Probate and estate administration can be an emotionally and practically challenging process, especially when a property is involved. After the legal formalities are handled by experienced legal professionals, you’re often left with the question: what now?
Whether you plan to move in, rent it out, or sell it, refreshing an inherited home can help turn a once-emotional space into a new beginning.
In this guide, we’ll explore five practical and creative ways to redesign the interiors of an inherited property, and of course, without erasing its history or breaking the bank.
1. Declutter with Sensitivity and Purpose
Before any redesign work begins, start with decluttering. Inherited homes often come filled with memories, but also items that no longer serve a purpose. The key is to strike a balance, respecting the past while making space for the future.
Begin with non-sentimental items like expired products, broken furniture, or outdated electronics. Then move to personal belongings, involving family members when necessary. Keep a few meaningful pieces, and consider donating others to charity or local community groups.
For guidance on managing a deceased person’s belongings, the Citizens Advice probate checklist provides useful steps.
Decluttering is also a safety step, particularly in older homes where storage may be cramped or furniture arrangements limit accessibility.
2. Work with the Original Character of the Home
Many inherited homes come with beautiful, traditional features—ornate fireplaces, original woodwork, stained glass windows—that might just need a little TLC to shine again.
Rather than replacing these elements, consider highlighting them within your new design scheme. Restoring hardwood floors, updating lighting to accentuate architectural details, or repainting with a heritage palette can honour the home’s past while giving it a fresh feel.
I’m a huge advocate for paying homage to the period of the property, and it will save costs too!
3. Update the Layout for Modern Living
Older homes weren’t always built for modern lifestyles. Boxy rooms, limited plug sockets, or outdated kitchens can make day-to-day life difficult. Luckily, redesigning doesn’t always require a full renovation.
Start by looking at how the space functions:
- Could knocking through a wall create a brighter, open-plan kitchen?
- Is there scope to add a downstairs loo or utility space?
- Would a loft conversion add meaningful value for future resale?
Open shelving, clever storage solutions, and multi-functional furniture can work wonders in making inherited homes more practical.
4. Let Colour and Texture Tell a New Story
Once the structural considerations are addressed, bring life back into the home with a thoughtful colour scheme. Light neutrals can make small rooms feel larger, while deeper tones add warmth and character. A new lick of paint can literally transform a room. If you’re tackling a dark space, lean into paints with a red, yellow or pink undertone as they’ll help to counteract any darkness associated with blue light that they receive.
Consider using fabrics, wallpapers, and accessories to blend old and new. A vintage armchair reupholstered in contemporary fabric, or modern artwork above a traditional dresser, creates a harmonious mix.
Soft furnishings are easy to update and can dramatically shift a room’s tone. Think curtains, rugs, throws, and cushions in complementary tones to tie the look together.
Remember: redesigning doesn’t mean forgetting. You might incorporate family photos in new frames, or repurpose heirlooms in inventive ways.
5. Make Sustainability a Priority
Refreshing a home is also a chance to improve its environmental footprint. Inherited homes may have outdated heating systems, draughty windows, or poor insulation.
Energy-efficient upgrades not only reduce bills but increase the property’s resale value. Consider:
- Installing a smart thermostat
- Replacing old boilers or radiators
- Fitting double or triple-glazed windows
- Switching to LED lighting throughout
You can also opt for eco-friendly paints, reclaimed wood furniture, or sustainable flooring.
Extra Tips: Working Through Emotional Attachment
Designing an inherited home isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about memories. Take your time. It’s okay to feel unsure or conflicted. Some people find it helpful to photograph rooms before changes are made as a record of how things were.
Others create scrapbooks or memory boxes with small keepsakes. Remember, updating the home doesn’t erase the past—it creates space for new memories.
Professional support can help if you’re finding it hard to move forward. Local grief counselling services, or charities like Cruse Bereavement Support, offer resources for people going through probate-related transitions.
For more information on inheriting a house, you may find this resource useful.
Turning a Legacy into a Fresh Start
Redesigning an inherited home is a chance to honour your loved one’s legacy while creating a space that works for you or future occupants. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a full refurbishment, thoughtful changes can help you feel connected to the past while looking forward with confidence.
And if the property is part of a complex estate, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from professionals in probate and estate administration. Their advice can clarify legal obligations, resolve family queries, and free you up to focus on making the home your own.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For tailored support with probate, estate management, or property inheritance, consult a qualified solicitor or probate specialist.
