How to create the ideal period-property scheme

Interior designer Ceri Rocca of The Style House shares her advice on creating the ideal period-property scheme.

According to Rocca, period properties can often present a dilemma when it comes to interior design, with homeowners torn between preserving the building's sense of history and injecting their own individual style.

One of the most important things to consider when working on an older building is whether or not the property is listed.

If it does have listed status, this places hefty restrictions on alterations and homeowners who fail to comply with the rules can face prosecution.

It is, therefore, important to check out the rules and regulations before carrying out any major work, particularly if it involves structural changes.

A major challenge for anyone looking to alter the interior of a period property is how to combine traditional features with more contemporary elements of design.

A modern interior is certainly not something that should be avoided and, in some respects, it even helps to emphasise any original interior features of the property.

If the homeowner opts for a more up-to-date theme, it is often suitable to pay subtle homage to the history of the home.

This may be through pieces of artwork or even the use of patterns that were popular at the time.

Many items of furniture are based on period pieces and can make a focal point in a modern interior; homeowners can consider items such as Edwardian roll-top baths with chrome feet or Louis-style chairs covered in various fabrics.

The heart of many period properties is a traditional fireplace.

Rocca suggests that if the fireplace is repairable, the homeowner should try and keep it intact in order to retain an original focal point.

If the fireplace is beyond repair, however, he or she should take time to seek out a suitable replica.

It is worth setting aside a healthy percentage of the budget to invest in a quality reproduction fireplace in order to pay fitting tribute to the original.

Coving and skirting boards are also dominant features in many period properties, which many homeowners are often keen to preserve.

For clients who have purchased an older property and found that both have been repainted several times over the years, resulting in a loss of definition, Rocca advises using specialist products to help strip back the paint.

Alternatively, homeowners can contact specialist contractors for advice.

Many paint and fabric manufacturers carry heritage lines, which will help homeowners to capture the colours and patterns of different eras, while specialist antique dealers will be able to help track down items of period furniture.

However, clients may find this a rather expensive approach, so they can always look for bargains at auction houses, antiques fairs and even car-boot sales.

Particular care must also be taken when it comes to windows and thought should be given as to how any alterations will look from both the inside and the outside of a property.

While UPVC double-glazed windows may seem practical in terms of preserving heat and lowering utility bills, they can look completely out of place in a period house, resulting in a clash of styles.

Rocca always recommends keeping any sash windows to maintain the integrity of the building and some window manufacturers offer discreet double glazing created especially for traditional sash windows.

Floorboards are replaced fairly frequently, not only as a result of wear and tear, but also because of necessities such as laying pipes and cables.

As a result, homeowners may find that the look of the floorboards is far from what was originally intended.

Modern replacements can look out of place, so clients should take time to seek out something more authentic - specialist traders offer reclaimed original floorboards.

While they take a lot of effort in terms of polish and wax, the end result is worth it.

Regardless of the scale of the project, homeowners should take time to research the period of the property.

They should also take advantage of the design books available at local libraries.

Various websites offer detailed advice on the different historical periods.

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