I get where you’re coming from. We’re looking at options for our 1920s place and honestly, the idea of adding a whole second floor feels like overkill. A bump-out seems less risky, especially with old foundations. Plus, you don’t lose the character. Sometimes you just need a bit more elbow room, not a whole extra level.
Yeah, I hear you. We did a small bump-out on our 1930s place last year—way less hassle than messing with the whole structure. Didn’t have to touch the roofline much, and the original trim stayed put. Foundation work was still a pain, but nothing compared to adding a second story. If you just need a bit more space, seems like the safer bet.
Totally get where you're coming from—bump-outs are way less intrusive, and you can keep that vintage character. But I’ve always wondered, did you find the new space actually felt integrated, or does it have that “add-on” vibe? I’ve seen some where the flow just isn’t quite right. Curious if you did anything special to blend old with new, or if it just worked out.
Honestly, the “add-on” vibe is real if you’re not careful. I’ve seen bump-outs that scream “I’m new here!”—usually when the floors don’t match or there’s a weird step up. When I did mine, I matched the trim and carried over some of the original molding. That helped a ton. Lighting matters too... nothing like a random can light to ruin the vintage mood. Sometimes you need to get creative with paint or even fake an old door frame just to tie it all together.
Matching the trim and molding is such a game changer—totally agree there. I always wonder why people skip that step and just slap on whatever’s at the hardware store. Did you run into any weird transitions with ceiling height or window placement? That’s where I see a lot of “add-on” giveaways. And yeah, lighting... nothing kills the vibe faster than a random LED panel in a room full of antique fixtures. Ever try sourcing vintage switches? It’s a rabbit hole, but worth it for the details.
