5 minute read
How to Update a Period Home Expert tips
update a How to... period property
KATHERINE STRACHAN-DAVIS OF EDEL, EDINBURGH’S PERIOD PROPERTY SPECIALISTS, TALKS US THROUGH THE MUST-DOS AND MUST-NOTS OF STYLISH YET SYMPATHETIC RESTORATION
1. INCORPORATE A CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN
Seamlessly blending the old with the new to accommodate modern day living in a period property requires a fine balance. Contemporary living demands more informal spaces than when these properties were originally envisaged. Kitchen spaces in particular have to work extra hard with settings for daily family meals as well as dinner parties and special occasions. Luckily the double attributes of high ceilings and large windows make these spaces good to linger in. There’s no need to avoid contemporary styles – just be mindful of the period setting. Keeping to a restrained colour palette with warm tones and clean lines, it is possible to create a harmonious and complementary interior scheme without competing with the existing architecture. 2. CHERISH YOUR FIREPLACE
Fireplaces provide the focal point for period drawing rooms and if you are lucky enough to inherit an original chimneypiece, it is something to be looked after and cherished. Often the fireplace inserts themselves need to be updated and if you wish to retain a working fire then having the suitability of the flue checked is the first important step. Many would prefer a real fire but gas fires can work in period settings too, whether it’s situated within a reclaimed period fire basket or even a contemporary glass fronted gas fire - the minimal look works well in contrast to more ornate surrounds and mantles.
3. BE CAREFUL WITH CORNICING
Cornices in Victorian and Georgian properties are often highly enriched and intricate making for one the most desirable features in a period home. Over years of redecoration, they can often become paint-bound which means that their beautiful patterns are obscured. Only by painstakingly removing the built-up layers of paint is it possible to see the definition of the design again. There is often also physical damage and smoke damage to contend with but it is possible to create casts of the original details so they can be remade for the damaged sections, restoring the entire room back to its full decorative glory. 4. REVAMP THE RADIATORS
Period properties suit reclaimed column and cast-iron radiators but there’s a huge variety of radiators on the market to choose from when buying new. These range from the ultra-contemporary flat panelled to reproduction ornate cast iron style and there’s no limit to the choice of colour and finishes meaning you don’t need to stick to the standard white look. It’s important to check the radiators are sized carefully to ensure adequate heat output and a good fit to suit period features such as dado rails or panelling. 5. INTEGRATE MODERN LIGHTING
It’s a challenge to integrate effective modern lighting into period properties without interfering with the historic features. A neat solution for ceiling lighting is to create a ‘raft’ or section of new ceiling suspended below the existing. In kitchens, installing the raft over an island unit enables the use of recessed and perimeter LED lighting. The extract fan can also be accommodated whilst keeping the ceiling undisturbed. Smart lighting is also a great innovation, where different lighting settings can be stored and easily selected by pressing a single switch. It’s an easy way to switch up the ambience of a room.
6. LISTEN TO THE PROFESSIONALS
Many period properties are listed meaning that their features are protected from major alteration without express permission. These characteristics are what make the properties desirable and clients sometimes have to be reminded that over-modernising can diminish their appeal. When it comes to flooring, working with the existing floorboards with all their imperfections gathered over the years is a great way to retain the authenticity of a period home. Tastes change, of course, and this goes for door furniture too where there has been a tendency in the recent past to fit chrome finishes throughout to suit the fashion for grey colour schemes. Ironmongery is traditionally polished brass so it’s wonderful when it can be retained in a refurbishment and hardware can be supplemented by good quality reproduction pieces as needed. Alternatively, by not being too precious and mixing metal finishes in a considered way, for example to faceplates and taps, a bit of individuality can be added to an interior scheme without being too matchy-matchy.
7. DON’T GET SLEDGE HAMMER HAPPY
Sometimes clients look to incorporate ideas from modern architecture into their period home such as large open plan living spaces where walls are taken down between principal rooms. Open-plan living is increasingly popular, not just for living/dining spaces, but also with kitchens rolled into one. Even where consents are sought and granted there are always pros and cons for merging and enlarging period public rooms. On the plus side, there’s an increased sense of light and space and of better flow. For most clients the perceived benefit is the idea of single multipurpose space where the cook of the house isn’t isolated from guests when entertaining. On the downside, open plan spaces can become inefficient by creating a lot of wasted circulation space. Also, the loss of a very useful blank wall means one less location, in both rooms, to place furniture or radiators. There’s not a single solution to suit every situation and each home needs to be considered on its own merits. Considering everything carefully and seeking expert advice is the key.
For advice on your own period conversion, contact Edel on 0131 226 6362 or visit www.weareedel.com to find out more.
