Who doesn't love the look of a Victorian pantry in a country house or museum. But is a pantry or larder a practical solution for storing your food items? Let's be clear from the outset, I’m not influenced by the likes of Kirsty Allsopp who bleat on about the benefits of their pantry! Many of... Continue Reading →
Victorian patchwork – make do and mend
Victorian patchwork was the original form of recycling so finding a new use for your waste is nothing new. One of the things I love about the Victorian period is their hate of waste and making the most of what they had. We could all learn a lot about their penny-pinching ways! We’ve all heard of... Continue Reading →
Edwardian bathroom – top tips for getting the look
The simple no-frills Edwardian bathroom is a timeless design classic that endures to this day. It is surprising that bare white, functional spaces aren't the preserve of the modern minimalist home. White painted walls and simple fittings are key Edwardian features which are easy to replicate in a bathroom today. I'm going to briefly outline... Continue Reading →
Historic paint analysis – uncovering period paint colours
Ever wondered what paint colours were originally used in your period house? Historic paint analysis may be able to help. You may be lucky enough to have traces of early paints schemes under wallpaper or inside later cupboards. They can give you tangible clues on what your house once looked like in days gone by.... Continue Reading →
Top ten Victorian house interiors to visit
Here's my top ten Victorian house interiors to visit! One of my favourite pastimes is to visit museums and stately homes and I’m an avid National Trust member. Many of the places I’ve visited have been truly inspiring and have given me a real insight into the Victorian and Edwardian home. This ranges from a... Continue Reading →
Restoring an iron fireplace – to strip or to paint?
Restoring an iron fireplace can be a joy. However, there's the dilemma of whether to freshen the fireplace up or strip and black lead it if it's painted. What is black lead I hear you ask? It’s basically a black liquid stove polish that protects the iron against rust and gives the fireplace an even... Continue Reading →
Period house restoration – four ways to do it
Have you ever regretted a room makeover as soon as you've put the paint tins away as I have during my period house restoration? Yes, we’ve all been there. Sometimes the colour just isn’t what you imagined or it doesn’t suit your room. Over time we also want a change or a different look. I’m... Continue Reading →