Today, period style homes are highly sought after for renovation projects. This is hardly surprising given that all of these eras reflect architecture and design that is simply charming and truly timeless.
What’s most fantastic about a heritage house is that although it must retain its original traditional period features. It can be adapted into a contemporary looking home.
Period homes present many renovating and decorating opportunities. For example; extensions can be made, open living spaces can be created, sky lights can be incorporated and modern furniture pieces can be teamed with classic and ornate interior detailing.
When undertaking a period home renovation. It essential to understand the importance of retaining the original period home features. Such as ornate plasterwork, mouldings, cornices, skirtings, architraves, windows, fireplaces and hardwood flooring. It’s equally important to pay close attention to all of the little details such as. Light switches, Door and cabinetry; Hardware and hinges etc. It’s all of these unique details that reflect the original character and charm of a period home and make it so special.
Period homes focus on certain colour schemes such as heritage greens and blues.
Heritage blues and greens are easier to live with and although they are heritage colours, they can also take on a contemporary feel.
One of the best things about selecting colours for a period home is that both light and dark hues work well. Thanks to their high ceilings, a period home can look dramatic. And striking with darker colours and offer an opportunity to create contrast and enhance decorative period features.
What period home would be complete without Lace Fretwork & Frieze Panels or Corner Brackets and Balustrade Panels? They can be made from wrought iron or timber and are used today in the restoration of Heritage homes Australia wide. Decorative trims and mouldings not only protect and conceal joints between surfaces. They exemplify the character of a period home. These details should always be retained and restored or reintroduced if previously removed.
There are skirting boards and architraves available in a whole range of profiles. And sizes relevant to all the different period home eras. Be sure to select a profile that is correct for your home’s era not just one you like.
A Dado Rail
A Dado Rail is a decorative moulding strip that can be found at the top or lower part of a wall. It has two functions. Aside from being decorative, a dado rail protects walls from furniture when placed at a lower level. Alternatively when placed up high its can serve as a picture rail and also helps to create the effect of the high ceilings being at a lower level.
Anaglypta is a 130 year old brand of wall paper. That uses an embossing technique to create a pattern in a wide range of designs. That can be painted over to match your wall colour. Styles range from vintage to contemporary making them a perfect wall treatment for heritage homes.
The most popular style of flooring for a period home is to have hardwood timber flooring. But laid in a Parquetry or Herringbone block style. The most popular colours period style homes are French Grey, Mink Grey, Smoked Oak varieties.
Cornice
A cornice is found where the top of a wall meets the underside of the ceiling. It's purpose is to hide joins and create a beautiful detail. Just as there are many profiles for skirting boards. The same applies for cornices. Be sure to look for the style that is suitable for the era of your home. Most cornices suppliers list their cornice styles in order of category from Victorian to Federation, Edwardian, Italianate etc. so finding the correct one should be easy.
A period home will lend itself to all styles of lighting whether they be traditional, classic or contemporary. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the most impact. And this certainly rings true when it comes to door hardware. Considered jewellery for the home, the right door handle can transform a door.
For the bathroom, a modern frameless glass walk in shower looks stunning teamed with black or brass tapware. And with materials and finishes such as marble and timber. Subway tiles or herringbone tiles are perfect for the wall. With encaustic or tessellated tiles for the floor. While these are traditional tiles they can be applied to look quite modern and there are modern variations of these styles of tiles. For an authentic period style bathroom look at fixtures that reflect the period such as a claw foot bath and pedestal vanity.
Concluding
A kitchen can be modern but incorporate heritage colours and finishes to help create a link to the era of the home. For a fresh looking kitchen, consider two tone cabinetry. For a real authentic period style kitchen consider opting for a butler sink and AGA oven. If you want to make a statement. A butler sink will bring a touch of class to the kitchen. They have been around for hundreds of years. And today continue to be a popular choice for period homes or farmhouse kitchens.
By combining tradition with modern functionality. A period home can provide a traditional feel with modern comforts.