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A Bespoke Blog

Maxine Hayter

Older Homes

There used to be an unwritten “rule”, that you can decorate a home up to it’s age, but no older; that was probably when people had defined spaces - living room, dining room (parlour… that may be dating  Maxine a little bit).


These days, working from home, and open rooms by removing walls, the guidelines are less defined, but there are considerations in older homes.

 

Insulation 

If you search “problems with older homes” this is always on the list. Older builds don’t always have the best insulation - small windows and lots of stone/ brick, with thin gaps between the inner and outer core. Or overly tall windows, that create a cold space when you are nearby.


Old window settings

Oh my word, have you ever measured a window space in an older home? Less square, more parallelogram (or rhombus, if you are of an age… again, thank you Maxine)


Light

Another result of smaller windows, light can often be a premium.


Uneven Floors

Does this matter? Yes, if you want your curtains or blind to the floor.


Window shapes

Arch tops, portholes, overly large bay windows. Beautiful features, expensive to dress.

 

There are many solutions depending on the problem/problems you are dealing with.

If you want traditional - curtains and roman blinds are a great solution - sitting them outside a window recess solves the uneven shape problem, has a position impact on insulation, and (if installed correctly) can help de-emphasise your uneven floor. Sitting the outside a recess also allows you to draw/ lift them off the window completely, maximising your light when you want it.


Curtains: full length curtains in an older room decorated in duck egg shades.

 

If more modern is your style: roller blinds seamlessly cross the age line, offering a sleek, uncluttered look to any window, whatever the size.


Fabric choices can help you create a cosy space. Using wool, linen or cotton base cloths (we can even offer you a Harris Tweed range - it looks superb on sash windows and/or bay windows) helps achieve that time-honoured feel.


If you want a more modern feel, plain fabrics come in hundreds of shades to suit the mood you want to create.


Roller blinds - if more modern is your style: dark roler blinds in a retro room.

If your windows are overly tall, we can offer bottom up blinds, for privacy when you want it, whilst still enjoying natural light from the top. Don’t forget the majority of window treatments can also be motorised - ideal for tall windows, and bay windows that house a sofa or chair. No climbing here.

 

Real wood blinds or shutters are classic window treatments. Durable and sturdy, they add warmth to a room with their subtle textures, grain patterns and colour variations. They also beautifully complement wood flooring or stained wood trim often found in older homes.


Real wood blinds or shutters are classic window treatments - warm looking room with white window shutters.

 

The key is to  make sure you enjoy your home. Older homes might be a little more work, and need a bit more consideration but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. Older homes come with character, are often very well built, and were definitely built to last .


Why not talk to us about your plans, and see what you can achieve. Age is only a number!

 

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