When you’re designing your dream traditional home, it’s easy to want to embrace a bygone era and pay homage to beloved architectural styles. However, just because you like the vintage look, doesn’t mean you have to settle for a traditional lifestyle.
While you might find the idea of smart homes terrifying, you can still make the most of modern technology. These are some of the best modern home features that everyone needs to consider in 2024.
Cutting-Edge Battery Storage
Battery storage solutions can be an ideal way to save energy from a time when it’s renewable sourced, such as night, and use it during peak times when it’s not, like during the day. If you choose to have solar panels, battery storage is an ideal way to retain excess energy. With solutions like the Tesla Powerwall, you can monitor your energy usage and more. AR Power can install Tesla Powerwall technology in homes throughout the UK, so you can start optimising your energy use as soon as possible.
Composite Decking
While natural materials like wood might seem like a beautiful choice for your garden, they don’t last long, requiring more regular maintenance and replacement. Reduce manufacturing and replacement requirements by replacing wooden decks with modern composite decking, which is more durable and low maintenance. It also looks cleaner and requires fewer chemicals to maintain, making it better for the environment and your wallet in the long run. Composite materials look similar to natural wood, and when painted, can be practically indistinguishable from the real thing, so you can get the look you want without as much hard work.
Vinyl Flooring
The interior version of composite decking is vinyl flooring, and it can be the ideal solution for homeowners who love the look and feel of tile or wooden flooring, but don’t want the hassle and upkeep. Also, vinyl flooring is typically cheaper than natural alternatives, so you can save money on your home improvements and get the look you’ve always wanted. Vinyl flooring is easy to wipe clean, so it’s also easier to maintain. With many different colour options and patterns, you can get the vintage look you want for your home quickly and easily.
Integrated Technology
Just because you want the benefit of modern TVs and other appliances, doesn’t mean you can’t have a traditional home. The trick is to conceal TVs, speakers and other devices for a sleek, seamless appearance. This approach makes technology look built-in and creates a seamless look for your traditional property. Concealing technology in your home can also save space, which can be ideal for older properties that aren’t very large.
Retro-Style Kitchen Appliances
Older appliances can often be less-energy efficient than their modern counterparts, and can be incredibly expensive to purchase and maintain. Also, they’re not always as effective as newer appliances. Thankfully, for cottages and older homes, there are several brands that make vintage-style appliances, ranging from fridges and ovens to smaller items like toasters or kettles. These appliances can correspond with almost any era, so you can find one that fits your home’s aesthetic.
Summing Up
At the end of the day, when incorporating modern features and technologies into your traditional home, the key is to blend modern elements subtly without drastically altering the original charm of your property. Small upgrades make spaces feel fresh and functional, while also allowing you to enjoy the perks of modern life. When selecting the right solutions for your home, consider how often you’ll use them and whether they will actually save you time, or if they’re just a gimik. You can then find the perfect solutions to enhance your home and improve your life.
