INTERIOR DESIGN FOR PERIOD PROPERTIES: DESIGNING FOR MODERN LIVING
Updated: Aug 28
Period properties often have qualities that are difficult to recreate in a new building — generous proportions, architectural details and a sense of history that give them a distinctive character.
We have enjoyed working on a range of properties with lots of history, from Victorian terraces in Bristol and London to rural Cotswolds cottages. Much of our interior design work involves rethinking the layout and introducing contemporary elements, while working with the existing architecture and traditional features.
WORKING WITH THE EXISTING ARCHITECTURE
We start by looking closely at what is already there — the proportions of the rooms, structural elements, original features and the way the spaces connect.
We consider how the character of the building can inform the design, including the quirks and imperfections that make it distinctive. Sometimes that means retaining an unusual opening or awkward corner, or allowing an original feature to shape the new scheme.
Working with an older property often involves navigating planning requirements and working alongside architects, planning consultants and heritage officers, particularly where a building is listed or located within a conservation area. Understanding these considerations early on helps us identify what can be changed, what needs to be retained and where there is scope to introduce something new.
MAKING MODERN LIVING WORK
The way we live at home has changed. Kitchens have often become more social spaces, while expectations around storage, bathrooms, utility spaces and everyday practicalities are very different from when many older houses were built.
Adapting an older house means finding ways to accommodate these needs while building on what is already there. That might mean opening up a connection between rooms, creating more useful storage or reconfiguring the layout. Equally, retaining a degree of separation can make a house feel more intimate and allow individual rooms to have a clearer purpose.
The balance lies in understanding how the house needs to be lived in now, and making thoughtful changes without losing the qualities that made it special in the first place.
BRINGING OLD AND NEW TOGETHER
New additions do not necessarily need to look traditional to belong in a historic property. We introduce contemporary materials, finishes and furniture alongside what is already there, choosing them to complement rather than imitate its character.
The way these additions meet the existing architecture matters. The depth of a joinery panel, the junction between new and original flooring, or the profile of a trim can make a contemporary intervention feel considered and entirely appropriate to its setting.
Colour also plays an important role. We draw on the history and character of the house, while responding to the natural light, proportions and atmosphere of each room. Rather than relying on a prescribed palette, colour is used to reinforce the qualities of a space and create a sense of continuity throughout.
The aim is not to make an old property feel new, but to create an interior that belongs naturally within its surroundings. Original character, contemporary design and the practical needs of modern life can all sit comfortably together.
