{"id":784,"date":"2026-09-24T12:11:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T10:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tramuntanaprojects.com\/sin-categorizar\/modernise-old-house-facade\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T15:28:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T13:28:54","slug":"modernise-old-house-facade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tramuntanaprojects.com\/en\/renovation-process\/modernise-old-house-facade\/","title":{"rendered":"Modernising the fa\u00e7ade of an old house without losing its character"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"fa-editorial\">\n<p class=\"fa-byline\">By the <a href=\"https:\/\/tramuntanaprojects.com\/en\/about-us\/\">Tramuntana Projects team<\/a> \u00b7 Technical architects and site managers in Mallorca.<\/p>\n<p class=\"fa-answer\"><strong>Modernising the fa\u00e7ade of an old house doesn\u2019t mean erasing what makes it special.<\/strong> First, distinguish what needs repairing from what you want to change visually. Then work on colour, windows and doors, and details together, respecting the house\u2019s proportions.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes the change lies in restoring some shutters and tidying visible services. Other times, it\u2019s worth reviewing the render or studying an insulation upgrade. The difference lies in looking at the whole fa\u00e7ade, not in choosing a fashionable material to cover it.<\/p>\n<nav class=\"fa-index\" aria-label=\"In this guide\"><a href=\"#fa-imagen\">Two ways to renew it<\/a><a href=\"#fa-decidir\">What to keep and what to change<\/a><a href=\"#fa-comprobar\">Before choosing materials<\/a><\/nav>\n\n<h2 id=\"fa-imagen\">The same house, two ways to update it<\/h2>\n<p>These drawings keep the volume, roof and openings. Only the visual treatment changes. This lets you compare specific decisions without confusing an attractive image with work that\u2019s already defined.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fa-comparison\">\n<figure>\n<svg viewBox=\"0 0 400 345\" role=\"img\" aria-labelledby=\"fa-conservar-title fa-conservar-desc\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<title id=\"fa-conservar-title\">Warm proposal that keeps the traditional reading<\/title><desc id=\"fa-conservar-desc\">Two-storey house with a pitched roof, three upper windows and a central door. Sand-coloured render, green shutters and an entrance with a stone surround.<\/desc>\n<rect width=\"400\" height=\"345\" fill=\"#eeeae2\"\/><path d=\"M20 304H380\" stroke=\"#7b7c70\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n<path d=\"M49 109H351V304H49Z\" fill=\"#d7c7ad\" stroke=\"#555649\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/><path d=\"M40 109L66 75H335L361 109Z\" fill=\"#a37c63\" stroke=\"#555649\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n<path d=\"M63 98H338M70 86H331\" stroke=\"#d1b395\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/><rect x=\"277\" y=\"49\" width=\"23\" height=\"31\" fill=\"#d7c7ad\" stroke=\"#555649\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n<path d=\"M47 113H353M50 212H351\" stroke=\"#baaa91\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/><path d=\"M52 298H349\" stroke=\"#c1ad8e\" stroke-width=\"10\"\/>\n<g fill=\"#686e56\" stroke=\"#494f40\" stroke-width=\"2\"><rect x=\"74\" y=\"139\" width=\"56\" height=\"52\"\/><rect x=\"172\" y=\"139\" width=\"56\" height=\"52\"\/><rect x=\"270\" y=\"139\" width=\"56\" height=\"52\"\/><rect x=\"75\" y=\"238\" width=\"55\" height=\"46\"\/><rect x=\"270\" y=\"238\" width=\"55\" height=\"46\"\/><\/g>\n<g stroke=\"#a2a48b\" stroke-width=\"1.2\"><path d=\"M101 141V190M76 151H128M76 163H128M76 175H128M199 141V190M174 151H226M174 163H226M174 175H226M297 141V190M272 151H324M272 163H324M272 175H324M101 239V283M77 250H128M77 263H128M297 239V283M272 250H323M272 263H323\"\/><\/g>\n<path d=\"M163 304V250Q163 220 200 220Q237 220 237 250V304\" fill=\"#b29d7e\"\/><path d=\"M174 304V250Q174 230 200 230Q226 230 226 250V304\" fill=\"#6d6755\" stroke=\"#555649\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/><path d=\"M200 233V304\" stroke=\"#b0a68c\"\/>\n<g fill=\"#fff\" stroke=\"#405b60\" stroke-width=\"2\"><circle cx=\"141\" cy=\"130\" r=\"13\"\/><circle cx=\"325\" cy=\"231\" r=\"13\"\/><circle cx=\"241\" cy=\"294\" r=\"13\"\/><\/g><g fill=\"#263d42\" font-family=\"sans-serif\" font-size=\"14\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-weight=\"700\"><text x=\"141\" y=\"135\">1<\/text><text x=\"325\" y=\"236\">2<\/text><text x=\"241\" y=\"299\">3<\/text><\/g>\n<\/svg>\n<figcaption><span class=\"fa-label\">OPTION A<\/span><strong>Restore the character<\/strong>A warm palette and subdued joinery keep a reading close to the traditional house.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<figure>\n<svg viewBox=\"0 0 400 345\" role=\"img\" aria-labelledby=\"fa-renovar-title fa-renovar-desc\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<title id=\"fa-renovar-title\">Lighter proposal with the same openings and proportions<\/title><desc id=\"fa-renovar-desc\">The same two-storey house, with light render, grey-green shutters and the entrance kept. The geometry doesn\u2019t change.<\/desc>\n<rect width=\"400\" height=\"345\" fill=\"#eeeae2\"\/><path d=\"M20 304H380\" stroke=\"#7b7c70\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n<path d=\"M49 109H351V304H49Z\" fill=\"#f6f3ea\" stroke=\"#555649\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/><path d=\"M40 109L66 75H335L361 109Z\" fill=\"#a37c63\" stroke=\"#555649\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n<path d=\"M63 98H338M70 86H331\" stroke=\"#d1b395\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/><rect x=\"277\" y=\"49\" width=\"23\" height=\"31\" fill=\"#f6f3ea\" stroke=\"#555649\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n<path d=\"M47 113H353M50 212H351\" stroke=\"#dbd7cd\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/><path d=\"M52 298H349\" stroke=\"#d4cdbd\" stroke-width=\"10\"\/>\n<g fill=\"#87968a\" stroke=\"#53675c\" stroke-width=\"2\"><rect x=\"74\" y=\"139\" width=\"56\" height=\"52\"\/><rect x=\"172\" y=\"139\" width=\"56\" height=\"52\"\/><rect x=\"270\" y=\"139\" width=\"56\" height=\"52\"\/><rect x=\"75\" y=\"238\" width=\"55\" height=\"46\"\/><rect x=\"270\" y=\"238\" width=\"55\" height=\"46\"\/><\/g>\n<g stroke=\"#c4cbbb\" stroke-width=\"1.2\"><path d=\"M101 141V190M76 151H128M76 163H128M76 175H128M199 141V190M174 151H226M174 163H226M174 175H226M297 141V190M272 151H324M272 163H324M272 175H324M101 239V283M77 250H128M77 263H128M297 239V283M272 250H323M272 263H323\"\/><\/g>\n<path d=\"M163 304V250Q163 220 200 220Q237 220 237 250V304\" fill=\"#b29d7e\"\/><path d=\"M174 304V250Q174 230 200 230Q226 230 226 250V304\" fill=\"#6d6755\" stroke=\"#555649\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/><path d=\"M200 233V304\" stroke=\"#b0a68c\"\/>\n<g fill=\"#fff\" stroke=\"#405b60\" stroke-width=\"2\"><circle cx=\"141\" cy=\"130\" r=\"13\"\/><circle cx=\"325\" cy=\"231\" r=\"13\"\/><circle cx=\"241\" cy=\"294\" r=\"13\"\/><\/g><g fill=\"#263d42\" font-family=\"sans-serif\" font-size=\"14\" text-anchor=\"middle\" font-weight=\"700\"><text x=\"141\" y=\"135\">1<\/text><text x=\"325\" y=\"236\">2<\/text><text x=\"241\" y=\"299\">3<\/text><\/g>\n<\/svg>\n<figcaption><span class=\"fa-label\">OPTION B<\/span><strong>Lighten the look<\/strong>A lighter background changes perception without altering openings, roof or the entrance surround.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"fa-legend\"><li><strong>Proportions.<\/strong> The openings keep their rhythm.<\/li><li><strong>Joinery.<\/strong> A single approach unites every piece.<\/li><li><strong>Materials.<\/strong> The entrance keeps its presence.<\/li><\/ol>\n<p class=\"fa-caption\">Illustrative proposals, not a completed before-and-after or a finish specification. The choice depends on the substrate, the surroundings and the conditions of the house.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"fa-decidir\">What to keep and what to change<\/h2>\n<div class=\"fa-decisions\">\n<section><h3>Keep what gives identity<\/h3><p>Before replacing stone, mouldings, shutters or a door, assess their condition and relationship with the whole. Not everything old deserves keeping, but not everything new improves the fa\u00e7ade either. A restored detail can contribute more than adding several finishes.<\/p><\/section>\n<section><h3>Reduce visual noise<\/h3><p>Cables, units, downpipes, grilles and light fittings compete with the architecture when each follows a different approach. Study how to organise, integrate or refinish them without blocking maintenance, ventilation or drainage. It isn\u2019t about hiding them at any cost.<\/p><\/section>\n<section><h3>Choose a family of finishes<\/h3><p>Think of background, joinery and details as one composition. If the stone or roof already has strong presence, it doesn\u2019t need to compete with another feature material. Colour is decided next to what stays, not from an isolated sample on a screen.<\/p><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p>The street matters too. A fa\u00e7ade that works on an isolated plot can look out of place among terraced houses. Look at alignments, heights, shadows and neighbouring fa\u00e7ades before deciding how much contrast you want to introduce.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"fa-comprobar\">Repair before renewing the look<\/h2>\n<p><strong>A crack, a stain or render coming away isn\u2019t solved by choosing another colour.<\/strong> Its cause and the condition of the substrate must be studied. Covering a problem without solving it can compromise the new finish.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fa-route\" aria-label=\"Order of decisions for renewing the fa\u00e7ade\"><div><span>01<\/span><strong>Review<\/strong><p>Condition and causes of damage.<\/p><\/div><div><span>02<\/span><strong>Define<\/strong><p>Repair and compatible materials.<\/p><\/div><div><span>03<\/span><strong>Test<\/strong><p>Samples, texture and colour on the house.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p>With old finishes, it matters what\u2019s underneath and how the wall behaves. We wouldn\u2019t recommend the same treatment from a photo for a stone wall, existing render and a recent repair. The diagnosis guides the solution; the simulation helps choose its look.<\/p>\n\n<h3>The sample worth asking for<\/h3>\n<p>Not just a colour chart: a representative sample of the proposed finish on a suitable substrate. Look at it close up and from the street, in light and shade. Check how it meets the stone, shutters and trims. A small texture can have much more presence when repeated across the whole fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n\n<h3>What if you also want to improve insulation?<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s a whole-building decision, not another paint option. It changes the external build-up and requires resolving junctions with windows, roof, plinth and boundaries. It\u2019s worth studying before renewing just the finish, to avoid work that later has to be redone.<\/p>\n<p>The right solution depends on the building. An external system may be worthwhile, but it shouldn\u2019t be imposed without checking its technical fit and any applicable restrictions.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Four things to prepare before deciding<\/h2>\n<div class=\"fa-checklist\"><p class=\"fa-label\">FOR THE FIRST VISIT<\/p><ul><li><strong>An overall photo<\/strong> and details of what concerns you, taken from a safe spot.<\/li><li><strong>The municipality and address:<\/strong> possible protections and planning conditions need checking.<\/li><li><strong>What you want to keep<\/strong> and two or three references, explaining what you like about each.<\/li><li><strong>The planned work:<\/strong> fa\u00e7ade only, windows, roof or a broader refurbishment.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<p>With that information we can separate aesthetic preferences, necessary repairs and decisions still to be checked. If the property is protected, changing materials, openings or colour shouldn\u2019t be assumed to be allowed without reviewing its conditions.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Questions about modernising an old fa\u00e7ade<\/h2>\n<div class=\"fa-faq\">\n<details><summary>Is painting enough to modernise it?<\/summary><p>It may be enough to update its look if the substrate is in good condition and the finish is compatible. It doesn\u2019t replace repairing damage or, on its own, improve every aspect of the wall.<\/p><\/details>\n<details><summary>Does the stone have to go to achieve a contemporary style?<\/summary><p>No. It can be integrated with calmer joinery and finishes. First assess its condition and whether it\u2019s an element worth keeping, rather than treating it as an obstacle because it\u2019s old.<\/p><\/details>\n<details><summary>Can the size of the windows be changed?<\/summary><p>It isn\u2019t a simple aesthetic choice. Structure, composition, possible protections and applicable requirements must be checked. The drawings in this guide keep the openings precisely to compare looks without assuming that work.<\/p><\/details>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"fa-next\">If you\u2019re considering the work in Mallorca, we can help you distinguish what to repair and what to renew through our <a href=\"https:\/\/tramuntanaprojects.com\/en\/service\/facade-refurbishment-mallorca\/\">fa\u00e7ade refurbishment<\/a> service. The idea is to update the house with a common approach, not pile up changes that won\u2019t fit together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<style>\n.content-wysiwyg .fa-editorial{--fa-ink:#1d1d1b;--fa-blue:#7fa8ae;--fa-line:#cccac2;overflow-wrap:anywhere;color:var(--fa-ink)}.content-wysiwyg .fa-editorial p{line-height:1.7}.content-wysiwyg .fa-byline{font-size:13px;color:#62635b}.content-wysiwyg .fa-answer{font-size:19px;line-height:1.55!important;padding-left:20px;border-left:3px solid var(--fa-blue)}.content-wysiwyg .fa-index{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px 22px;padding:15px 0;border-block:1px solid var(--fa-line);margin:28px 0 42px;font-size:14px}.content-wysiwyg .fa-index a{padding:7px 0}.content-wysiwyg .fa-comparison{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:20px;margin:24px 0}.content-wysiwyg .fa-comparison figure{margin:0!important}.content-wysiwyg .fa-comparison svg{display:block;width:100%;height:auto}.content-wysiwyg .fa-comparison 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