How to Achieve Contemporary Interiors in Period Homes
Period homes need not spell traditional interiors — they do, in fact, offer the opportunity to create exciting mix and match interior design schemes. Natasha Brinsmead offers top tips for getting the look right
Our interior design guide to injecting modern flair into old homes
Period their ors, present owners homes, an to far opportunity traditional from restricting interi- to introduce some exciting contemporary additions in a way that highlights the changes that the house has experienced to date. Period and contemporary design can not only cohabit beautifully but can also bring out the best in each other — as we explore here.
Old Meets New
Those who like the idea of remaining in some way faithful to the origins of a house might like to take a look at some updated versions of traditional furniture and fittings, such as a classic Chesterfield sofa ( see left) upholstered in a contemporary fabric, for example, or an oversized piece of artwork hung above the fireplace in place of the more conventional gilt mirror or portrait. Another way to make this look work is to use traditional materials in a modern way. Incorporating areas of exposed stone or brickwork within your crisp white interiors adds warmth and character, while using rich materials such as worn leather, linen, clay tile, heavy velvet and timber panelling adds a reassuringly authentic feel that sits well with more minimalist features.
Highlight Original Features
The main draw of period homes for most is the warmth and character that they exude — something that can be tricky to emulate in new builds. The wonky walls, oddly shaped rooms, bumpy surfaces and gnarled wood is what makes these homes inviting. A contemporary approach to renovating can actually bring out these original details more than a traditional one — marking them out as distinct and special against the newer details. Within this Grade Ii-listed, 17th-century farm cottage (top right), the owners have taken great care to sympathetically restore the original features. The original beams had been painted in a thick, tar-like paint so were stripped back and lime washed. The contemporary, straight-edged skirting, streamline flooring, modern internal doors and sleek hardware sets off the more irregular features, such as the uneven walls and thick stone steps.
“One of the best ways to update period interiors is with a strong modern lighting scheme”
Be a Rule Breaker
More and more homeowners are realising the beauty in the obvious evolution of interiors. Being able to trace the journey that a house has been on since being built through its interiors can be both fascinating and beautiful. There is absolutely nothing to say that the owner of a grand Georgian house can only buy classic Georgian furniture. In fact there are few things nicer than the element of surprise and differentiation when you enter a period home featuring contemporary interior design, yet with traditional architectural elements. This is a look that relies on making some brave and eclectic choices — mixing styles is key. Aim to include nods to the era in which the house was built, alongside some super contemporary features and slide in a few ‘inbetweeners’ too. This could mean including a Georgian fabric or Victorian-inspired
floor tile alongside a mid-century modern side table, chair and some up-to-date light fittings, for example ( see top). Use a Neutral Backdrop Perhaps you are keen that the original details of your period home are allowed to shine, or maybe you are adamant that you will successfully incorporate furniture and details that span many different eras — both are possible within old homes, but to ensure their success, aim to keep the background tones of the house neutral. To be clear, this need not mean painting everything stark white. White is available in a multitude of shades, greys can be warm or cool and even deep colours such as navy and olive green (a favourite of the Victorians, incidentally) can provide a good, unimposing scene-setter. The key is to avoid using too many colours at once if you want the period elements of the house to sing. Pick just one or two and then combine them in various guises in order for them to remain a backdrop rather than fighting for centre stage. The owner of this Georgian flat ( right) has opted for an all-white backdrop, picking out the elaborate original mouldings in an ever-so-slightly off white. This approach has meant that the mix-and-match furniture, from the high-gloss contemporary kitchen island to the Art Deco touches, can all be fully appreciated. In other
Use Big and Bold Lighting Make a Clear Distinction
Whether it is an extension or a new interiors scheme, if you decide to take the contemporary route, success lies in ensuring One teriors of is the with best a ways strong to update modern period lighting inscheme. Although electricity arrived in the 1880s (when a light bulb cost the same as the average week’s wages), electric lighting didn’t become widespread in homes until the 1930s — so owners of Georgian and Victorian homes should not feel constrained to ‘ traditional’ fittings at all. Using oversized pendants is not only the perfect way to introduce contemporary fittings in a way that does not detract from the original ‘ bones’ of a space, but also draws attention to high ceilings and original cornicing or ceiling roses. Concealed LED strip lighting, tucked behind original picture rails or cornicing, highlights these details, while minimalist wall-washers or uplighters also draw the eye towards period details. The stunning modern chandelier in this Victorian house ( top) emphasises the soaring ceilings, while using bold copper pendants over the dining table ensures the two areas of the open plan space are zoned. that the new elements look new. In other words, this should be an all or nothing approach — a tiny bit different or almost matching won’t do. The odd bit of cedar cladding or a few bits of modern door furniture within an otherwise ‘safe’ scheme won’t work, whereas a radically different approach makes distinction of styles clear. The glass extension to this Victorian house ( above), is successful due to its delicate yet striking appearance. While it is clearly a new addition, and obviously contemporary in design, it is supported by a structure of low-iron ‘white glass’ which doesn’t give off the green tinge of thick glass, meaning it works with, rather than against, the period details of the house. words, the contrasting pieces stand out as items to admire rather than sitting awkwardly alongside one another within a clashing backdrop.