Period Homes and Interior Design: How Far to Take Your Renovation
If you are renovating a period property, it is important to think about how far you want to take the process.
On the one hand, keeping authentic features like exposed timber beams, ornate Victorian balustrades or original leaded windows gives a certain charm to period buildings, but you may think they could limit design possibilities.
By removing or concealing original features and starting with a clean, blank canvas, you have total freedom with your new interior and aren’t restricted by any existing structure or style. However, this can sometimes turn a house from a quirky piece of history into an unremarkable property with little character.
It all comes down to finding the right balance for you.
As bespoke kitchen and interior designers, we understand how to approach period properties with this in mind. Like each property, every client is different. We make sure to listen to your likes and dislikes and your ambitions for the final space, all whilst being sympathetic to the architecture of the building. We work with builders and architects to discover how far the renovations can go, what key original features will remain and how these will be restored or repurposed.
Depending on how you see your finished renovation, you may opt for classically designed interiors that look perfectly at home in your period property. Traditional interiors depict an opulence- as though they have always been in situ and have remained in perfect condition throughout generations.
The arched doorways of this Grade I listed property are a real feature that the client was eager to retain. They wanted a bar that reflected the Victorian style of the house and blended well with the architectural details, hence our decision to use a multi-panelled Bolection design in a rich dark timber.
Not only does this period home have stunning original features, the owners took the restoration even further by fitting antiques into the structure of the building. The two rood screens were sourced by the client from an old church, tying in with the high ceilings and feature windows perfectly. They divide the kitchen and gentleman’s cigar lounge, both of which are designed to mirror the gothic architecture of the property.
Just because you are renovating a classical property, doesn’t mean you have to stick to a traditional interior. In fact, the clean, minimalist style that contemporary interiors have works perfectly if you want to keep the attention focused on key architectural period features.
The beautiful stonework and leaded windows are eye-catching features in this Grade I listed period home, highlighted by the simplicity in the design of the kitchen furniture.
The owners of this 18th Century Arts & Crafts property loved the iconic features of the main house so much they replicated these in the new-build extension, adding arched doorways and traditional windows. The kitchen brings a subtle modern twist, being mainly handle-less with an angled shaker door design, that keeps the focus on the main feature- the moulded illuminated ceiling coffer and lanterns.
Whichever route you choose to take in the restoration of your period home, employing the expertise of a bespoke interior designers and manufacturers such as David Lisle guarantees flexibility in design and a broad range of possibilities to create the perfect interior in any architectural setting.
