Historic restoration is a delicate balance between preservation and progress—one that requires a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, a keen eye for detail, and a thoughtful approach to blending old and new. Whether through reviving original architectural elements, sourcing period-appropriate fixtures, or poring over historical records to decide the perfect color palette that will take a space back in time, these designers are sharing the projects and perspectives that have helped them bring back forgotten spaces with sensitivity, creativity, and style.

For interior designer Brittny Button of Button Atelier, restoration is about careful material selection and thoughtful integration of reclaimed elements. In the case of a recent Palm Springs project, this took shape with tiles from the 1930s around the outdoor pool, wrought iron detailing from the 1920s to adorn the front windows, and an imported 300-year-old fountain to elevate the property’s entranceway—proof that the right historic details can feel like a modern update no matter their age.

For every thoughtful detail, Button looks at the big picture. “During demolition, we try to understand the condition of what can be kept,” the designer says. “At times the items are in a state of disrepair and have to be replaced rather than preserved. This is where reinterpretation comes in. We attempt to save all that we can.”

Each Button Atelier restoration begins with research and a deep understanding of a home’s structure, original time period, and color story, often with color selection guidance from her Account Executive, Olympia Lopez. For Button’s Mesa Bungalows project, she took the 1930s Spanish adobe home from all-white, run-down, and uninspired to a charming pink dreamhouse with pops of green reminiscent of the Beverly Hills Hotel, “as if the home is giving you a wink harkening back to the Old Hollywood glamour of the 1950s.” By incorporating high-end furnishings, appliances, and accents, she ensured the design felt just as sophisticated as it does nostalgic.

Restoration comes with challenges—Button says that flexibility and patience are key—but the reward is immeasurable. “Seeing the revival of architectural art that was once forgotten or has since been damaged is exhilarating! When that’s your approach, then the end results are worth it.” 

Photos by Jessica Alexander Photography.

Before she’d founded Shanna Shryne Design, Shryne recalls one unforgettable space that first sparked her passion for historic restoration: a Long Island mansion that she toured in the midst of a painstaking revival. “Walking through the space, I was struck by the level of craftsmanship that had stood the test of time,” the designer recalls. “The 20-foot-high ceilings in the parlor were lined with intricate mouldings. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the room with natural light, highlighting the deep, rich color of the walls—surprisingly well-preserved after more than a century.”

Now Shryne honors the past by enhancing historic spaces for modern living, starting with those architectural details—moulding, original flooring, and antique fixtures—that captivated her on Long Island years ago. “I incorporate high-end finishes, custom furnishings, and state-of-the-art technology in a way that complements rather than competes. Thoughtful material selection, like marble, brass, and fine woods, ensures a timeless feel. The goal is a seamless blend where the home’s history shines, yet it feels refined, comfortable, and suited for today’s lifestyle.” 

Photos by Lauren Taylor Creative.

Architectural records, old photographs, and original blueprints always guide her way, especially in a recent restoration of a 1920s Spanish Revival home. The original hand-painted tilework around the fireplace was largely damaged, and Shryne took the time to unearth archival photos that helped her, and a local artisan, recreate the original design using traditional glazing techniques. 

“It’s a team effort to dream up beautiful designs and execute them as well,” she says. “My Account Executive, Olympia Lopez, is always readily available to send us samples we need, and they arrive quickly.” The designer sees color selection as an invaluable part of restoration, where something like rich and moody original woodwork can inspire wall, trim, and accent colors that complement those details while keeping the entire look feeling fresh. “It’s about creating a dialogue between the past and the present,” she tells clients, “where history is celebrated but the space still feels like yours, tailored to your needs and lifestyle.”

Some residences aren’t just a home—they’re a piece of history. And it was the distinct privilege of Onna Mack at Cozy Development to revitalize a Charleston gem from 1854 that once served as a military recruiting office during one of the most pivotal times in America. The home was first restored in the late 19th century and again more recently, earning two prestigious Carolopolis Awards from the Preservation Society of Charleston—in 1992 and 2023—for excellence in historic preservation. 

With an expansive floor plan of over 4,000 square feet, six bedrooms, and six and a half bathrooms, its design reflects the classic Charleston single-house style, characterized by a narrow facade with a gable end facing the street, a side piazza, and a central entrance, all of which were meticulously maintained while the home was updated for contemporary functionality. 

“The goal was to honor the home’s historic integrity while enhancing its livability with timeless yet fresh design choices,” Mack says. “We leaned into a warm, neutral palette that complements Charleston’s natural light, brings out the rich architectural details, and feels both sophisticated and inviting, creating a space that respects the past while embracing modern comfort.” With this focus in mind, Mack chose heritage-inspired tones like Basil SW 6194 (214-C6) for the kitchen cabinetry, Forever Green SW 9653 and Leaflet SW 9674 (both Designer Color Collection) in the dining room, and bedroom blues of Stargazer SW 9635 and Morning at Sea SW 9634 (both Designer Color Collection).

The term “adaptive reuse” is often associated with commercial environments, but when it comes to preserving a historic residence, repurposing and adapting existing architecture is always a key consideration. For a family home in Naples, Florida, full-service luxury interior design firm Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs was tasked with not only upholding the building’s past but also the loving legacy passed down to her clients by previous generations. 

Kahn was able to seamlessly incorporate numerous family heirlooms throughout the home’s deeply personal design, including an heirloom china collection beautifully showcased with a custom-built display wall and parts of a late grandfather’s beloved boat, the bar of which was repurposed as a focal point for entertaining in the outdoor living area, and the decking would go on to be transformed into a bespoke headboard in a guest room.

“The use of Sherwin-Williams paint played a crucial role in achieving balance, softening transitions between old and new, bringing warmth to treasured heirlooms, and reinforcing the home’s connection to its waterfront setting,” says Kahn, who favored the classic contrast of Crisp Linen SW 6378 (264-C3) and White Flour SW 7102 (267-C2) throughout and turned to Mountain Air SW 6224 (273-C1) to evoke the tranquility of the sea. “Every Sherwin-Williams color was chosen to highlight the heirlooms and preserve the home’s history while ensuring a cohesive, livable space. This project is a true celebration of how design can honor the past while crafting a beautiful, functional space for generations to come.”

Photos by Brie Williams.

Whether embracing the past or crafting something new, order complimentary large-sized samples of any of our timeless favorites—and explore all our available color resources—with your PRO+ account.

Top image: Photo by Jessica Alexander Photography.