1. Respect the Architectural “Bones”
The character of a property often lies in its original features. Before you start ripping out walls, identify the elements that define the era.
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Restore, Don’t Replace: If you have original cornicing, ceiling roses, or picture rails, do everything you can to save them. If they are damaged, specialist plasterers can “run” new sections to match the original profile.
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The Fireplace Focus: Even if they are no longer functional, original fireplaces are the heart of a period room. If yours were removed in the 70s, consider sourcing reclaimed Victorian cast-iron inserts or marble surrounds that suit the property’s age.
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Skirting and Architrave: Modern, slim skirting boards look out of place in a room with high ceilings. If you must replace them, choose “tall” profiles that mirror the original woodwork.
2. Master the “Broken-Plan” Layout
Modern living often demands open spaces, but completely gutting the ground floor of an older home can make it feel like a sterile box.
| Feature | The Modern Approach | The Character Solution |
| Walls | Removing all internal walls. | Using Crittall-style glass partitions or double internal doors. |
| Flow | A single massive room. | Creating a “snug” for quiet evenings while keeping the kitchen-diner open. |
| Light | Large bifold doors. | Using slim-frame bifold doors or French doors that mimic the height of period windows. |
Top Tip: Keep the original “front room” (the parlour) as a separate, formal sitting room with its original proportions. This preserves the traditional “feel” of the house entrance while allowing for a modern extension at the rear.
3. Flooring: The Foundation of Character
Flooring is one of the most impactful ways to bridge the gap between old and new.
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Sanded Floorboards: If you have original pine floorboards, sand and seal them. A dark oak stain can add a contemporary edge, while a clear matte wax keeps the look rustic and authentic.
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Minton Tiles: If you are lucky enough to have original encaustic tiles in the hallway, cherish them. If they are missing, high-quality replicas can reinstate that “grand entrance” feel.
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Modern Transitions: When moving from an old hallway to a new extension, use a “threshold strip” in a matching timber or brass to create a deliberate and stylish transition between the eras.
4. Lighting: The Invisible Moderniser
Lighting is the quickest way to make a period home feel modern without touching the structure.
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Layer Your Lighting: Older homes often suffer from a single, lonely pendant light in the centre of the room. Introduce architectural lighting—downlights to highlight a feature wall, floor lamps for task lighting, and LED strips inside alcoves.
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Statement Pendants: Don’t be afraid to hang a contemporary, minimalist chandelier from an original Victorian ceiling rose. The contrast creates a sophisticated, “designer” look.
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Smart Switches: Replace clunky white plastic switches with period-style toggle switches in brass, bronze, or brushed chrome that hide modern smart-home dimming technology.
5. Windows and Energy Efficiency
This is the biggest hurdle in the UK. Older homes are notoriously “draughty,” but uPVC windows can ruin a period façade.
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Sash Window Restoration: Instead of replacing timber sash windows, look for specialists who can retrofit slim-line double glazing into the original frames. This maintains the look while significantly improving thermal efficiency.
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Shutters over Curtains: Plantation shutters are a fantastic modern addition that feels “at home” in a period window. They offer privacy and insulation without obscuring the window’s shape.
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Cast Iron Radiators: Replace modern panel radiators with traditional cast-iron models. They hold heat for longer and look like a piece of furniture rather than a utility item.
6. The Colour Palette: Bridging the Gap
Modernising doesn’t mean everything has to be grey.
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Heritage Colours with a Twist: Use traditional paint brands (like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene) but choose their bolder, deeper pigments. A deep navy or forest green on original panelling looks incredibly modern when paired with light oak furniture and metallic accents.
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Consistent Woodwork: Painting all your woodwork (skirting, architrave, and doors) in the same colour as the walls—a technique called “colour drenching”—can make a traditional room feel instantly contemporary and much larger.
Modernising a period property is about informed contrast. By treating the original features as the “stars” and the modern additions as the “supporting cast,” you create a home that is both comfortable for today and respectful of the past.
