Was it the high ceilings, ornate plaster work, and elegant bay window that made you fall for your home? Perhaps you couldn’t resist the charms of beams and an inglenook fireplace. Or maybe it’s the architectural details of another period that created an irresistible pull. Whichever features you’ve inherited in your property, Shutterly Fabulous have put together our favourite tips for making the most of their character.
Introduce Depth With Rich Colour
Period interiors thrive on colour with character. While neutrals provide a beautiful base, deeper tones bring warmth and a sense of heritage to a space.Think oxblood, burgundy, wine red and deep berry shades introduced through accents rather than wall-to-wall colour. Cushions, upholstery, window dressings or even a statement armchair can all add richness without overpowering original features .Balance these deeper hues with warm neutrals, stone finishes or soft off-whites to keep the look elegant and enduring.
Let beams stand out
If original beams are a feature of any of your rooms, don’t let them fade into the background. Painting the surrounding walls and ceiling white or stone colours can make dark beams a more prominent feature. And if yours is a small room with a low ceiling, pale walls will help open up the space. Make sure other decorative features don’t stand in competition either. Simple furniture shapes that tone with the beams and a rustic-style floor covering leave the original features to do the talking.
Frame Original Windows, Don’t Fight Them
Original windows are often one of the most striking features of a period property – yet they’re frequently hidden behind heavy or ill-fitting dressings.
Instead of disguising them, enhance them. Shutters are a natural partner for period windows, whether that’s tall Victorian sashes or elegant Georgian bays. They sit neatly within the recess, emphasising the window’s proportions while providing practical light control and insulation.
Tier-on-tier shutters work beautifully, offering flexible control over light and privacy while keeping window frames clean, considered and architectural. For a more traditional look, solid shutters are equally at home in period properties. Historically favoured for their insulating qualities and sense of privacy, solid panel shutters were a defining feature of many Georgian and Victorian interiors and remain a timeless choice today.
Paint mouldings
Dado and picture rails are elegant features of older homes, and the right paint is an easy way to accentuate them. Using white is one way to do it – try contrasting this with a charcoal or deep green or blue on the rest of the wall for a contemporary look. Alternatively, use the same shade below the dado and above the picture rail with a coordinating colour in between, as shown here. Like a more traditional look? Try painting the picture rail and above in white.
Pick out panelling
Don’t let wall panelling be an unremarked feature of a period home. Colour is the perfect remedy to make it a statement in the room. Try a jewel-like blue, as here, which looks spectacular teamed with gold accessories. Alternatively, go for a dark and dramatic shade and team with a sofa or armchair in a bold colour. After a softer effect? A gentle grey will emphasise the panelling’s detail and marry the old and new in a room perfectly.
Restore the path
Original tiles can become damaged and dirty over time but restoring them to their former glory is the perfect way to emphasize a home’s historic credentials and even add value to your home. If the tiles have gone missing or broken over time, it’s easy to find historic designs to bring back the period style that’s been lost. Take a peek at the paths of neighbouring homes if you’re not sure what yours would have looked like. The same goes for inside the hall. Have a look under the carpet and you may be lucky enough to find original encaustic tiles that can be restored and cleaned.
Focus on the fireplace
Original fireplaces are fabulous focal points, so even if yours is no longer used, it’s worth making it a central feature. Dressing the mantelpiece is one way to help draw the eye. Hang or prop a generously sized mirror and add some decorative accessories. Balance rather than symmetry is the way to go for a modern look – and be sure not to overcrowd the area. Stacked logs can fill an empty hearth, as can candles, but make sure they’re big enough or they’ll look lost in space. And remember to lay a rug in front to help make the fireplace the main event, or follow this room’s lead by painting eye-catching stripes in front.
While we can’t fix your front tiles or restore your fireplace, at Shutterly Fabulous we specialise in all things shutters. So, if you want to get the most out of your Georgian bay window or your Victorian casement needs a makeover, book your free in-home survey today. Your local Shutter Specialist will be happy to lend their expert advice and help you get the most out of your home.