Renovating a period property is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. It can feel like an immense privilege to reveal and restore the original features that make period homes so desirable. It can also be incredibly daunting. Fear of getting things "wrong" or not being completely faithful to the time period can lead to decision paralysis and your renovation stalls.
One area that homeowners typically struggle to renovate is the entrance hall. It's an often overlooked area that can be neglected in home renovations. But get this area right, and you'll set the expectations for the rest of the home.
A hallway should be inviting, practical, welcoming and easy to maintain. You want to make a strong first impression when visitors set foot in your home for the first time.
Your decor choices start before a person even steps foot in your home. A fresh coat of paint on your front door will help to set the tone for the rest of the home. Trending colours for front doors include mossy greens, warm blues and playful pinks.
Make sure you include period features on your front door, including a traditional brass knocker and letter plate.
A popular feature in period properties is the ornate tiled flooring in the hallway. Hallways are typically small spaces that can become dull and drab without a focal point. Patterned tile floors are not only beautiful, but they are also practical.
They're easy to keep clean since they can be easily swept and mopped. But they also conceal small spots of dust or dirt beautifully, so you'll be forgiven for not keeping your entranceway spotless.
It is often the smaller details that bring a period property together. Light switches, plug sockets, door hardware and door knobs need to offer visual cohesion. Opting for bronze, copper or brass fixtures will instantly upgrade a period property and bring cohesion to the space.
We stock a wide range of vintage door knobs, handles and ironmongery that will provide the perfect finishing touches for your home. These are the often overlooked period features that can really tie a space together and set the theme for your home.
Choosing the colours for your hallway can be stressful, but as a general rule, light colours will help to make the most of the limited light available. Hallways can become dark and dingy with the wrong paint choice.
If you are determined to use darker shades, consider using this as an accent colour. You can paint your skirting boards or stairs a darker colour to create visual impact.
Carefully placed mirrors will help to give the illusion of a much larger space and also bounce the limited light around the entranceway. Look for ornate vintage styles with decorative frames to help tie together the look.
If you are decorating on a budget, you can create a larger mirror by painting the wall behind a darker colour and using mirror tiles. This will create the illusion of a window pane mirror, which is actually very in keeping with the period style. Large mirrors and window panes were very expensive and difficult to make, which is why period windows are more likely to feature small panes of glass joined together with lead cames.
Your hallway will have limited floor space to work with, which is why floating shelving units offer practical storage solutions that won't get in the way. Keeping the floor free from clutter will also help you to keep the space clean and welcoming.
Floating shelving units can provide storage space for coats, hats, gloves and dog-walking bits and pieces that you want to keep close to hand. You could also choose antique school coat hooks that will keep everything organised and in order.
Looking for the perfect finishing touches for your home? Our collection of period and vintage home accessories will help you to achieve your dream restoration. We faithfully reproduce vintage and period styles using traditional manufacturing methods, allowing you to enjoy stunning designs with premium quality.
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