When we started renovating an old kitchen – our own in this case, I knew what we were in for — or at least I thought I did. I’ve worked on enough older homes to know that the charm comes with quirks. Still, there’s something about your own project that tests every bit of patience and planning you thought you had.
Our home is a century+ old, and while I wanted to honour its age — think burgundy cabinetry, warm woods, and classic William Morris wallpaper — I also wanted it to function for modern life. Like most older kitchens, once we opened things up, a few surprises came to light.
Here are some of the most common (and memorable) challenges I’ve seen in old kitchens — including a few from my own — and how to handle them before they handle you.
1. Outdated Electrical (and Plumbing That Tells Tales)
Behind the plaster, old wiring can be a tangled time capsule of every decade’s “quick fix.” Once walls come down, you often find electrical that’s decades past safe or functional. The solution here is simple: hire a professional. Even if you’re not working through a designer or architect, bring in a licensed contractor. It’s one place you never want to cut corners.
And plumbing? Let’s just say I’ve seen enough leaks, stains, and mould to last a lifetime (eww). Older homes are notorious for it. Replace what you can while things are open — it’s money well spent to avoid much bigger problems later.
2. Floors and Walls That Have a Mind of Their Own
Here’s the reality: unless you’re building new, your walls won’t be plumb and your floors won’t be level. It’s part of the charm — and the challenge.
Be prepared to invest in getting it right. Shimming, adjusting, custom trims — it’s all part of working with an older home. Skip it, and you’ll notice it every time a marble rolls off the counter or the cabinets don’t align quite right. And you don’t want to live inside a Designer’s head at night, if something is NOT in alignment! haha
Good trades make all the difference here; experience really matters when you’re working with imperfect bones. (And not to sound too preachy, but try to find contractors who specialize in older homes. You will be sooo happy you did!)
3. What’s Behind the Walls, Floors and Ceilings… (and Why You Need Wiggle Room in the Budget)
Once demo begins, you never really know what you’ll find — water damage, mould, hidden vents, surprise ductwork, or mysterious “repairs” from a previous owner. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real life in older homes.
The best thing you can do is plan for the unknown. I recommend setting aside around 20% of your budget for the unexpected — because it’s not a matter of if something comes up, it’s what and when. Think of it as your sanity fund: it keeps things moving forward without panic when the surprises inevitably appear.
4. Layout Limitations (and Creative Workarounds)
Many older kitchens were designed for a single cook, (ours 😣), and they often feel disconnected from the rest of the home. Opening walls or shifting plumbing can snowball into major costs — but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work.
This is where creative design thinking comes in. We moved a set of stairs to increase the floor space! Prioritize how you use the space first — how you cook, entertain, and move through it — then bring in a designer to make sure the layout flows with the rest of your home. Sometimes small shifts in lighting, (larger windows), storage, or counter placement make all the difference.
5. Preserving Character Over Following Trends
At the end of the day, the best part of renovating an old kitchen is keeping its spirit alive. For ours, that meant choosing finishes that feel timeless rather than trendy — pieces that will age gracefully, and are tied back to some of the home’s original features. Our cabinets intentionally match the tile surround in the living room.
Character always wins over trends. Especially in the kitchen, where we spend the most time (and money), investing in classic materials and craftsmanship ensures it still feels right ten, twenty years from now.
In the End
Renovating an older kitchen is part archaeology, part artistry, and part endurance. You’ll find things you didn’t plan for and make decisions you didn’t expect — but if you approach it with patience and the right team, it’s incredibly rewarding.
My own kitchen reminded me (again) that old homes don’t give up their secrets easily, but they’re always worth the effort. With thoughtful design and a sense of humour, those surprises become part of what makes your home uniquely yours.
And if you ever find yourself standing in a century-old kitchen holding a piece of mystery pipe, wondering what on earth this used to connect to — take a breath. You’re in good company.
P.S. For electrical or plumbing upgrades, it’s always best to hire a licensed professional-you can find guidelines on Technical Safety B.C.
About the Author
Melissa Hardwick is a Vancouver-based interior designer and founder of Melissa Hardwick Design, a studio known for its modern traditional approach — where timeless design meets thoughtful detail. Her work and insights have been featured in U.K. Homes & Gardens, and she shares a passion for creating homes that balance beauty, comfort, and longevity.
