Period Properties... Know your Georgian from your Victorian
When renovating a period property it can be difficult to determine which features are original, and which are later additions. To help you decide which character features to retain, we've highlighted the key design elements of significant architectural periods from the 12th - 20th century.
Gothic
(1150 -1550 and revived in 19th century)
Gothic Style
Ornate and heavily patterned
Features To Retain
Arches
Stained glass
Beams
Large imposing fireplaces
Flag stone floors
Get The Look
Red, gold, blue and stone colour palette
Decorative ribbing
Wrought iron and brass metal work
Oversized oak furniture and barley twist details
Georgian
(1714-1837)
Georgian Style
Light and elegant with Roman and Greek influences
Features To Retain
Floorboards or pale stone floors
Dado height wall panelling
Intricate mouldings
Sash windows and shutters
Niches and alcoves
Get The Look
Pair floorboards with oriental rugs
Delicate furniture
Pastel colour schemes of pea green, mauve and pink
Victorian
(1837-1901)
Victorian Style
Eclectic and excessively ornamental
Features To Retain
Polished floorboards
Encaustic tiles (often found in hallways)
Deep skirting boards
Ornate cast iron fireplaces
Roll top bath
Get The Look
Rich colours such as ruby red, forest green and dark blue
Patterned carpet
Flock and damask wallpapers with large bold foliage patterns
Heavily upholstered furniture
Edwardian
(1901-1910)
Edwardian Style
Lighter and more informal than Victorian, with art nouveau influences
Features To Retain
Polished wood block floors (parquet)
Fireplaces with iron or copper hoods and decorative tiles
Lincrusta (embossed wallpaper)
Get The Look
Pastel colours such as primrose yellow and lilac
Floral patterns and chintz!
Tiffany lighting
Bamboo and wicker furniture
Art Deco
(1908-1935)
Art Deco Style
Angular shapes and bold colours, influenced by early Hollywood glamour
Features To Retain
Checkerboard floor tiles
Polished parquet floors
Bold, rectangular concrete fireplaces
Get The Look
Bold colour schemes including black gloss
Angular, geometric shapes
Chrome, glass and mirrors
Highly polished wood, satin and fur
