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Period details in the home can vary greatly depending on your home’s era. Many different style homes boast a wealth of period features in the UK. From Tudor homes to Edwardian and Victorian style terraces to the more modern and eclectic 80s homes and your new modern build houses. Everyone has something different they want in a home, and now more than ever, unearthing and restoring period features is becoming something homeowners want to do. But how do you make the most of the period features in your home?
Research Your Home’s History
To make the most of your home’s period features, you must first research your home’s history. The type of house you live in will dictate how much research is needed. In some cases, there are records available that can help you determine what era your home belongs to. Other times, it can be difficult without knowing exactly when the house was built. When finding out the age of a house or doing an estate search to see if there are any records available on your home, don’t forget to include the resources at your local library.
Restore The Feature Carefully
It is essential to restore your period features carefully. You start by removing all of the layers of paint and varnish on the surface with a chemical stripper, which you then need to wipe off. If there are any cracks or holes in the bricks, patch them up with mortar before repointing or repairing them with a thin layer of cement and lime, which you then need to dampen and rub down. For a Victorian house, you may want to convert the fireplace before adding new Stoves, for example.
The other issue that can occur is hidden corrosion to metal surfaces. This could be due to acid rain or algae present in water tanks or rainwater systems. You need to clean the metal surface with an alkaline-based cleaner and rinse off with water before applying a coat of primer followed by two coats of paint.
Regularly Maintain The Piece
It is essential to maintain the features you have in your home regularly. If this seems like a daunting task, it’s worth noting that it is not difficult or expensive to do. This can be as simple as dusting and sweeping or as complex as restoring old floors and walls. If a piece of furniture needs some TLC, then, by all means, give it some. By maintaining the period features in your home, you will help them last longer and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
Style It Carefully
First, you should consider the style of the house. If your home was built in a more modern time, then your period features are going to be more subtle and less noticeable than if it was built in an era with more prominent features. For example, if you have a Tudor style home, there will be ostentatious brickwork, Tudor or Gothic arched windows and elegant high ceilings. These details are eye-catching and will demand that attention on their own. In contrast, Georgian homes with ample square floor-to-ceiling windows and symmetrical façades often have decorative mouldings around their doors or columns that hint at the era they were built in.
When styling these homes attractively, choosing elements that complement the existing period details is essential – not compete for attention. If you want to use a particular colour scheme for your walls but you’re unsure how this may go with your house style, start by using neutrals such as cream or white and make sure there is enough variation so that each room has its own personality. A good tip is to add colourful furniture or accents to break up any monotony.
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