Blog
Period drama to contemporary cool
Thursday, January 11, 2018
There’s a definite trend towards homes with an “old” exterior yet which are bang up to date inside the front door. From thatched cottages to barn conversions, if you buy a period building, you’re not just buying a new home, but a piece of national heritage. You may want to adopt an “out with the old, in with the new” approach, but with a sympathetic approach you can create your dream home, keeping all the aesthetics of period charm but with the functionality and minimalism of contemporary cool.
The process may be time consuming, expensive and comes with potential pitfalls if the building is listed. From décor to garden design, everyone wants to make their mark on a property but it’s important to work with planners, architects and engineers to achieve the perfect fusion of old and new.
Before furnishing your period property research its history as a pointer for interior design, even if you are creating a stunning contemporary interior. Classic furnishings with a contemporary twist bridge the old/new gap perfectly, while a beamed bathroom with contemporary fittings and freestanding bath gives a feel for the building’s heritage without looking out of place. Try to echo shapes already found in the architectural detailing and use glass or Perspex to create a modern, uncluttered look in keeping with a period interior.
Respect and reflect your home’s architectural past. If you’re designing the interior of a converted church or chapel, stained glass windows will cascade colour and history as they illuminate an all-white contemporary interior whilst church bench seating can be used as a contrast to a modern dining table. Marry different decades with decor that features old styling and modern materials in one object; a traditionally shaped chair made in Perspex for example or antiques reupholstered in modern fabric to link past and present.
Period properties have much to offer, often having larger rooms and generous gardens and adding modern styling, is a careful balancing act. Simplicity is key to success. Stick to a neutral palette with accent colours; choose textures and finishes that combine well and maximise any light using shiny or transparent surfaces. Use a consistent colour range and scale of furniture to keep your interior decor cohesive. If you want to mix and match a traditional armchair with a contemporary sofa, choose the sofa in a similar shade to your original chair and opt for one of similar height and scale.
Contemporary style is known for its simple and sleek lines with hard edged or gently curved lines to furniture. Don’t be afraid to use modern lighting as this can be used to enhance architectural features such as a beautiful ceiling or wall panel. Retain original features where possible such as windows, fireplaces and floor tiles, to add to the period drama and contrast with the contemporary cool in your home.
