How to Reimagine a Historic Macon Home

Modern Design Ideas That Honor Classic Architecture

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Are you house hunting in Macon? Designer Lesley Myrick Shows Us How to Reimagine a Historic Macon Home – Modern Design Ideas That Honor Classic Architecture. You’ve definitely seen them – those big, beautiful traditional homes full of character…and carpet. Or wallpaper. Or a kitchen that hasn’t been touched since 1974. They’re the homes with great bones and endless potential, but let’s be honest – they can feel overwhelming at first glance. And yet, these are the kinds of houses that, with the right design vision, become the best kind of forever home: one that feels timeless, personal, and full of soul.

So if you’re house shopping and struggling to look past the dated details, I’ve got you. Here’s how to see what’s possible – and how to modernize a historic Macon home while honoring all the things that make it special.

Why Older Homes Are Worth Considering

First, let’s talk about what makes these homes so appealing, even if they don’t scream “move-in ready.”

You’re getting:

• Real hardwood floors (even if they’re hiding under old carpet)
• Soaring ceilings and gorgeous molding
• Bigger lots and more space to work with
• Architecture with actual personality (not builder-grade beige everything)

These homes were built to last – and with thoughtful updates, they can feel incredibly fresh and livable while keeping their original charm intact.

Don’t Let the Details Distract You

When you walk into a house and see floral wallpaper, heavy drapes, and a closed-off floor plan, it’s easy to walk right back out and head for those shiny new cookie-cutter homes that won’t require gallons of paint stripper. But try to look past what’s there and focus on what could be.

Here’s how to reframe it:

• That dark, formal dining room? Picture it with fresh paint, lighter furniture, and a bold chandelier.
• That dated kitchen? Imagine keeping the footprint but replacing finishes and lighting for a huge impact.
• That oppressive brown paneling? A good coat of paint can do wonders – and still let the woodwork shine.

Most of what makes these homes feel “off” is cosmetic – and totally fixable.

Let Me Show You What I Mean…

To help you visualize this, I’ve taken photos from some of JoJo’s current listings and created conceptual “after” images to show what’s possible with smart, modern updates.

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Living Room Before

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Living Room After

Living Room After:  We kept the layout but brightened the palette with creamy white walls, bold teal upholstery, and clean-lined furniture. The room now feels fresh, collected, and full of personality – while letting the architecture shine.

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Bedroom Before

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Bedroom After

Bedroom After: We embraced bold navy walls, streamlined the furnishings, and layered in textures and color for a modern, personality-driven retreat that still honors the home’s traditional architecture. This isn’t about gut renovations—it’s about smart changes that work with the home, not against it.

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Old Meets New: That’s Where the Magic Happens

The homes that stand the test of time are the ones where thoughtful updates meet classic character. You don’t have to strip everything down to the studs. In fact, keeping those original hardwoods, plaster walls, and millwork is what makes your home feel layered, curated, and a little more “you.”

When your home is rooted in your personality, your lifestyle, and what makes you feel most at ease, it naturally stands the test of time.

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve been skipping over older listings because the photos feel dated or overwhelming, I hope this gives you permission to take a second look. With the right updates, these homes can become the most beautiful, personality-filled spaces on the block.

Ready to find a home with great bones and incredible potential? JoJo can help you find it – and I can help you make it yours.

See Also: Macon Seller’s Guide to Avoiding Costly Renovation Regrets, by Lesley Myrick

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Featured Historic Home For Sale

Voland Manor For Sale: 195 College St, Macon, GA

Listing ID: 180579 | Price: $1,625,000 | Bedrooms: 3 | Full Baths: 3 | Acres: 0.5 | SqFt: 4,501