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Looking for interior design inspiration for your period home? As you’ve probably gathered by now, it’s a bit harder than it looks. Unlike a modern home, you can’t just throw any old designs into a period property. They may look out of place and could diminish the character of your home. Read on for tips on how to make sure your design matches your period home.

Work around the quirks

 One of the problems some people find with period property design is the many quirks of the building itself. Oddly shaped rooms can restrict layout options somewhat, but it’s important to work with them. Put large pieces of furniture – sofas, armchairs, coffee tables – at the forefront of your design. You need to ensure they fit comfortably before purchasing. Furniture that looks clearly out of place can give the room an uncomfortable look.

Amongst the quirks of a period property are classic features like windows, doors, and beams. These offer a foundation for your design. If you ensure they are in great condition, they can be a centrepiece in your design. Restoration services for sash windows and beams are a great way to get them looking great without damaging their heritage and original style.

Matching colours

An easy way to match your home to any period is through the colour scheme. You can find heritage colours and period palettes for almost any era. Burgundy and sage green are typical of the Georgian period; ruby red, purple and blues for Victorian; and floral pastel colours for Edwardian onwards. But you don’t have to go overboard. Just a few accents or features in a neutral colour scheme can add a lot to your scheme.

Mixing it up

Matching your interior design to your home doesn’t necessarily mean having a full on walk-in Georgian experience, though. Modern light fixtures and downlighting are a nice way to add a modern twist to your design.

When it comes to kitchen appliances, you don’t have to worry about finding a Georgian oven, or – even less likely – a Victorian microwave. If you’re not a fan of the look of kitchen appliances and gadgets, you can always have them integrated with your kitchen units. But generally, these items won’t contribute (or distract) too much to the overall look of your home – unless you opt for a bright red washing machine that is.

Retaining heritage

If you’re looking to perfect the design of your period home, we can help. Fortis & Hooke are wooden window and door restorers with a passion to repair, renovate and retain.

We can restore your sash windows to their full beauty and function, removing the need for costly replacements. And with years of experience including projects on listed and conservation properties, we are experts in the industry. Get in touch today for your free survey and quote. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

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