How to Design a Period Home Without Losing The Plot (Or Your Patience)
That Feeling of “Where Do I Even Start?”
If you’ve ever stood in the middle of your sitting room wondering whether to paint the fireplace, rip out the built-in cupboard, or just move house entirely – you're not alone.
When it comes to designing a period home, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction. You want to keep the charm, make it work for real life, and still have it feel like you. But the fear of getting it wrong, of spending money on the wrong thing, losing the character, or choosing something that jars with the rest of the house – is very real.
This post is for you if:
You love your period home but aren’t sure how to work with it
You’ve been stuck in Pinterest purgatory for months
You want to avoid expensive mistakes and feel confident in your choices
Period Homes Need a Different Approach
You probably already know this, but a two-up two-down from 1900 isn’t going to behave like a new-build. The layout is different, the light behaves differently, and the features – those lovely covings, fireplaces, picture rails – they weren’t just decorative. They served a purpose.
The problem comes when we try to impose modern design rules on homes that weren’t built with open-plan living, bi-fold doors, or greige walls in mind.
Period homes have:
Characterful layouts – alcoves, bay windows, high ceilings
Original materials – floorboards, plaster cornices, old radiators
Defined zones – rooms were designed to do one job, not five
It doesn’t mean you can’t update them – it just means the updates need to be considered.
A client’s hallway leading into the open-plan kitchen, dining room.
Step One – Understand What You’ve Got
Before you start changing anything, you need to know what you're working with. That means understanding the era of your home and what period features it’s hanging onto – even if they’re a bit battered.
Why It Matters
When you know what’s original and what’s been added later, it becomes much easier to decide what’s worth keeping, what to restore, and where you’ve got more freedom to modernise.
For example, a 1930s home might have:
Picture rails
Crittall-style windows
Internal doors with lovely brass handles
Floor tiles in the hallway
Understanding the story your home is telling helps you write the next chapter – instead of scribbling over the whole thing.
How to Research Your Home’s Era
Start here:
Historic England for architectural guides
British Listed Buildings if your home is listed
Ask neighbours – many homes were built as part of a wider estate
Look at the roofline, windows, and fireplaces for clues
Step Two – Mistakes That Cost More Than Money
You know that sinking feeling when you walk into someone’s period home and it just doesn’t feel quite right? Chances are, one of these mistakes has crept in. Let’s avoid that.
Stripping it of Character
Removing original features – skirting, architraves, fireplaces – often makes a room feel unfinished, even if you can't quite put your finger on why.
Choosing The Wrong Modern Additions
Spotlights everywhere, high-gloss kitchen units, and chrome fittings can clash with more traditional materials. It’s not that modern is bad – it just has to be done well.
Forcing an Open-Plan
Knocking down walls can seem like a good idea, but it can ruin the flow and proportions of a home designed with separate rooms in mind.
Ignoring The Light
Older homes were built to work with natural light. The aspect matters. So do the curtains.
Being Too Safe With Colour
Period homes often suit deeper, richer tones. Pale grey can feel flat, especially against older timber or aged plaster.
Image taken from Pinterest.
Step Three – Get the Balance Right
The goal isn’t to turn your home into a Living Etc photo shoot. But it also isn’t about white-washing the lot and trying to make it something it isn’t.
What To Keep
Fireplaces
Original doors
Timber floors
Cornicing and picture rails
Any stained glass (even if the colours aren’t your favourite – we can work with that)
What To Update
Lighting (always!)
Wall colours – especially where you’ve got odd patches or previous attempts at “modernising”
Joinery – consider bespoke storage that complements existing details
Fixtures – think unlacquered brass, porcelain, or matte black over shiny chrome
Image Borrowed From Pinterest.
Step Four – Stop Guessing, Start Planning
If you’ve been adding things to your basket and never hitting checkout, you’re probably in decision fatigue. Totally normal. Especially when the stakes feel high.
Here’s what helps:
A clear layout plan – before you buy a single piece of furniture
A defined colour scheme – one that works across your whole home
A considered shopping list – edited by someone who understands period design
Guidance – whether it’s a one-off call or full design package
A Real-Life Example
I worked with a client in a 1900s Farm Cottage who felt totally stuck. She loved the bones of the house but didn’t know how to make it feel like hers.
Together, we:
Restored the original flooring
Added wall panelling to complement the cottage’s age,
Created a layered lighting plan
Used warm neutrals and heritage greens for depth
The result? It feels calm, cohesive, and completely “her” – not like something plucked off Pinterest.
The Mood board created this E-Deisign project.
A Quick Recap (For the Skimmers)
Understand your home’s era and what’s worth preserving
Avoid trendy updates that fight with period features
Blend traditional charm with modern touches intentionally
Plan your space properly before you start
Don’t go it alone – support makes a huge difference
Ready to Design with Confidence?
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start designing a home you actually love living in, here are a few ways I can help:
Download my free guide: ‘Before You Pick The Paint…”
Book a 1:1 Consultation to talk through your plans, get feedback and advice.
Explore my E-Design Service for a full, guided transformation.
