The Evolution of Heritage Home Design: A Journey Through Time
- Written by Scene Magazine
Vintage items and historical elements may convey a tale for modern homes. We've compiled a few suggestions below and talked with heritage home designers about how to properly combine old and modern.
- Fall in love with preowned artwork
Whether purchased at a flea market or handed down through generations, antique artwork can add flavour to any environment, especially one embracing heritage home design. Pictures play a significant role in a room's visual identity, from pastoral landscapes that create feelings of serenity to realistic portraits that seem to stand proudly on the wall.
For a modern style, concentrate on one or two important items in a room and let them breathe. Looking for a statement? Keep an eye out for larger pieces or those encased in an antique gold frame to provide a pleasant contrast to a more contemporary setting.
- Is this the original fireplace? Make it the main focal point
An original fireplace in a home doesn't just serve as a source of warmth; it acts as a centrepiece, bringing character and charm to any room. The presence of an original fireplace is a luxury that epitomises the ideal balance between aesthetics and functionality. Even when unlit, it adds a layer of comfort and warmth that is both tangible and psychological, making any space feel more welcoming.
The historical significance of an original fireplace cannot be overstated; it serves as a tangible link to the past, telling stories of old architectural trends and the lives that unfolded around it.
Marble fireplaces, with their elegant and timeless designs, add a touch of sophistication that can easily blend with both contemporary and traditional décor. The natural veining and colour variations in marble make each fireplace unique, acting as a work of art that can elevate the overall design of a room.
On the other hand, hardwood surrounds offer a warmth and texture that is incomparable. They can serve as the perfect foundation for the room's decor, allowing homeowners to build and layer different elements in the space, from modern art to classic accessories. The versatility of hardwood enables it to be stained or painted to match any interior design scheme, making it a flexible option for those looking to highlight their fireplace as the main focal point of the room.
- Upgrade your look with repurposed accessories.
Repurposing accessories and furniture is not just an eco-friendly choice but a creative way to inject new life into items that may seem outdated or worn. This approach not only saves money but also allows for personal creativity to shine through, giving old pieces a new purpose and a fresh look.
Upcycling is particularly effective for wooden furniture, which can be transformed with a little imagination and some specialty paint. Whether it’s a vintage chair that needs a new lease on life or a worn-out cabinet that could use some colour, the process of upcycling can completely change the appearance and vibe of a piece
The beauty of repurposed accessories lies in their uniqueness and the story they tell. Each item becomes a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects the owner's personality and design preferences. This practice encourages sustainable living by reducing waste and promoting the re-use of materials. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to experiment with different styles and techniques, such as distressing, stencilling, or decoupaging, to create truly bespoke items. In a world where mass-produced furniture is the norm, repurposed pieces stand out for their craftsmanship and originality, adding depth and interest to any home decor.
By focusing on these strategies, homeowners can not only create visually appealing spaces but also build environments that are rich in history, personality, and sustainable practices. Whether it's making a fireplace the centrepiece of a room or giving new life to old furniture, these approaches offer a way to design unique and inviting spaces that feel both personal and timeless.
- Make use of difficult nooks and crannies
Older houses have more peculiarities in their design than newer ones, so if you have a spare nook or strange corner, don't underestimate its potential. Accept the strange proportions and make good use of the excess space, such as creating a breakfast pantry or converting a surplus box room into a separate reading and relaxation area. Decorate these places with a lot of colour to make them more appealing and trendy.
- Mix old with modern
Purchasing antique furniture is not an exact science, but that's what makes it enjoyable. Think of your area as layered, and you'll have no trouble expanding (and changing up) your collection over time.
In an increasingly homogeneous world, having a one-of-a-kind house is satisfying. Purchasing old items may bring depth and character to your room via their workmanship and narrative, thus provenance and quality are quite crucial.
- Make unique features the stars of the show
Period homes often include architectural characteristics, so make the most of them and create a focal point. For a modern design that is firmly anchored in the past, strip your room down to its bones (think original flooring and exposed brick) or paint woodwork in a contrasting colour to the wall.
Keeping the major elements of your colour palette bright can help your area seem fresh. If you live in a new home but want to add some vintage elegance, try installing cornices or ceiling roses.
- Purchase some new items (and make them work for you)
Sanitaryware is often something that is best purchased fresh, whether because it is less expensive or just makes greater practical sense. A bathtub and a vanity basin unit, for example, both must be functional. That's not to say they shouldn't be lovely.Pair soft materials with metal to create a vintage ambience in the bathroom..
- Accept traditional prints (as long as they are timeless)
Traditional prints, such as chintzy flowers or magnificent damasks, might seem old if not employed appropriately in a space. However, do not be afraid to use themes, since they have the ability to give a space character. The idea is to not allow them to dominate while keeping the remainder of the room reasonably tranquil – engage a professional residential painter and decorator to help bring your final look together.. Choose a design in a shade that complements the rest of the décor and choose for a really timeless pattern.
- Collect items that you will treasure forever
Preloved accessories and other little vintage pieces are easy to locate and may serve as ornamental decorations. After all, often the smallest details are the most important. Instead of purchasing a new vase, go through a charity or secondhand store for something with a history, or purchase a handcrafted item that will become a future treasure.