Original features within a home add character, warmth and charm that is timeless. Adding classic features in your home sets your period property into context but they also create eye catching focal points in a contemporary home. Period features can be a softening element in a stark modern setting.
Tips on how to add period features at home
Before you go and add original features to bring an era to 2012, do some research first . If you own a period property discover the period of your home and do some research. The victorians were famous for an eclectic range of design styles bringing in different era’s into their building renovations. Period properties were built with a wealth of period features to make them look appealing at the time. However in the mid to late 1900’s, a lot of period features have been ripped out of homes. Yet period features are now back in fashion and it may be worth restoring any period features you may have as hidden treasure in your home.
Restoring original period features can vastly increase the value of your property. Determine which period phase your property was built in as a starting point. Even if you have a modern home you can replicate an era in time through a few fixtures and fittings.
A fireplace is a great focal point especially a period fireplace whether, this is in a living room, bedroom or bathroom. In order for a fireplace to add value it has to be in keeping with the home. Check your chimney and flue are in good working order before you remove any of the chimney breast. You must have a fireproof area in front of your fireplace. Installing a fireplace is a job for an expert don’t d.i.y it.
Reclaimed doors instantly add period character to a house. You can get a variety of reclaimed doors and vintage handles from salvage yards. If you’re going to install a reclaimed door check it will fit into a modern door space. Get a carpenter to fit the door it case it needs trimming once it’s attached.
Floorboards of the 15th and 16th centuries were generally of oak and with widths of up to 18 inches. In the 17th century elm boards were common but these started to become more scarce so cheaper softwoods such as pine were used. Throughout the Georgian and Victorian times, these “inferior” boards were either hidden or painted to resemble hardwoods.
To recreate the Victorian look you can use marble, tiles, bricks or hard woods. Use carpets with rich floral designs to give it a Victorian look. Georgian floors were waxed wood or parquet. Wall to wall carpets were common too either delicately patterned or neutral in colour. Incorporate a large rug into your design with a neo-classical or oriental design for the Georgian look.
If you’re buying reclaimed wood ask where the wood has came from and how it’s been stored since it was reclaimed. If it’s timber and has been outside it will need time to dry out before being used in your home.
Traditional radiators come in a range of period styles. These can be the finishing touch in the interior of your home. Traditional Cast iron radiators in particular are not only rustic and stylish but as they are heavy and dense their properties make them ideal for heating. Victorian cast iron radiators contain a lot of heat and take a long time to cool down. This means they’re more efficient than a traditional radiator.
Traditional radiators are an authentic feature in your period home. Cast Iron radiators can bring timeless elegance into your home. When you’re buying antique radiators you need to make sure they are in full working order. They can become expensive if you need to keep replacing or repairing them.
When you’re looking to buy period fixtures to feature in your home check out your local salvage yard or reclaimed wood and timber company. You can pick up some unique period features for your home.
Author: Siobhan McBride writes on a range of home improvement and interior design topics. You can connect with her on Google +.
