates

Free London News

Get the latest news on London history, culture, travel, exhibitions, and more right in your inbox!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Get the Anglotopia/Londontopia App

Our Advertisers

If you are a mobile gamer, you may want to take a look at UK’s new mobile casinos and slots reviewed by NewCasinoUK.

Join the London Forum

  • Mudlarking
  • MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN LONDON
  • What's Your Favorite Place in London?
  • Paddington Station

London Guide

  • Ten Cheap Things You Can Do in London on a Budget
  • Ten London Exhibitions to Look Forward to in 2023
  • London’s Non-Free Museums: Your Guide to London’s Museums That Charge Admission
  • Trip Planning: Top 10 Exhibitions To Plan Your 2018 Trips to London Around
  • London Guide: Our Favorite Restaurants in London – London Restaurant Recommendations for Americans – What’s Your Favorite?

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • RSS Feed
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Support Londontopia

Search our Extensive Archive

Top 10 London

  • Ten Unusual Exhibits to See in London
  • London Pubs: Ten Thameside Pubs for a Pint and a View
  • Top 10 London: Ten More Things to Do Along the River Thames
  • Top 10 London: Top Ten Shopping Centers in London
  • Museums of London: Ten Overlooked London Museums
  • Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Haggerston
  • Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Haringey
  • Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Redbridge
  • Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Hillingdon
  • Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to Do in Canonbury

Recent Posts

  • More than 200 looks to feature in V&A exhibition on Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel
  • Souls Grown Deep like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South at The Royal Academy
  • National Portrait Gallery to reopen with exhibition on pioneering color photographer
  • London Eye gets spring clean to mark start of the season
  • Natural History Museum named most visited indoor UK attraction again
  • The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance at the National Gallery
  • Gatwick returns to profit as air travel bounces back
  • Sir Mark Rylance brings role as Dr Semmelweis to West End
  • Shire horses prepare Tower of London moat for next wildflower display
  • In Video: Watch pianist Lang Lang perform at St Pancras station

Best Posts on Londontopia

  • 101 London Travel Tips
  • Top 100 London Attractions
  • How to Find the Cheapest Airfares to London
  • 10 Things NOT to do in London
  • Best London Guidebooks
  • 101 Free Things to do in London
  • London Lingo – A London Word Dictionary
  • Top 7 Tips for Doing London on the Cheap
  • Top 11 Myths American Believe about London
  • Guide to Eating in London
  • Best Times of Year to Travel to London
  • London Packing Tips
  • Top 11 Movies Set in London
  • Top Attractions off the Tourist Track
  • Top 5 Most Amazing London Hotels
  • Top 10 Hostels in London
  • Best Views in London Restuarants
  • London Taxi Ettiquette
  • Top 12 London Views
  • Great Fire of London
  • A Guide to Five of London’s Bridges
  • 10 Random Facts and Figures about Trafalgar Square
  • Top 100 British Slang Words

London Places to Explore

Bloomsbury Buckingham Palace Canary Wharf City of London Covent Garden Cutty Sark Greenwich Hampstead Hampton Court Palace Heathrow Houses of Parliament Hyde Park Imperial War Museum Islington Kensington Kensington Palace Leicester Square London London Eye London Transport Museum Museum of London National Gallery Notting Hill Piccadilly Circus Putney Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Regent's Street Royal Academy Selfridges Somerset House Southbank Southwark St Pancras St Paul's Cathedral Tate Britain Tate Modern The City Tower Bridge Tower of London Trafalgar Square V&A Wandsworth West End Westminster Westminster Abbey

SIGN-UP FOR FREE LONDON WEEKLY UPDATES!

Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up

Recent Videos

Walk Around London Virtually Right Now – Watched Walker is the YouTube Channel We All Need Right Now

Jason Hawkes Shares a Beautiful Video of London From Above That We All Need Right now

London Tube: You’ve Got to Watch This Amazing Mesmerizing Animation That Shows the Real Geography of the London Underground

Video: The Basics of Crossrail – London’s New Underground Line

London History: The Place Where Old London Double Decker Buses Went to Die

London Video: A Look at the Great Smog of London

10 Interesting Facts about the Hammersmith and City Line

Nearly half of Londoners have used Elizabeth line so far – survey

Tube and London bus fares to rise by nearly 6% from March

What is Crossrail 2 and What is Its Current Status?

London Alert: Strike by London Underground workers to go ahead after last-minute talks fail

London Mayor hails Elizabeth line as direct routes and Sunday services begin

Footer

About Londontopia

Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!

When We’re in London Next

We don’t currently have any travel plans to London but hope to visit at some point in 2021.

  • SEO Backlinks
  • Travel Blog

SIGN-UP FOR FREE LONDON WEEKLY UPDATES!

Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up

Copyright © 2023 Anglotopia, LLC · Website Developed by Anglotopia, LLC · Log in