The majority of us harbor the secret hope that one day we will be able to live in a magnificent historic home that has spacious rooms, tall ceilings, and a wealth of history. When compared to older homes, newly constructed properties might be difficult to customize, and they do not have the same solid foundations. Although you may rest assured that you will not have to deal with any of the problems that are common in older homes (or money pits, as some people like to refer to them…), it is still a toss-up whether or not you should buy a new property.

As beautiful as older properties are, they can pose some challenges when it comes to decorating. Here, we look at how to overcome these to make your period property look incredible.

1. Maintain sensitivity 

Maintaining sensitivity is always such a shame to see really old buildings with super modern and minimalist furnishings that would better suit a penthouse suite or bachelor pad and is a complete waste of potential. 

You do not have to hang curtain pelmets, but making a subtle reference to the history of the home by employing historic color palettes or highlighting the original flooring would almost certainly be well received.

      2. Cover any flaws

You may not expect to have a pristine house when it is over a century old and has housed generations of people, but you can try to disguise the signs of wear and tear as much as you can.

Molding, trim, and door details developed during a previous age, when finishing touches carried personality, and everything was done so wonderfully, are often the qualities that make you fall in love with an older home. Often, it is these features that make you fall in love with an older home. To restore, fill in the area and paint it.

      3. Preserve the original features

Back in the day, it was common practise to pull out gorgeous old fireplaces, doors, windows, and other architectural features of a house and then replace them with more contemporary versions. Thankfully, these days interior design is much more sensitive to the age of the building, and many people are reinstalling the cast-iron fireplaces that were previously removed.

If you have been blessed with a Georgian (1714-1820), Victorian (1837-1901), Edwardian (1901 – 1910), or even a slightly more modern typical 1930s semi house, make sure you keep those beautiful touches and details; alternatively, if they have been ripped out along the way, try visiting reclamation yards to put them back in. The beauty of a period property is just that, the period.

4. Let character be your statement item 

If you are fortunate enough to still preserve the original windows in your home, especially those with stained glass, make these the highlight of the space by allowing them to shine. In a similar vein, if you possess a sizable fireplace, you should center your attention there (typically it would be the focal point of the room anyway). Make an effort to catch the viewer’s attention by strategically placing furniture and utilising other types of soft furnishings. You could also look at antique furniture restoration to make sure your furniture meets the theme of the house.

5. Dress the windows

Period homes are recognisable by their windows, and if you are fortunate enough to have huge bay or sash styles, you should take care to maintain them in good condition and outfit them appropriately. It is highly recommended to reinstate the use of wooden shutters, which, when not covered by curtains, contribute to a more streamlined and contemporary appearance. You might also choose full drop curtains instead of shutters if you want to create a cosier and more covered appearance in the room, or if shutters are not an option for you. You will need to have bespoke curtains created if you have a period property with high ceilings. Choose a fabric that draws the eye to your windows and have a full-length style manufactured so that you can emphasise how high the ceilings are.

6. Add mirrors

Although period homes typically have more space the interior passageways can be claustrophobic and have poor lighting. Put mirrors in key locations around the room to reflect natural light and add visual impact to all of the spaces. In addition to that, modern styles are required. Consider using larger round designs or arc styles instead of those with elaborate frames, which will cause your overall scheme to lean more toward the traditional side of the spectrum.

7. Restore the floors to their original state

There is a good chance that the floors in your historic home are made of rustic hardwood. Instead of covering them with rugs, consider restoring and polishing the wood for a fashionable, bohemian atmosphere that is current yet complements the original look of the period house. 

Choose a few rugs that are fluffy and light in colour to create a contrast with the flooring that is dark.

It is crucial for the transformation of an older home into a beautiful environment to select paint colours, flooring, lighting, and furnishings for the property that are faithful to the era in which it was built. One of the most essential aspects that will determine the level of success enjoyed by either a new or an existing residence is the manner in which the new interior story will be conveyed. It is quite simple for the eye to transition from one area to the next because of the way in which the material relationships flow into one another. Whether it is the reclaimed, wide plank floors, antique tiles, or adding a new Edwardian exterior door, all of the meticulously poured over selections and details combine to make a period home feel both modern and olde-worlde.