I would go with what you love - do it throughout the house and it will "fit". You can easily keep the colonial and mix in Scandinavian.....search old This Old House episodes - the show recently featured a home that did this very successfully.

The mis-match between exterior and interior--both in new homes and architect-designed remodels--is now so well-established, it's hard to object to so-called "transitional" homes any longer. Case in point: Victorian facades with interiors that look like Apple stores. Yet, I still cringe at the death of restoration!

What sammie and worthy said. Go with what makes YOU happy!

There are all kinds of examples where insides and outsides do not architecturally align, it's true. That said, I always caution that doing so often means you are "swimming against the current" which most often makes it harder (and more expensive) to pull off, especially if you're I not going to be employing professional design help.

I would want to know a whole bunch more about your goals, anticipated length of tenure and what else is going on in your neighborhood before making a recommendation. And I'd certainly ask why, if you both like a radically different style of house, you bought the one you did.

Original details and a unique architectural style are why people buy older homes. It makes no sense to buy something like that and then tank it’s value by trying to wipe all of that appeal from it. If you cannot live lightly in the home with it substantially as is, then do not move forward with the contract. Buy something else.

When I think back to the quarter sawn oak trim and original plaster walls that were painted and removed by my parents in the bungalow where I grew up, I’m filled with shame for them. And to think that it was 70ized with paneling, added popular “Mediterranean“ touches, and tons of orange and green wallpaper is an even more shameful memory. That popular style did not suit the home at all, and was horribly jarring.

Some day soon, shiplap, painted brick, and whitewashed woods will be seen with disdain as an equal desecration to an authentic original home. Like Joanna Gaines ruining that MCM she took on with black painted brick and made in China “rustic” accessories.

Photo of house in question

Absolutely gorgeous! But. Not at all friendly to any Scandinavian style. Think Grandmillennial. Which is a very pared down Victorian sensibility with some minimalist modern in the mix. Natural or medium toned woods, with other natural materials and family heirlooms and mementos.

I don’t agree and please post pictures of the interior since that is the tile of the dilemma. I have never agreed that exteriors needs to dictate interior style and often I do the insides to go with the owners likes and the exterior to work in the neighborhood. This wasa little 1905 1 1/2 storey we has in calgary I am not the least bit traditional but thehouse suited where it was next to its neighbors . So we cahnged very little on the exterior but redid the wholw interior to our style but we did acctually put back some trim and moldings that had been removed in the 60s. I loved that house and

so did buyers it sold in 10 days for over asking.I think it is possible to do this and I bet there are lots of very old Scandanavian homes that have exactly that done

Living room

Just want to interject that many Scandinavians have homes that are well over 100 years old and they incorporate “Scandinavian design” in them. Why not see how THEY maintain the integrity of their historic homes while embracing a modern aesthetic inside?

In my mind Scandanavian style = simplicity. As long as you don't strip out original features like molding, doors, hardware, flooring, etc., I don't see why you can't incorporate Scandanavian elements into your interior. Keep it simple and it will be beautiful.

We recently updated a 1777 Colonial farmhouse and kept many of the original architectural/design elements. Furnishing it in a more modern style than traditional Colonial/family antiques - while keeping interior and exterior compatible - was unquestionably a challenging exercise. I won’t say it is easy, but I don’t see why you can’t incorporate Scandinavian design elements and keep the interior and exterior of your house compatible as well.

I feel any temporary changes are fine, ie paint colors on walls and furnishings. I object to structural changes that permanently change the bones of a 100 year old home to fit the forced casual open lifestyles that prevail in today’s homes. I personally am sad to see that sterile white thick paint slapped on a beautiful low maintenance natural brick fireplace but glad to see the walls seem intact.

Good point on the fireplace brick. Is it difficult to remove?

There is nothing wrong with infusing Scandanavian into your home; with furniture, soft goods, etc.

Like others have said, if you want to lower the equity of your home, then by all means go and remove the beautiful architectural details. Those who love old homes will pay extra for homes where the bones and integrity of the home have been preserved.

In fact, I'd remove the white paint on the fireplace and bring it back to the original brick. And please don't paint the banister.

Good point on the fireplace brick. Is it difficult to remove?

I would suggest joining the American Bungalow Forum on Facebook and asking there as people have more experience in doing so.

To me, there is a world of difference between using décor that is different from the architecture and period of your home and ripping out original details or renovating in a totally different style. I'm reminded of the modest ranch I looked at buying that had ornate (and expensive) dentil moulding and wall paneling (I passed on purchasing it).

You can absolutely decorate in a different way than your home's original style (and I've seen it done to striking effect, although the further you depart from your home's style, the harder it is to do well). I completely agree with @ptreckel that Scandinavian style furnishings are used in many older homes and I think yours could work well. Look at any European style magazine and you'll see many examples of the juxtaposition of modern and older details done well.

Keep original detailing and try to at least be harmonious in your choice of permanent or semipermanent fixtures, although if you want a truly modern home, then buy a different house.

Do you have samples of Scandinavian styles you like? There's stripped down, monochrome minimalist and colorful, painted homey Carl Larsson-esque, to give two extremes.

just to follow up here; what styles can i look to (other than traditional) that might make sense in such a home?

Are you just looking at furniture or are you looking to change the architecture?Be more specific

Furniture. Not changing anything architecturally.

"Traditional" is not a style, per se. There are many classic styles from the past--Federal, Georgian Louis XIV, XV and XVI, William & Mary, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite, Gustavian, etc. etc. They all have distinguishing features and are all considered "traditional." You may like none, some or all of them, but don't lump them all into a catchall can of traditional. If you like modern Scandinavian, do some research into the style and then buy the best you can afford. Make a plan first and then execute as your budget and time allow.

Did the National Trust purchase this house and hire you as a live in caretaker and tour guide? No? Then decorate as you see fit, the home owner. As bodies age they change and adapt, so should houses.

I have to agree with Donald As for Scandanavian design google Scandanavian living room for instance you will get tones of ideas . IMO there is nothing in that space you show that could be a hinderance to the style you like.

I really disagree with having to duplicate the same style. If this “rule” was followed, consider for example you couldn’t have a Victorian home furnished in anything other than that. My niece lives in an Edwardian in London and they have respected the beautiful features, but furnished with a modern design and it’s breathtaking. Do what suits your taste, needs and lifestyle. These rooms for example would work in almost any style of home.

I see Scanivavian cottage in the photo. Research true historical Scandi design vs today's interpretation.