9 Maryland Row House Updates That Keep The Old Bones
Maryland’s historic row houses tell stories of our past with their charming details and sturdy craftsmanship. Many homeowners want modern comforts without losing the character that makes these homes special.
Updating while preserving history creates the perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary living in these beloved Baltimore and Annapolis treasures.
1. Restored Original Hardwood Floors
Nothing says ‘classic row house’ like those creaky, character-filled hardwood floors. Instead of ripping them out, skilled refinishers can sand away decades of wear while preserving those beautiful imperfections that tell your home’s story.
Modern sealants protect the wood while letting its natural patina shine through. The result? Floors that honor the past but stand up to today’s family traffic.
2. Exposed Brick Accent Walls
Hidden behind layers of plaster and paint, original brick walls wait to become the showstopper in your row house. Carefully removing covering materials reveals these textured treasures that instantly add warmth and historical character.
Professional repointing ensures the mortar stays intact while gentle cleaning preserves the natural color variations. These walls literally showcase the building blocks of your home’s history!
3. Updated Kitchen With Period Details
The heart of any row house can blend modern function with historical nods. Subway tile backsplashes and butcher block countertops honor traditional styles while stainless appliances bring contemporary convenience.
Salvaged hardware on cabinets adds authenticity. Even better? Repurposing original built-ins as pantry space or display areas preserves architectural details while creating storage that old-time kitchens often lacked.
4. Restored Transom Windows
Those decorative glass panels above doorways aren’t just pretty faces! Transoms originally provided ventilation and light in row houses before air conditioning existed. Restoring these functional art pieces maintains architectural integrity while improving natural light flow.
Modern weatherstripping helps them function better than ever. Some homeowners even install hidden mechanisms allowing these windows to open again, combining historical accuracy with practical airflow.
5. Claw-Foot Tub Bathroom Renovations
Cast iron tubs weigh a ton for good reason-they’re built to last centuries! Refinishing an original claw-foot creates a luxurious focal point while honoring bathroom history. Modern plumbing fixtures can be added without compromising vintage appeal.
White subway tile and hexagon floor tiles complement these tubs perfectly. The best part? These deep soakers provide better baths than many modern alternatives, proving sometimes the old ways really were better!
6. Pocket Door Restorations
Many row houses hide a space-saving secret inside their walls-pocket doors! These sliding beauties often get stuck or painted shut over decades. Professional restoration can bring them gliding back to life, saving precious square footage in narrow Baltimore homes.
Original hardware polished to its former glory adds authentic charm. Revealing these hidden gems creates architectural interest while solving space problems in a historically accurate way.
7. Fireplace Mantel Preservation
Those gorgeous carved mantels serve as the crown jewels in many Maryland row houses. Even non-working fireplaces deserve preservation for their architectural significance and natural focal-point status in living spaces.
Gentle cleaning removes layers of paint to reveal intricate details. Adding gas inserts or electric units behind original surrounds combines historical aesthetics with modern heating efficiency-the perfect marriage of form and function!
8. Staircase Renewal
Grand staircases with swooping handrails make dramatic statements in narrow row houses. Stripping away paint layers often reveals gorgeous wood species that modern budgets rarely afford. Those worn spots? They’re not flaws-they’re physical evidence of generations who climbed those same steps!
Keeping original balusters while reinforcing structural elements creates safe, stunning staircases. The gentle creaks underfoot? Free sound effects that connect you to your home’s rich past!
9. Period-Appropriate Lighting Fixtures
Swapping builder-grade fixtures for period-inspired lighting transforms row house interiors instantly. Reproduction gas lamps, schoolhouse pendants, or restored antique chandeliers provide both illumination and historical accuracy.
Modern wiring hidden inside vintage fixtures ensures safety while maintaining charm. Many homeowners install dimmer switches for energy efficiency and mood control. The right lighting creates authentic ambiance while meeting contemporary needs-no candles required!
