Lucky enough to have a home packed with character? Then don’t let its architectural details go unnoticed. Check out our tips on maximising the impact of period features…
Was it the high ceilings, ornate plaster work, and elegant bay window that made you fall for your home? Perhaps you couldn’t resist the charms of beams and an inglenook fireplace. Or maybe it’s the architectural details of another period that created an irresistible pull. Whichever features you’ve inherited in your property, Shutterly Fabulous have put together our favourite tips for making the most of their character.
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Dress your bay windows
Bay windows are beautiful period features that make in impact from outside and in. A window treatment that emphasises their shape and proportions is what’s required here. But it needs to work hard too, shielding the inside of the room from the gaze of passers-by, while still letting in precious daylight. Bay window shutters are the perfect way to dress your bay windows. White shutters will maximise light reflection within the room to brighten it, but if the bay window is one of your room’s finest features, why not opt for coloured shutters that will make it even more of an attention grabber? With our custom colour service, you can choose from 100s of hues to find your dream painted shutters.
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Let beams stand out
If original beams are a feature of any of your rooms, don’t let them fade into the background. Painting the surrounding walls and ceiling white or stone colours can make dark beams a more prominent feature. And if yours is a small room with a low ceiling, pale walls will help open up the space. Make sure other decorative features don’t stand in competition either. Simple furniture shapes that tone with the beams and a rustic-style floor covering leave the original features to do the talking.
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Look upwards
High ceilings are a cherished feature of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes, and it’s good to draw attention to this. Hanging pendant lights to a low level, whether that’s over a kitchen island, dining table, or as side lights in the bedroom is one way to focus on the loftiness of a space. Make sure you choose a light fitting with an attractive cord or chain if you’re employing this strategy. A long length of plastic will do nothing for the room scheme. Pay attention, too, to the final height of the light fitting so it doesn’t get in the way.
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Paint mouldings
Dado and picture rails are elegant features of older homes, and the right paint is an easy way to accentuate them. Using white is one way to do it – try contrasting this with a charcoal or deep green or blue on the rest of the wall for a contemporary look. Alternatively, use the same shade below the dado and above the picture rail with a coordinating colour in between, as shown here. Like a more traditional look? Try painting the picture rail and above in white.
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Restore the path
Original tiles can become damaged and dirty over time but restoring them to their former glory is the perfect way to emphasize a home’s historic credentials and even add value to your home. If the tiles have gone missing or broken over time, it’s easy to find historic designs to bring back the period style that’s been lost. Take a peek at the paths of neighbouring homes if you’re not sure what yours would have looked like. The same goes for inside the hall. Have a look under the carpet and you may be lucky enough to find original encaustic tiles that can be restored and cleaned.
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Focus on the fireplace
Original fireplaces are fabulous focal points, so even if yours is no longer used, it’s worth making it a central feature. Dressing the mantelpiece is one way to help draw the eye. Hang or prop a generously sized mirror and add some decorative accessories. Balance rather than symmetry is the way to go for a modern look – and be sure not to overcrowd the area. Stacked logs can fill an empty hearth, as can candles, but make sure they’re big enough or they’ll look lost in space. And remember to lay a rug in front to help make the fireplace the main event, or follow this room’s lead by painting eye-catching stripes in front.
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Pick out panelling
Don’t let wall panelling be an unremarked feature of a period home. Colour is the perfect remedy to make it a statement in the room. Try a jewel-like blue, as here, which looks spectacular teamed with gold accessories. Alternatively, go for a dark and dramatic shade and team with a sofa or armchair in a bold colour. After a softer effect? A gentle grey will emphasise the panelling’s detail and marry the old and new in a room perfectly.
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Embrace Contrasting Elements
While celebrating original details is key, don’t be afraid to introduce modern elements for a touch of playful juxtaposition. For instance, a statement light fixture with clean lines can add a contemporary twist against a backdrop of ornate crown moulding. This unexpected pairing creates a dynamic and visually interesting space that showcases the beauty of both old and new.
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Accessorize with Purposeful Flair
Period features often have specific stories to tell. Research the era of your home and find decorative accents that complement its history. For Victorian homes with fireplaces, consider antique fire tools or a vintage clock. Art Deco details might call for geometric throw pillows or a chrome lamp. By incorporating these thoughtful accessories, you not only enhance the period features, but also breathe new life into the space and showcase its rich heritage. This intentional curation adds a personal touch that makes the room truly yours.
While we can’t fix your front tiles or restore your fireplace, at Shutterly Fabulous we specialise in all things shutters. So, if you want to get the most out of your Georgian bay window or your Victorian casement needs a makeover, book your free in-home survey today. Your local Shutter Specialist will be happy to lend their expert advice and help you get the most out of your home.