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 →
The Victorian brass and iron bed – a history and a restoration
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 →
Modern conveniences in the period home
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 →
Cast iron range – all fired up and ready to cook
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 →
Design hierarchy – the golden rule of period interiors
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 →
Mr Straw’s House – A step back in time
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 →
Antique lighting for your period home
Struggle to find the right antique lighting for your old house? You’re not alone! If you’re like me, you want lighting that’s practical yet faithful to your house’s history. I've discussed the lengths you can go to restoring your home in a previous blog post. I developed a passion for antique lighting when I moved... Continue Reading →
Linoleum – the Victorian wonder product!
Linoleum was the wonder invention of the Victorian period and led the way for the vinyl flooring we know today. Unlike vinyl flooring today, homeowners up until the 1960s didn't just use linoleum in kitchens and bathrooms. The middle and working classes also fitted the product in bedrooms as it had antibacterial qualities. This was... Continue Reading →
Victorian blue – the use of blue in 1900 interior decor
When most of us think of ‘Victorian colours’ browns, darks reds and greens spring to mind, but not blue. Even The Victorian Society's book on 'The Victorian House' (usually very spot on!) said: 'Very few blues are evident in the Victorian colour cards that survive, which suggests that blue was not extensively used in the... Continue Reading →
Victorian kitchen – bring the best bits into your period home
What comes to mind when you think of a Victorian kitchen? Knick-knicks, dark colours and fussy details? Not something you want in your kitchen, eh? However, whilst this was the case in Victorian living spaces, in domestic areas such as the kitchen this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it was often the... Continue Reading →