Unrenovating a house

[RoganJosh]

Our house is 1920s but was extended and done up to sell. It's been done in a modern style, from light fittings to doors. We have magnolia from top to toe, modern flooring, light switches, curtain poles, door handles. There are no little shelves up etc.
It's all very chrome and slick where our natural taste is older and more kicked about.
We can't afford to change it all straight away, so what would you prioritise? Where are the quick wins to introduce some character?

New internal doors and handles. Reclaimed or coots of original.

Decent light fittings.

Floors can be changed but if they are new add rugs. Bring character with cushions, curtains and pictures.

Consider a fireplace too. C20 fires do reclaimed and repro 20s/30s fires.

I would start by changing all those modern fixtures and painting the walls in period colours - one room at a time. I'd probably start with the sitting room. Look at ebay/charity shops/auctions for pictures, mirrors, lampshades, pieces of dark wood furniture - even curtains. Then think about flooring when you can afford it - reclaimed parquet adds lots of character. Don't feel overwhelmed or rushed. Making a house into somewhere that feels like home a labour of love, best done gradually - it's also lots of fun!

Fireplaces and paint colours. Start with living room, maybe hallway because that'll affect how you feel when you walk in. I wouldn't spread yourselves too thinly - maybe leave some rooms for now.

I agree with lights and door handles. Have you got bastard spotlights everywhere? (Pet hate of mine, along with breakfast bars.)

My 1930 house was evilly modernised and every single original feature ripped out (and it wasn't a beautiful house to start with). I painted immediately - it makes such a difference. and in the 4 years since then I have been going through slowly and steadily, starting with easy things like door handles and toilet seats. It helps that everything I own except the fridge came from a car boot sale, ebay or a neighbourhood skip!

In time I will deal with the bastard spotlights in the kitchen and the pesky bath suite. Some things will stay as they are, though - I hate the uPVC porch but i doubt it will ever seem like a financial priority.

Thanks everyone.
I had been thinking along the same lines, but starting to doubt myself. I've just had some paint samples arrive in the post.
Luckily it's only spotlighted in the kitchen.
I'll share some of the rest. The sitting room lights and door handles:

That's what you have at the moment, or what you want?

That's what I have already.

My house is 1920's and most of the original features have been kept. Some quintessential style points-

Bakelite door handles
High skirting boards (8 inch high)
Picture rails
Parque - my herringbone in the hallway is thankfully in tact.
Fireplaces.

These with a classic colour sceme make our house look beautiful.

We purchased our new house in December and whilst it hasn't been renovated to sell - more like not touched since the 1980s, lol - it was a sea of white/magnolia woodchip when we took possession......grrr!

Ours is an 1850s house that was extended during the Arts & Crafts period and does have some original beams, fireplaces and parquet flooring. The white woodchip looked crap and is an absolute pig to remove. Whilst it will all be removed eventually we are doing a short term fix of using some period colours - we're not fans of neutrals - to put our stamp on the place while we concentrate on the bigger jobs such as the plumbing and new kitchen! This way it feels like our home much quicker......that's the first thing I'd do in the OP's position.

Changing light fittings and door furniture would probably come a close second.

Just wanted to check, before I rushed in and offended you!

Yep, I agree, got to go!

, yes Devora