Keep an Eye on Details

Small design elements like plumbing fixtures, lighting and door hardware should fit the era in which the home was built. Whenever possible, try to keep the originals. Authentic Victorian-era brass locksets and glass doorknobs are quite valuable today. If you must replace things like exterior lights, plumbing fixtures and hardware, find modern replicas. Most big-box hardware stores carry vintage-style fixtures, and there are several companies specializing in very authentic-looking retro-style fixtures.

If you are replacing switches and plate covers, upgrade to brass or wood, which is more in keeping with older homes. Other decorative details like heat registers, window coverings, lights and cabinets should be chosen with your home's period in mind. Sleek, white melamine cabinets and plastic switchplate covers will probably look out of place in a Victorian home, just as maplewood cabinets and brass fixtures would not be consistent with a 1970s ranch home.

Don't forget your mailbox, house number and even your front door knocker. These small details can make all the difference.

Don't overlook paint colors, either. Colonial style homes are traditionally white or a very pale color accented with green or black shutters and front door. Victorian homes, with all their “gingerbread” trim, can be painted a wild array of colors. Craftsman-style houses were usually Earth tones, while Cape Cod homes are typically seaside colors like muted blues, sand and gray.