We create home extensions that are tailored to our clients’ requirements and come in all shapes and sizes. A kitchen extension in London improves the functionality of a space, oftentimes allowing for the addition of a dining and living area. If you prefer to retain some of the traditional features in your property while undertaking a renovation, we can absolutely help bring your vision to life.

Some homeowners are tempted to preserve original features in their house as they view it as a beautiful piece of history. These are fantastic when paired with a modern interior, as the traditional features become statement pieces that can be hard to replicate. Aspects of the original build can be well-preserved, but in other cases where the property has seen a lot of wear and tear, they may need replacing.

Chimney breast

We have found that a commonly preserved traditional feature is the chimney breast, which is either still working as an active fireplace or has been repurposed. Keeping the original fireplace in action is a pricey venture that can lead to cold draughts; therefore, electric and gas fireplaces have become more common. Even if the fireplace is no longer in use and the chimney stack is knocked back, homeowners still love the look of a decorated chimney breast. Some stack books, logs, or shelves in this cavity, while others place their new electric/gas appliance here to create a safer faux fireplace.

When keeping the original chimney breast along with its trimmings and hearth, it is important to clean it regularly, so the existing material does not disintegrate. It should be checked for safety by a professional, who will test for dangerous leaks. When keeping the entire chimney stack, make sure to install flue liners that prevent the build-up of smoke.

Sash windows

A feature you will most likely see on every old street is sash windows. These are windows that slide up and down, traditionally by pulling on a rope that hangs by the side of the opening. There are 2 main types of sash windows in the UK, Georgian and Victorian, with the Edwardian style being introduced more recently. Georgian sash windows have glazing bars that have multiple panes of glass within them. Victorian sash windows are similar, but rather than multiple panes, it has 1 or 2 big panes of glazing. This means Victorian windows have less obstructions and allows more daylight into the property. Edwardian sash windows enjoy a mix of both styles.

When retaining sash windows there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the windows must be checked for any damage, including rot, mould, or gapping. 25% of heat lost from homes are through poorly insulated windows, so it’s important to adequately seal any cracks and gaps. Sash windows are notorious for their susceptibility to cold draughts, but there are sealants and draught-proofing materials on the market to tackle this, including spray foam insulation. These windows must be cleaned regularly and repainted every 3-4 year to prevent the original timber from deteriorating. Add some shutters to provide better security and to further prevent draughts. Oil the frame and its hinges to allow it to open smoothly, as we know how annoying it is when a sash window gets stuck.

If the original window is in an unfortunately irreparable condition, it can be replaced with an authentic replica with modern materials. This is a great option as you can also add double or triple glazed panes all at once.

Decorative mouldings (rose, architrave, corbel)

Traditionally made of plaster, decorative mouldings such as a ceiling roses or cornices are sometimes overlooked by a new homeowner. During the renovation process, we have found clients stripping out all the ornamental plasterwork because they are unclear on their value. Prior to modern technologies, plaster mouldings were made to enhance the look of a room and create a beautiful transition between the wall and ceiling. They are incredibly valuable. These took a lot of time and skill to make and were very fragile, as they were even vulnerable to vibrations. Therefore, polyurethane and timber mouldings were created to provide an accessible option on the market.

The problem with these modern-day mouldings is that they tend to look far too perfect. If a homeowner is concerned with the historical character of their property, the imperfections in plaster mouldings are a piece of history that they would want to retain. This outlives most furniture and textiles in a home and is an art that should be restored when possible.

When dealing with traditional mouldings, it’s important to maintain them by cleaning them regularly. Dust within its crevices can be dislodged with a long soft paintbrush on the end of a vacuum cleaner. Old paint jobs should be stripped away with careful treatment. If the design is far too complex and delicate, a specialist may have to take over, possibly creating a matching replacement with plaster. Finally, restore any missing chunks with the help of a specialist, and finito!

Original tiles

Ripping back an old carpet to reveal the original Victorian or Edwardian tiles is equivalent to finding treasure. These tiles are a beautiful piece of history that may have been laid over a century ago and can cover floors or walls. Homeowners that dislike the look of the tiles have resorted to covering them with carpet or laminate flooring as it is costly to remove them. Fortunately, this makes the original flooring salvageable.

If the property is very old, the flooring may be made up of traditional encaustic floor tiles. This is an unglazed, matt ceramic tile that gets its colour from the natural hue of the clay used. They are laid without grouting, meaning they are butted next to each other. Traditional tiles were not sealed, but nowadays there are sealant products available specifically for unglazed floor tiles. It is best to wax and seal interior tiles and leave exterior tiles bare to prevent frost from forming.

If the tiles are unable to be restored, they may sadly have to be replaced. Luckily, there are modern day replicas available for this exact issue, or there is the option of replacing the whole look of it entirely. Consider painting over the original tiles with any colour to suit an interior.

Looking to renovate your London period property? We would be happy to discuss your prospective home project with you. We can be contacted on the phone at 02070432378 or via email at hello@hometales.co.uk. Alternatively, book a telephone consultation by clicking this link where you can pick a time that best suits you.