There are countless benefits to buying a new build property, but one major grievance is that they lack the character of the older home. Thankfully, there are several ways you can rectify this when you arrive at the decorating stage. Period features are easy to blend into a modern interior and they don’t necessarily have to cost too much either. Here are four tips for incorporating old décor into the modern home.
Flooring
Carpets are comfortable and they make a room feel warm, which is great for a living room or a snug, but it doesn’t have to be the only type of flooring on the property. Lots of olden style flooring suits hallways, kitchens, stairs, external walkways, and bathrooms so it’s worth checking out some options. To really get into the period theme you can even source Victorian style floor tiles to add a splash of yesteryear either outside or inside the home. A floor needs to be durable, easy to clean and maintain, and able to withstand a load of heavy traffic so tiles are actually a viable option instead of softer fibre style carpets and similar.
Fireplaces
New homes are less likely to have fireplaces installed because there are multiple alternatives that provide cleaner energy and more efficient heat, and don’t have the same carbon cost as olden style fuel sources. However, you can install a fireplace without having to use it as an actual method of heating your property. A mantle and hearth are two things that will immediately make the room feel like a snippet of the past and they are useful for presenting small features such as candles and trinkets too.
Ceiling Details
When you think of a period property, one of the first things to come to mind is probably the ceilings. Intricate detailing, eye-catching corner pieces and ceiling roses are three simple ways to make your modern home have olden character. These are tasks that require a certain skillset, but the final result will give you what you’re looking for.
Vintage Furniture Finds
Vintage furniture can date back as far as you like. The antique furniture market is full to the brim with period pieces and beyond that add a sense of history into any room. Common pieces include chests of drawers, dressers, drinks cabinets, writings desks and more. It is also an option to adapt brand new pieces like sofas to make them feel more authentic and dated by changing up the upholstery and replacing it with an old-fashioned pattern. Pair this with a traditional Persian style rug, some candelabras and a brass light fitting and the room quickly becomes a version of styles gone by.
Final Thoughts
A new build does not have to be a barrier to purchasing your dream house. The layout, modern construction benefits and security of having a building that is brand new and fit for purpose are not easily replaced or reproduced if you decide to buy an old home instead. So, the middle ground might just be in how you decorate and furnish instead.
