Living in a period home can be a very rewarding experience, with such homes often having a unique charm and a sense of history that can be missing in a modern property. From ornate fireplaces to decorative cornices, period homes often showcase a level of craftsmanship and architectural artistry that reflects the era in which they were built. However, maintaining and preserving these historical elements is essential if you want to ensure that the unique character of your home is not lost over time. In this post, we go over some useful tips to help you preserve the historical elements in your period home.
Restoration vs Renovation
If you’re looking to upgrade your period home, understanding the differences between restoration and renovation is an important starting point. Restoration refers to the process of returning a property to its original condition, often using traditional materials and techniques. However, this can limit the functionality of your home, restricting you in terms of the amenities and comforts that can often be found in many modern homes.
On the other hand, renovation can involve a much larger scale of work that can transform the feel and function of a home. This might include extensive works such as altering the floor plan and even incorporating new fixtures. However, if taken too far, renovation can also erase some of the charm and character of a period home. Thus, it is important to strike a balance between the two when it comes to upgrading period homes.
Common Historical Elements to Preserve
At the same time, there are also certain historical elements that are common across various period homes and it can be a good idea to identify and preserve these elements early on. Some of these elements include:
- Timber Flooring: Many period homes feature hardwood floors that can develop a beautiful patina over time. Preserving these elements can enable you to retain a home’s historical character.
- Fireplaces: Decorative fireplaces are another key feature that can be found across many period homes. These tend to be great focal points in living spaces or main halls and are therefore often worth restoring.
- Decorative Plasterwork: Plasterwork such as decorative cornices, ceiling roses and archways are hallmarks of traditional period homes. These intricate details often elevate the aesthetic appeal of a home and adds a rustic charm, making them ideal historical elements to preserve.
Upgrade Your Period Home with Australian Heritage Homes
Australian Heritage Homes are the number one period home builders in Melbourne and we have been serving the home building needs of the local community for decades. Whether it is designing and building heritage homes from scratch or upgrading the functionality of a classic period home without affecting its style, we’ve got the skills necessary to do it all. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out more about how we can help you with all of your home building and construction needs!
