How to Modernize Your 1980s Brick House

At Cameron Construction, we’ve seen countless 1980s brick houses transformed into modern marvels. These homes often have great bones but need a fresh perspective to shine in today’s architectural landscape.

Renovating a 1980s brick house can breathe new life into your property while preserving its unique character. In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies for modernising your home, from exterior updates to interior renovations that blend style with functionality.

What’s Hiding in Your 1980s Brick House?

Typical 1980s Architectural Features

1980s homes boast distinctive characteristics that set them apart. You’ll often find large, open living areas, sunken living rooms, and vaulted ceilings. Many houses from this era showcase brick exteriors, sometimes combined with wood or vinyl siding.

Inside, pastel colour schemes, oak cabinets, and brass fixtures dominate the aesthetic. Wallpaper (often with bold patterns or floral designs) was a popular choice. Kitchens typically feature laminate benchtops and linoleum flooring.

Structural Considerations

Before you start any modernisation project, you must assess your home’s structural integrity. While 1980s houses generally have solid foundations, issues can develop over time.

Look for signs of foundation problems such as cracks in walls or uneven floors. Inspect the roof for damage or wear. Check windows and doors for draughts or difficulty in opening and closing (these could indicate structural shifts or the need for replacements).

Electrical systems in 1980s homes might not meet current standards. They may lack sufficient outlets or the capacity to handle modern appliances. Plumbing is another area to examine, as older pipes can deteriorate over time.

Deciding What Stays and What Goes

Now comes the exciting part – choosing which elements of your 1980s home to keep, update, or remove. This process requires a balance between preserving character and achieving a modern look.

Some features, like vaulted ceilings or large windows, can become assets in your modernisation project. These elements add spaciousness and light (highly valued in contemporary design).

On the other hand, dated elements like popcorn ceilings, heavy drapes, or worn carpeting should be removed or replaced. In the kitchen, consider updating appliances and benchtops while potentially keeping and refinishing solid wood cabinets.

Exterior brick can spark debate. While some homeowners choose to paint or render brick for a more modern look, others prefer to keep the original brick and update surrounding elements (trim, windows, and landscaping).

The goal is to create a space that blends the best of both worlds – the solid construction and unique features of your 1980s home with the style and functionality of modern design.

As we move forward, let’s explore how to transform your 1980s brick house’s exterior into a modern masterpiece that will turn heads and increase kerb appeal.

Transforming Your 1980s Brick Exterior

Refreshing Your Brick Facade

Brick is timeless, but 1980s styles can look outdated. Limewashing offers an effective update. This technique softens the brick’s appearance while preserving its texture. It’s less permanent than paint, which allows for easier changes in the future.

For a more dramatic change, consider partial cladding. Add modern materials like fibre cement panels or wood accents to portions of your facade. This creates visual interest and updates your home’s look without completely covering the original brick.

Modernise with Strategic Landscaping

Strategic landscaping can significantly update your home’s exterior. Replace overgrown shrubs with clean, geometric plantings. Add a modern water feature or sculpture as a focal point to enhance kerb appeal.

Lighting plays a crucial role in exterior design. Install LED path lights for safety and ambience. Uplight key architectural features or trees to create dramatic nighttime effects. Solar-powered options provide energy efficiency and easy installation.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Replace old windows and doors to update your home’s look and improve energy efficiency. Energy performance ratings can help you understand the potential for heat gain and loss in windows, doors, and skylights.

For doors, consider materials like fibreglass or steel with polyurethane foam cores. These options offer better insulation than traditional wood doors while providing a sleek, modern appearance.

Select new windows and doors with clean lines and minimal framing to complement your home’s updated exterior. Large picture windows or sliding glass doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection (a hallmark of contemporary design).

Enhance Your Roof and Gutters

Don’t overlook your roof when modernising your 1980s brick house. Replace old, worn shingles with modern materials like metal or slate. These options not only look sleek but also offer improved durability and energy efficiency.

Update your gutters and downpipes to complement your new exterior. Consider seamless gutters in a colour that matches or contrasts with your updated facade. This small change can make a big impact on your home’s overall appearance.

As we move from the exterior to the interior, let’s explore how to open up your 1980s floor plan and create a more spacious, modern living environment.

Revamping Your Interior for Modern Living

At Cameron Construction, we transform 1980s interiors into sleek, modern living spaces. The success of interior renovation depends on creating an open, functional layout that caters to contemporary lifestyles while incorporating smart technology for enhanced efficiency.

Creating Open-Concept Living Spaces

One of the most impactful changes you can make to your 1980s home is to remove non-load-bearing walls to create an open-concept living area. This change makes your space feel larger, improves natural light flow, and facilitates better social interaction.

Before you demolish any walls, consult with a structural engineer to ensure you don’t compromise your home’s integrity. Our team of experts at Cameron Construction can help you identify which walls are safe to remove and design a layout that maximises your space.

Try removing walls between the kitchen and living room or dining area. This creates a more inclusive cooking and entertaining space (perfect for modern family life or hosting gatherings).

Updating Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms often show their age first in 1980s homes. Updating these spaces can significantly increase your home’s value and functionality.

In the kitchen, replace dated laminate benchtops with durable materials like quartz or granite. Choose sleek, handleless cabinetry in neutral tones for a contemporary look. Install energy-efficient appliances to reduce utility costs and improve functionality.

For bathrooms, install a walk-in shower with frameless glass doors to create a spa-like atmosphere. Replace old vanities with floating models to enhance the sense of space. Select large-format tiles for floors and walls to reduce grout lines and create a cleaner, more modern appearance.

Incorporating Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology brings your 1980s house into the 21st century. Smart homes have significant potential for achieving comfort, security, independent lifestyle, and enhanced quality of life.

Install smart lighting systems that allow you to control brightness and colour temperature from your smartphone. This addition not only adds convenience but can also reduce energy consumption.

Add a smart security system with cameras and smart locks. These systems provide peace of mind and can be monitored remotely, a feature particularly valued by modern homeowners.

When you update your home’s technology, ensure your electrical system can handle the increased load. Many 1980s homes require electrical upgrades to support modern devices and appliances safely.

Final Thoughts

Modernising your 1980s brick house combines the charm of the past with modern functionality. You must strike the right balance between preserving character and embracing contemporary design. This approach ensures your renovated home retains its unique personality while meeting current living standards.

Energy-efficient windows, updated HVAC systems, and smart home technology improve your home’s functionality and reduce long-term costs. These upgrades enhance your daily living experience and increase your property’s value. Your 1980s brick house renovation has immense potential to create a home that reflects your lifestyle and preferences.

We at Cameron Construction specialise in transforming 1980s houses into modern, comfortable living spaces. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the process (from planning to execution). Contact us today to turn your vision into reality and create a home that combines the best of both worlds.