1920s House Style Gets an Update

Let’s Refresh This 1920s House Style!

When our client relocated to Florida, she fell in love with a charming 1200-square-foot bungalow. However, the 1920s house’s style didn’t quite align with hers.

The two-bedroom, one-bath St. Petersburg craftsman needed an update before our art-collecting and antique-loving client could feel at home. Cue the Lisa Gilmore Design team, tasked with revamping the living room, dining room, study/den, and kitchen nook of her Historic Old Northeast home built in 1925.

Before and After: Transformed 1920s House Style

Older homes boast character, but they don't have to be stuck in the past. Witness how we revitalized this century-old gem.

photo: Living room Before

1920s HOUSE LIVING ROOM AFTER - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Art-Inspired Living Room

Lisa and our senior designer Nicole were inspired by the client’s bold and fun art collection. We played off the art’s bright colors by selecting this curved sofa in a custom hot-pink fabric. There is an underlying weave of orange in the fabric, so the sofa can appear to be a different color from different spots in the room. We also added pops of pink throughout the room and chose a crisp white for the walls that wouldn’t compete with the bright colors. 

1920s House Style Elevated with Reupholstered Dining Chairs

photo: Dining room Before

1920s HOUSE DINING ROOM AFTER - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

It’s hard to say whether the highlight of this room is the textured wallpaper on the ceiling or the stunning dining chairs. We breathed new life into the client’s existing dining chairs and had them reupholstered in a luscious, raspberry velvet fabric on one side and a cheerful blue wave pattern on the other. And, do you spy the antique hutch along the wall? That was an existing piece from the homeowner as well.

Work-from-Home Office Jewel Box

Working from home has become standard practice now. And that means we can say goodbye to cubicles and fluorescent lights and hello to creativity-inspiring design. Lisa’s goal from the start was to transform this space into a cozy jewel box for this work-from-home client. 

photo: Office Before

1920s HOME OFFICE AFTER - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

We transformed this space into a glamorous retreat inspired by Dorothy Draper. Picture emerald green drapery and an eye-catching built-in, both designed by Lisa. She also designed the rust-colored ottoman and had it made locally with vintage legs with claws and crystal spheres. Don’t miss the sparkle we added with a vintage French chandelier and window art, which is actually a framed vintage Hermes scarf.

Kitchen Nook Upgraded from 1920s House Style 

photo: Kitchen Nook Before

Does this space radiate happiness? The client had a dazzling chandelier in the dining room, and we knew it would play beautifully with the wallpaper and natural lighting of the nook. It creates the most beautiful iridescent glimmer at certain times of the day! 

The wallpaper is also a favorite! Its classic print with a modern take on its colorway makes the space bright, cheerful and the ideal place to have a morning coffee or great conversations with family and friends. We brought the existing built-in benches back to life with a little bit of paint,  a soft powder blue seat cushion, and fun pops of color in the pillows.

photo: Kitchen Nook After

FAQs

1. What is the style of a 1920s house?

Ah, the 1920s – a time of architectural exploration and experimentation! Imagine stepping into a time capsule where each house tells a unique story. From the cozy Craftsman cottages to the grandeur of Tudor Revival manors, 1920s homes boast an eclectic mix of styles. You'll find charming asymmetrical facades, whimsical low-pitched roofs with playful eaves, and an abundance of character that whispers tales of days gone by.

2. What were the features of a 1920s house?

Step into a 1920s house, and you're greeted by a sense of solidity and warmth. These homes were built to last, with sturdy construction featuring brick, stone, or wood siding that exudes timeless charm. Inside, it's a symphony of natural light streaming through multi-pane windows, revealing the intricate craftsmanship of hardwood floors and the cozy embrace of built-in cabinetry. It's the little details – the decorative brackets, the crown molding, the charming trim work – that make a 1920s house truly stand out.

3. What should I renovate first in an old house?

Ah, the joy of breathing new life into an old house! Start with the basics – address any structural issues and ensure essential systems like plumbing and electrical are up to par. Then, it's time to infuse a touch of modern comfort. Upgrade to energy-efficient insulation, windows, and doors to keep the coziness in and the chill out. Next, focus on the heart of the home – the kitchen and bathrooms – where a careful balance of functionality and style can work wonders. Don't forget to pay homage to the past by restoring original features and adding a splash of paint to freshen up the look. Finally, sprinkle in your own personality with thoughtful touches and curated decor, transforming your old house into a beautiful and functional home that's bursting with character and charm.

Ready to breathe new life into your 1920s house? Let Lisa Gilmore Design sprinkle some magic to honor your style and your home's rich history. And if you're itching for more vintage charm, dive into this delightful home renovation project!

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Lisa Gilmore Design is a Tampa Bay-based interior design firm offering busy professionals luxury design services. We have been named an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor. Lisa Gilmore Design has been featured in premier design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.