Restoring period architecture

Insight Want to enhance your home’s features like Nicky Barratt? Consider these points before you start All in the detail Bear in mind

From intricate plasterwork such as cornicing, coving and ceiling mouldings to original fireplaces, doors and skirtings, the period details of a home can lend character and visual interest. Adopting a sensitive approach when restoring these features will pay dividends in the long-term. It’s important to determine the exact age of your home before restoring historic features – seek specialist advice if you are unsure. Beware of removing original sash windows in favour of double glazing, indiscriminately stripping softwood panelling of its paint, replacing lath and plaster with plasterboard or painting cornices and ceiling roses with modern emulsion. Instead, repair catches, stays and hinges on windows and doors, use a gentle distemper on coving and employ a ‘like-forlike’ policy when repairing plasterwork.

When it comes to finish, very often the cornicing and ceilings are painted plain white for a clean look. However, this can lower the perceived height of the room. Why not try a different approach by painting them the same colour as the walls to make a room feel loftier, while also adding a contemporary feel? If you are thinking of using salvaged materials to replace architectural features, be aware that this can sometimes confuse the understanding and appreciation of a building, even making the original details seem spurious. SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) advises that trade in reclaimed items can sometimes encourage the destruction of old properties, whereas demand for the same materials, created new, helps to keep them in production.

Externally, new additions such as extensions often work best if they accommodate modern needs in a modern language, serving as contemporary foil to the original architecture. This enables the new to relate to the old in a way that is positive and responsive at the same time.

expert eye ‘All too often, decorative cornicing, including ceiling roses, has been painted over so many times that it ends up losing a lot of delicate detail. To prevent this from happening, use a specialist finish such as a soft distemper or limewash’ charlotte cosby, Farrow & BALL