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Hi, I'm Louise, an interior designer and blogger passionate about period homes.
Dedicated to preserving the charm and character of period homes, I originally started blogging to inspire period homeowners to update their homes sustainably without losing the history of the building.
The Period Interior is where you’ll find everything about period homes. I’ll be writing about old buildings, architectural styles, share the stories behind them, and take you on a journey visiting period homes around the country. And hopefully, there will be loads of inspiration for those wanting to update their own period home!
I hope you'll enjoy following along...
Louise
Are you planning to Decorate, Restore or Renovate your Period Home? Read this first!
Tips for Period Homeowners
Buying Vintage & Antique at Auctions, Fairs, and Markets
Over the years, walking hundreds of fairs and bidding at more auctions than I’d like to admit, I’ve learned a few strategies that make the hunt both more effective and more enjoyable. Here’s how you can source beautiful, enduring pieces - without the overwhelm or the costly mistakes.
How to Look after Natural Stone
There is a lot of misconception that it’s not practical to have natural stone in your home. However, having been used in buildings for centuries, there is no denying that natural stone is built to last. With the right care and attention, it can also look beautiful for years to come. Being able to restore, repair and recycle stone also means that it is a great choice for anyone looking to build with sustainability and longevity in mind.
The Victorian House in America
There isn't just one style of Victorian architecture in America, but many different design styles, each with its own recognisable features.
How to Maintain the Character of your Period House
Before restoring original features in a period house, it is essential to understand what was in place originally.
The Tudor House
As timber was the most popular building material for houses, Tudor houses often featured exposed timber framing filled with wattle and daub.
Period Home Bookshelf
It's no secret that I love books, especially those about period homes and design. Here is a list of books I'd recommend...
The Charm of Historic Windows
Recently, while doing research for a client, I came across an article on the care and repair of historic windows published by Historic England in 2014. “Windows are the eyes of a building - they let in light and give views out - and profoundly affect its appearance. In addition, traditional windows bear witness to the artistic, social, economic, and technological developments of past ages. Their design and detailing were influenced by contemporary architectural fashion, and r
Painting Dado Rails & Picture Rails
One of the distinctive elements that contribute to our love of period homes is the architectural features. The art of painting them is...
Micaela Sharp talks about Sustainable Upholstery
As upholstery forms such a big part of what we do, I asked Micaela to talk to me about her passion for upholstery
The Georgian Fireplace
If you're lucky enough to inherit an original Georgian mantelpiece, it definitely deserves careful restoration and preservation.
10 Tips for Lighting your Period Home
How to layer your lighting to light your period home In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary ...
Edwardian Interiors
Read how the Edwardians needed individuality, flexibility and informality from their homes and they aimed to create a cosy homeliness.
Interior Design Style - Chinoiserie
Image source Allyson McDermott
Chinoiserie was a style entirely invented by Europeans.
Regency Interiors
Looking at how interiors changed during the Regency
Indian Chintz in English Interiors
Before the 16th century, patterned cotton textiles were totally unknown in Europe. The story of chintz in Europe began in the 17th century..
A Quick Guide to Picture Rails
A picture rail is not just a decorative moulding, it has a very specific purpose and, just as the name suggests, it is used to hang pictures
How to Add Character to a New Build
Image source @ashbrooklocationhouse By sourcing fireplaces from reclaim yards, eBay or auction houses you can add an instant sense of...
Victorian Interiors
As with the Georgian Interior Style, Victorian style didn't consist of only one interior style.
The Georgian House - Floors
Early Georgian wooden floors were mostly made of oak, but many households had to use inferior woods as oak was expensive.
What is Lincrusta?
Lincrusta has been called "the ultimate wall covering" and has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years.
Georgian Interiors
Looking at different styles during the Georgian period The Georgian and Regency periods in England span the reign of four consecutive King Georges, from the accession of George I in 1714 until the death of George IV in 1830. The Georgian style didn't consist of only one interior style; the interior fashions changed throughout the century and included four main artistic styles: Palladianism, Rococo, Neoclassicism and Regency. Entrance Hall at the 18th Century Tremayne House in
Interior Design for Period Properties
I was recent ly invited by The National Design Academy to write a g uest post on designing for heritage homes. Image Credit: Little Greene Paint Whether listed or unlisted, the architectural details and charming quirks of period properties make them unique, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming to make design decisions. It is very unusual to find a period house without any of the original details and it can become tricky to decide what to keep, add or get rid of when workin
Allowing your walls to breathe
If you live in a period property, it's important to understand how the building works and how the moisture is managed. The walls of your her
Interior Design Style - Rococo
The Rococo style is sometimes referred to as Late Baroque and is famous for being exuberant, feminine and light with a gilded elegance.
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