Period features come in many forms, from Victorian ceilings to Edwardian tiling – and despite the popularity of minimalist design, homes with character charm will always be in style. Unfortunately, in many older properties these features have been neglected over time or fallen victim to poor cover up attempts as tastes have changed over the years. It’s key when renovating your property to take a sensitive approach to restoring these features. With some mindful planning you’ll be able to bring back their original magic or apply a modern twist to blend the old and new.

If you own a period property, it’s wise to first check its status and what renovations you can make, as listed buildings or those in conservation areas will require careful design and planning. We have just received planning consent for a listed building on behalf of our client in Lambeth. Our expert team have experience with all types of planning applications. Listed building consent is notorious for being difficult to obtain, as the council are particularly keen to preserve the original architecture and heritage of the building. We submitted a heritage statement and design & access statement alongside our application which is critical for the success of a listed building application. The modifications include the addition of internal glass doors, the addition of a bathroom, the addition of a utility room and in-built wardrobes for extra storage.  

Common features we find in homes include original fireplaces, these may take a little detective work to uncover as they can often be hidden behind modern facades or boarded up entirely. We’ve covered a variety of ways you can make the most of your fireplace, but it is wise to have the integrity of the chimney stack checked and the flue inspected if you’re looking to restore for use. If you would like to authentically restore your fireplace reclamation yards and auction sites can be a great way to find original parts, though modern wood burners are often substituted for a touch of the new.

Original flooring is another gem that is often uncovered in older properties. In SW18 the owners of a beautiful Victorian terrace were able to salvage the original wooden floor – which with a little TLC saved them thousands they had expected to spend on materials and labour reflooring the property. With any sort of original wood, from floor to beams, it’s essential to check for any signs of thinning, warping or woodworm to ensure no problems down the line.

 Statement tiles can also be found in many Victorian properties, we find these get a love/hate reception from many but can make a wonderful feature if correctly restored.  It’s important to check for cracked, chipped or missing tiles and to spot signs of damp or mould that could cause problems. Victorian tiles don’t utilise grouting, so you’ll need to assess the integrity of the flooring and hit those reclamation yards in the hopes of finding replacement tiles if needed. Caring for these tiles can be another challenge as they are prone to damage and may encounter a build-up of paint or dirt from previous owners less enamoured by their distinct style.

Whilst these are only a few of the many wonderful features we’ve come across in period properties, we are always excited by the unique challenges presented when renovating a home with character. If you’re looking to extend or refurbish a property but worry about losing these features, speak to our team about the many solutions we can offer when designing with Home Tales. Give us a call on 02070432378 or contact us via email at hello@hometales.co.uk. Alternatively, click here to book a free telephone consultation via our live diary.