Embracing HISTORY

A 1920s country home retains its historic charm while receving needed updates.

- Emily Irby

Striking the perfect balance between modernizing an older home while maintaining all the vintage charm that attracted you to it in the first place can be a difficult line to walk. For Holly Thompson, designer and owner of Holly Thompson Design (with studios in downtown Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee), finding this balance was the main goal when renovating her 1920 bungalow. "If you can go with the house rather than fight against it, you get the best result," Holly says.

DIY: RESTORING A VINTAGE DOOR

Doors make great design statements in the home. If you appreciate a good salvage piece, incorporating a restored vintage door is a wonderful way to add charm and character. Follow these steps to replicate Holly's door restoration.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Screwdriver and hammer

• Paint stripper

• Paint scraper

• Gloves

• New doorknob (optional)

• Sander

• Stain (optional)

• Paint (optional)

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

1. Take the door off the wall using the necessary tools. You'll want to move it where you can apply the paint thinner freely (ideally outdoors or in a space that allows for proper ventilation).

2. Remove the doorknob and any other hardware.

3. Apply paint thinner according to the directions and wait for the required amount of time.

4. Scrape the paint off. For doors with many layers, it may be necessary to repeat steps 3 and 4 until the old paint has been removed.

5. Once you see the condition and tone of the natural wood, decide if you'd like to stain it or paint over it. Sand the door to prepare it.

6. Wipe the door down with a soft cloth to ensure it is free of debris; this will help the stain or paint adhere properly. Apply your finish and allow to dry.