Period properties have enduring appeal and one of the main reasons is their original features, which add value and look lovely.
However, they weren’t always so prized – many period houses and flats have had their original features removed or covered up. The good news is, you can restore them to their former glory with some time, money and effort. Similarly, if you have a modern home that lacks personality, there are plenty of ways to make it into more than a bland box.
Fireplaces add character, give a room a focal point and, if they’re functional, are a practical addition to reception rooms. eBay is a great place to find fireplaces of all styles, including period and reproduction ones. While some are expensive, many can be picked up for very little money.
Period flooring, whether stone or wood, can be expensive if you’re buying reclaimed originals, but there are alternatives.
Modern wooden flooring comes in many different forms, including engineered wood and bare tongue-and-groove floorboards, although it will never have the charm and character of original wooden flooring.
Stone is easier to replicate – modern encaustic tiles are very similar to Victorian ones, for example, and some companies specialise in laying them in intricate designs that match original ones. This is a fantastic way to create a stunning feature that will never go out of fashion.