Period homes are properties built in a distinctive architectural style of the past. They often have charming original features that many homeowners wish to restore and highlight. Breathing new life into a period property requires balancing preservation with modernisation. This allows you to accentuate the home’s heritage while upgrading it for contemporary living. Follow these key tips when renovating a period house to inject it with renewed vibrancy.
Work with an Interior Designer
Collaborating with an interior designer who specialises in period homes can provide invaluable guidance. They will understand how to thoughtfully rejuvenate your property in keeping with its era and existing features. Designers like Peter Staunton can imagine creative solutions that retain old-world character while integrating necessary upgrades. They bring extensive knowledge of suitable materials, styles and layouts that will complement your period home. Designers can source authentic products and revise floorplans to optimise the use of space. With an expert partner like Peter Staunton Design Studio, your period home’s renovation will remain true to its heritage.
Protect Original Features
One of the biggest appeals of period homes are their distinctive original features. These may include cornices, ceiling roses, open fireplaces, picture rails, floorboards, latticed windows and more. Make sure to identify any intact original features and consider them priorities to protect in the renovation. If you wish to alter them, do so minimally and consult a heritage specialist first. Damaging or removing period features can ruin a home’s character and value. With some restoration, existing features can be revitalised as stunning centrepieces that showcase the property’s history. Handle them sensitively during renovations to retain the home’s authenticity.
Choose a Sympathetic Colour Palette
Your home’s era can inform a colour palette that enhances period details. Colours popular in the time your home was built can highlight its heritage style beautifully. Period colour trends you may explore include rich Victorians like burgundy and forest green, muted Georgian pastels, coastal blues, Mediterranean terracottas or bold art deco tones. Visit heritage homes from your property’s period for inspiration. Neutral backdrops also allow original features to shine. Remember to consider existing trims, tiles or colours you wish to match. An era-appropriate colour scheme will immediately boost your period home’s character.
Update Lighting Fixtures
Lighting makes a significant impact on a room’s atmosphere. Dated light fittings can make a period home’s rooms feel old-fashioned in unflattering ways. Switching to new pendant lights, sconces, chandeliers and lamps will instantly modernise the space. Look for timeless designs with heritage touches like brass finishes, tassels and ornate shapes. Avoid overly contemporary minimalist styles that will detract from period charm. New lighting accents the home’s original appeal while discreetly introducing modernity. Upgraded fixtures also improve functionality with better illumination for contemporary tasks and safety.
Improve Floorplans for Modern Living
While preserving heritage architecture, reconsider the floor plan to improve liveability. Key upgrades like opening hallways, removing non-structural walls, relocating bathrooms or expanding kitchens can make period homes more enjoyable day-to-day. Consult structural engineers to identify any changes possible within the existing framework. Even subtle tweaks like widening doorways or repurposing formal rooms create better flow. Reorganise layouts to take advantage of beautiful period features as focal points too. Adapt the floor plan to seamlessly unite old and new.
Period homes offer a chance to live with a piece of history if sensitively upgraded. Protecting original features while reinventing the floorplan, decor and lighting allows the inherent charm to shine. By retaining the heritage appeal people love in period properties while improving functionality, you can breathe new life into your period home.
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