At Shannon Staley and Sons, we’ve remodeled homes all over the Greater Pittsburgh area, and one thing we truly love is how much character these older homes have. Whether you’re in a Victorian in Highland Park or a solid mid-century home in Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh homes were built with unique charm and craftsmanship that you just don’t find in new construction.
So when it’s time for a renovation, we always encourage homeowners to look closely at what should be preserved. Some features, even if they seem outdated or worn, can be brought back to life and integrated beautifully into a modern design. They help keep the story of your home alive while still giving you the updates you need.
Here are 15 features we recommend keeping when remodeling your Pittsburgh home.
Original Tilework (Especially in Bathrooms and Entryways)
In older Pittsburgh homes, you’ll often find stunning mosaic or geometric tile floors in entryways and bathrooms. These tiles are tough, full of character, and usually handcrafted. If they’re still in good shape or just need a bit of repair, we love finding ways to preserve them. Keeping these tiles can give your updated space a true “wow” factor.
Ornate Trim and Millwork
You just can’t beat the thick baseboards, decorative crown molding, and beautifully framed windows and doors that come standard in many older homes. Instead of replacing them with modern, thinner trim, we often recommend restoring what’s already there. A fresh coat of paint or stain can make these original details pop while keeping the home’s classic feel intact.
Steel Kitchen Cabinets
If your home has steel cabinets from the 1940s or 50s, you might be sitting on a design gem. These cabinets are incredibly sturdy and have a cool retro look that can be freshened up with new paint and updated hardware. They pair surprisingly well with modern appliances and countertops, giving your kitchen a fun, functional style that’s totally unique.
Coal Shoots and Coal Room Doors
Many Pittsburgh homes have old coal chutes that were used back when homes were heated with coal. While the chute itself may no longer be functional, it can still be a great conversation piece. Coal rooms can often be converted into wine cellars, pantries, or creative storage spaces, while keeping the original chute door as a nod to the home’s past.
Fireplaces
There’s something timeless about a fireplace, whether it’s surrounded by brick, stone, or tile. Even if it’s no longer being used to heat the room, a fireplace can still serve as a visual focal point. We’ve helped many homeowners update old fireplaces with gas inserts or even just clean them up and decorate them with candles or art. They bring warmth and personality to any living space.
Built-In Bookshelves and Cabinetry
Built-ins are one of the most useful features of an older home. Whether they’re next to the fireplace, under a staircase, or built into a hallway, they offer both storage and character. During a remodel, we often refresh these built-ins with new paint or lighting and sometimes reconfigure them to better suit the space, while keeping their original charm.
Stained Glass Windows
Older homes in Pittsburgh often feature stained glass windows in entryways, staircases, or even bathrooms. These colorful, handcrafted pieces add something truly special to a space. If the surrounding frame needs repair, we can carefully remove and reinstall the glass in the same spot or relocate it somewhere else in the home where it can be better appreciated.
Pocket and French Doors
Many older homes have solid wood pocket or French doors that may have been painted over, stuck shut, or covered by drywall. If you find them, don’t throw them out. These doors are high quality and beautiful, and they can be restored and put back into use. They’re great for creating flexible spaces that can open up or close off depending on your needs.
Cast-Iron Radiators
These heavy-duty radiators were built to last and can still be functional today. With a bit of sanding and a fresh coat of paint, they can actually become a highlight in the room. We’ve seen people choose bold colors or matte finishes that turn radiators into a feature, not something to hide.
Original Hardwood Flooring
One of our favorite moments during a remodel is pulling back old carpet and finding original hardwood underneath. These floors, often made from oak, maple, or pine, can be refinished to look brand new. They add warmth and character that is nearly impossible to replicate with new flooring.
Staircases and Newel Posts
A well-built staircase can set the tone for your whole home. Many Pittsburgh homes feature stairways with carved newel posts and detailed railings that are just too beautiful to remove. Instead of replacing them, we work with homeowners to refinish or repair these elements and incorporate them into a fresh design that honors the original craftsmanship.
Transom Windows
Transom windows, those small windows above doors, were originally designed to let air and light move between rooms. Even if you don’t need them for ventilation anymore, they still offer a lovely design detail. We often clean them up, repaint the frames, and even add simple hardware to make them functional again.
Exposed Brick or Stone Walls
Pittsburgh homes often hide beautiful masonry behind plaster or drywall. If you’re lucky enough to have a brick or stone wall in your home, exposing it can give your space a rich, textured backdrop. We’ve seen exposed brick work well in kitchens, living rooms, and even bathrooms, especially when paired with more modern finishes.
Reclaimed Architectural Elements (Architectural Seconds)
There are a number of great salvage shops in Pittsburgh where you can find one-of-a-kind items like old doors, mantels, corbels, and more. We love finding ways to reuse these in home remodels. It might be turning an antique door into a sliding pantry entrance or using a salvaged beam as a fireplace mantle. These pieces add real depth and a story to your home.
Decorative Ceilings (Tin, Coffered, or Plaster Medallions)
Don’t forget to look up. Many older homes have amazing ceiling details that are often covered or overlooked. Tin ceilings, coffered beams, and plaster medallions around light fixtures are worth preserving. We can clean them up and work them into a modern lighting plan that respects the history of the space while giving it a fresh look.
Bringing It All Together
At Shannon Staley and Sons, we believe your remodel should reflect both where your home has been and where it’s going. By keeping these kinds of original features and combining them with the right modern updates, we can help you create a space that feels warm, personal, and one of a kind.
If you’re thinking about remodeling your older home in Pittsburgh, we’d love to help you figure out what to keep and how to bring it all together. Reach out to us anytime to get started!