Renovating an English Tudor

Open Up

• Because English Tudors were originally designed with small rooms, the interior spaces can feel cramped and crowded. Create a more functional, open floor plan by tearing out the existing walls between the kitchen and living areas. Consult with a licensed professional to help you design a new layout and ensure you follow your local government's residential remodeling regulations. Design a spacious master suite by removing the dividing wall between two smaller bedrooms or install French doors between the two bedrooms to create a master bedroom with a separate sitting area. You can also finish the basement to increase the usable square footage in your Tudor.

Brighten Up

• Say goodbye to the dark interior spaces of a typical English Tudor when you allow more natural light to come inside. Remove heavy window treatments, add a skylight and enlarge the existing windows to flood the rooms with bright sunlight. Install additional light fixtures, such as ceiling can lights, chandeliers, track lighting and wall sconces, to brighten your Tudor's interior with a mix of modern and vintage lighting. Situate modern table and floor lamps throughout your Tudor to provide needed task lighting.

Freshen Up

• Freshen up the look and feel of an old English Tudor by applying a light-colored paint -- creamy ivory, misty gray, barely beige, soft sage, light gold -- to the interior walls. Use pristine white paint for the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, ceiling beams, baseboards, interior doors and window frames to accent the new wall color with modern brightness. Add new stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops to the kitchen to increase the efficiency and visual appeal. Refresh tired hardwood floors by buffing and polishing them. Revive your Tudor's exterior by repairing or replacing damaged bricks, stone and windows; covering the stucco walls and half-timbers with a fresh coat of paint; and installing missing roof shingles with matching replacements. Give your front door a fresh look with new stain and hardware.

Soften Up

• Soften up the cold, stark interior of your English Tudor with a variety of textiles. For example, lay oversize area rugs over hardwood floors to add cozy texture for bare feet. Dress your windows in layered treatments, such as translucent sheer curtains over bamboo woven shades, to emit natural, airy vibes and provide desired privacy. Furnish your rooms with upholstered seating in soft fabrics -- velvet, corduroy, chenille, microfiber -- to make the spaces more inviting. Cover your beds with posh bedding ensembles and scatter furniture throws and toss pillows on chairs, sofas and beds throughout your home.