‘Small interior design details’ that add value to period homes

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Boosting the value of your home is an easy way to ensure a greater profit if you do decide to sell it, while also increasing the level of equity you have in the property. Drastic renovations in the form of extensions and conversions are one way to increase its market worth, but when it comes to older homes, it can be just as effective to focus on the “smaller details”. An antique expert has shared exactly what to do to “add appeal” to you period dwelling.

Start from the ground up

Embarking on the journey of improving your property can be tricky – particularly if you live in a large house with lots of space. However, according to Owen Pacey, antique expert and founder of fireplace specialist Renaissance London, it really is as simple as starting from the bottom.

He said: “A key way to spot a true period property is by looking at the floor – wooden flooring is a must-have to add appeal to your property. When sanded these can look yellow, but a wash helps tone this down.”

Herringbone, parquet and rustic oak are all common designs found in older homes, and if you’re lucky enough you’ll have the authentic materials still intact around your home. A deep clean, buff and polish are generally all you need to revive tired wooden surfaces, or you can invest in full sanding and refinishing for damaged flooring.

If you’re in the market for new flooring but don’t have the budget to replace solid wood, faux alternatives like laminate are worth looking into.

 

Make walls look taller

Vast rooms with attention to detail from the skirting boards up to the ceilings are typical of Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian homes, but they can look much less impressive without some simple upkeep.

Owen said: “Many people remove the ceiling and wall treatments such as covings, ceiling roses, dado rails and architraves, but these elements are a huge trend appearing in both period properties where it’s already existing, and in new-builds where homeowners are adding these features.”

Period features like ceiling roses often need a bit of effort to revamp, with many of them having hundreds of years worth of paint and plaster over the original details. However, according to an expert at My Builder, this can be easily removed using a product called PeelAway – or something similar.

Taking the time to make these classic elements stand out can work wonders on the overall appearance of a room – in particular the height and shape of a room.

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Enhance historic character

A quick refresh of other historical attributes in your home is also worthwhile if you want to bolster its value while also adding extra appeal to potential buyers

Owen explained: “Much of what is special about an old building is tied up in the multitude of small details. Looking out for features such as radiators, coving or beams, and enhancing or reinstating them where possible, can add real value.

“If you don’t maintain focus on these, you’ll find much of the character and charm disappears. Aim to mould your design plans around the house.”

Keeping elements intact even in homes with more modern decor can add an edge to the building that new build properties simply don’t have.

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Owen added that while focusing on the finishing touches of the interior appearance is important, functionality is equally as valuable.

He added: “If opting for new cast iron radiators in a period property, ensure the functional part – ie the valves, are just as desirable as the main event.

“The same applies to light switches: go for the best you can afford, which not only look good but are a joy to touch and use.”

Simple touches like switching plain white fittings to black, copper, gold, brass or bronze can all elevate the historic-feel of a house without breaking the bank. 

Add traditional features

Working on improving the unique features your home does have is one way to add value on a budget, though the payoff from adding new period-style items can be just as rewarding.

Whether it’s adding details back in that had previously been removed, or including a modern take on a traditional feature, Owen noted that it is a worthy investment if you have a larger budget.

He explained that a fireplace is one of the most impactful elements to consider, adding: “Even if you live in an area where you can’t light an open fire, installing a fireplace creates a focal point for a room.

“I recently installed an ornate style in a contemporary home in central London, next to a simple 60s sofa and French oak parquet flooring, it looked incredible. “

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