Period features

How to Embrace Period Features in your Home

Euan Langley
Authored by Euan Langley
Posted Monday, March 28, 2022 - 12:45pm

Oftentimes people are attracted to new; it is quite common for many people when decorating or renovating a property they aim to have all the new styles and designs rather than embracing the gorgeous features that the property already has. 

When you are working with a pre-existing property one of the best things any would-be designer can do is make the most of what you already have. If you are lucky enough to be moving into a home that has traditional period features then understanding how to accentuate them can really add something special to the property. 

Now what is not being described is that you don’t have anything new, that isn’t the case. What you are looking to do is effectively marry the old with the new so that there is a harmonious relationship between them. 

What this then means is that choosing the décor that works best with the period features that are in the property is crucially important in achieving the look that you are going for. One of the most effective things that you can do then is plan. Think about what features you have and figure out what contemporary pieces or features will pair well with them. A lot of this is going to be trial and error but that is just par for the course when it comes to interior decorating. 

One of the most effective things that anyone can do to fully embrace the period features in a home is to strip back to the original components of the home. The older a property is, the more likely there are going to be gorgeous period features just hiding underneath the surface layers. For a while there during the mid-20th century, it was all the rage to cover traditional hardwood flooring with vinyl or linoleum. So, always make sure to check what might be hiding underneath. 

What works well with uncovering the original features is also touching up the period features. Let's say you have sash windows, most likely over time if they aren’t being properly maintained they might fall into disrepair. Hiring professionals that know how to work with period features to repair or improve them can then bring out the best in them. Still talking about sash windows; since they were so popular in the UK over the years you are sure to be able to find experts all over the country. For sash windows in Brighton you might want to consider a company such as Parsons Joinery; the South of England as a whole has many properties that still have traditional sash windows. 

Another thing that can be easily overlooked is understanding what the home was supposed to look like at the time then trying to use that to your advantage to bring out the best in the property.

What is meant by that is you should consider things like what kind of lighting did the original property have or even something like what pieces were intended to be the centre focus of the room; normally this would have been something like a fireplace. Understanding what the original intentions and design for the property were then using that in conjunction with modern styles can really enhance the overall look and feel of it.

It shouldn't be understated that working with period features is no easy feat, but when it is done right there really is nothing else quite like it. Don’t underestimate what period features can do for the overall look over your home. 

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