How Property Brothers' Drew Scott Keeps Character While Adding Function To A Home

There's nothing quite like a home with character. Whether from vintage finds, heirloom pieces, or original craftsman details, homes with history tell a story and imbue a living space with detail and personality that's hard to replicate. But, if you're wondering how to keep a home's historied character while maintaining a functional, livable abode that doesn't impede your ease of daily living, you might want to follow HGTV's Drew Scott's expert advice. One-half of the dynamic "Property Brothers" duo, Drew Scott, is no stranger to crafting homes people love. For Scott, it's all about keeping, restoring, and adding features with the charm that mesh with the home's overall aesthetic. 

For this Property Brother, this means knowing what modern amenities homeowners and buyers prioritize, like stone kitchen countertops and oversized master baths. Including these in the home, along with historied elements like flooring and furniture that are rustic, clean, functional, and in good shape, is the best way to merge character and function. Whether you're looking to add more character to your modern home or renovating a historic home is on the horizon, deciding what character-filled elements to include and where you should go modern doesn't have to be a hassle. Below we'll break down Drew Scott's advice and share what to keep, what to remove, and what to add to create that perfect blend of character and function in any home.

According to Drew Scott, there are a few home features that are the perfect blend of character and function to add aesthetic appeal and personality without detracting from a home's livability. To illustrate this point, Scott took a tour of an updated historic home on YouTube and pointed out his favorite features. Original wood floors are on the list of elements to include for character. Sometimes homeowners will need to find ways to bring old hardwood floors back to life, but in Scott's opinion, it's worth the effort for the rustic charm. An old brick fireplace and original pocket doors to a living room or den are also on Scott's list.

"I love seeing a house like this where they kept the right kind of charm. And, then, they updated it to give it more function," Scott shared.  "This is the kind of house any buyer would love to have." In a bathroom where space allows, a freestanding clawfoot tub and mosaic tiles are good options for adding historic character. Scott's caveat is that everything old needs to be in good shape and working well so you don't sacrifice function or make the home look outdated. Finally, if your home doesn't include any storied pieces, Scott notes that you can add a few curated older items like reclaimed wood shelving, a vintage vanity, and vintage decor.

Balance is key when it comes to working character into a home. If you're doing things the "Property Brothers" way, you'll want to stick to Drew Scott's advice and update certain home elements so your home feels fresh and functional. Look for things in your kitchen that make it feel outdated and remove, replace, or upgrade them. Scott recommends sleek quartz counters and newer, taller kitchen cabinets. Updated fixtures like faucets and sinks are also worthwhile. The same goes for other rooms in your home. Balancing charming features with modern flair is the key, so don't be afraid to update things like lighting and furniture and choose more contemporary options.

Drew Scott is also a fan of repainting walls and doors to change or enhance the home's aesthetic and bring in more modern tones like dark grey. It's all about knowing which modern amenities homeowners and buyers want in a home for style, longevity, and ease of daily living. For example, while a tiny master bathroom may be historic, it can be more hassle than charming. Modifying the layout of an older home to make bathrooms bigger and adding modern elements like a large double vanity won't detract from character, but it will improve function. Whether you lean towards old or new, create a timeless home with balance and harmony.