DESIGN DETAIL REWORKING A CLASSIC

Five tips for sensitively updating your property

1 Stick closely to the house’s original materials. They were chosen for a reason, and will help you to retain cohesion. 2 Avoid being tied down to specific themes by choosing furniture from different eras and styles and mixing them all together, from antiques to contemporary pieces. 3 Bring the outside in. You don’t need double-height windows – a small balcony filled with plants will do. 4 Be prepared to work hard. The owner removed white paint from every wall to uncover the original finishes in this home. 5 Don’t be afraid to put your own stamp on a house – its evolution adds to its character and sense of modernity.