Living and breathing Victorian interiors, buildings and history
You probably think of dark painted doors and skirtings when you picture a Victorian interior. However, white painted woodwork became a style statement in the late 19th and early 20th century. Many Victorians painted their bedrooms' woodwork white to complement their lighter decor. White also didn't harbour dirt like darker colours, which was important in... Continue Reading →
Victorian exterior paint styles and colours were very different to today's plethora of white and grey UPVC. Many people also assume that the Victorians only painted their windows and fronts doors in dark colours - including black. This was not the case! Here of my six top tips which dispel the 19th century exterior paint... Continue Reading →
Whether you want to recreate your period house's original feel or add some character, there are a few key ways to bring back the Victorian interior style to your home. There were certain style features that prevailed in most Victorian homes, whether it was a humble cottage or grand country house. Here are 7 tips... Continue Reading →
Have you ever tried dating antiques in your collection or in a junk shop? It can be hard to work out what era an antique or vintage item was made, particularly when there are many fakes and reproduction in the mix! I’ve been into antiques now for 20 years. I’ve made many mistakes and have... Continue Reading →
You may be lucky enough to find old remnants of historic wallpaper in your period house. But how old is it? Historic wallpaper is difficult to date. Fashions go round in circles and styles had many revivals over the centuries. What comes around goes around Dainty floral and striped designs of the early 19th century... Continue Reading →
I’ve recently bought a ‘new’ Victorian brass and iron bed and the experience has been a real eye-opener. These are not rare objects. However, I found sourcing the right antique bed one of the most difficult purchases I’ve ever made! So many old beds are either in poor condition, messed about with or are so... Continue Reading →
Many people assume I live like a Victorian with no modern conveniences like a TV, central heating or a fridge freezer. I couldn’t think of anything worse! It’s cold enough living in a Victorian house with central heating, so I’d hate to survive without it! Beside, life is too short not to make the best... Continue Reading →
Forget the pandemic - 2020 was the year of the Victorian cast iron range for me. I tend to be quite faddish with home restoration projects. On a mission, I decided to pull out both ranges that I installed in 2004/05 in early 2020. Little did I know I would spend the next six months... Continue Reading →
It's all about the design hierarchy in a period house. So if you've ever been tempted to install the same doors and handles throughout your period house - naughty naughty! Ultimately, this is a very modern approach and will reduce the character and authenticity of your period home. A hierarchy of design should be evident... Continue Reading →
Stepping into the National Trust-managed Mr Straw’s House in Worksop is like stepping back to 1923. As previously outlined in my blog post on Victorian and Edwardian houses to visit, this is my favourite such place and I have drawn so much inspiration from its internal features and décor in my own restoration. The house... Continue Reading →
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