Home and Garden

Exterior Design Tips For Period Properties

Period properties are so popular because they have a lot of character. But if you buy an older property, it is likely that you will need to do some work on it, which can be difficult. When you are renovating a period property, it is so important that you maintain all of the original charms of the property while also updating it at the same time, and that is a fine line to walk. A lot of people struggle with the exterior, in particular, because they want their home to look great from the outside but they also want to maintain the period design. The good news is, you can have the best of both worlds.

Here’s how to design the perfect exterior on period properties. 

The Roof 

Choosing the right material for the roof is essential when designing a period property. There are a lot of great modern roofing materials that offer durability and protection from the weather, but the aesthetic doesn’t always fit. If you really want a traditional look, you could consider a thatched roof, but that can be a bit of a nightmare practically speaking. The best option, if you want to extend the life of your roof and still maintain the period style, is slate. Some people are cautious about using slate because they assume that it’s going to be very expensive, but the roof is one area where you cannot afford to cut corners. If you shop around, slate can be affordable and it’s incredibly durable, plus it fits perfectly with the period style and doesn’t take away from the charm of an older property. 

House Siding 

When you are trying to decide on which home siding to use, you have to be very careful. Anything that is too modern will clash with the rest of the home and ruin your beautiful period property. However, you also need to make sure that you choose something durable enough to withstand the weather. Fiber cement is such a great material to use and cement homes look great. You get the traditional look that you are after, but also the benefits of using a very durable modern material that is resistant to rotting and holds up well against the weather. 

The Windows 

Many period properties use large wooden sash windows, which are such a great feature, but they are not the most practical. It is important that you keep the windows as they are because they are one of the main features of a period property, but you should consider a modern alternative. Maintaining wooden windows is difficult and they are prone to rotting when they get wet. But you can get some great reproduction sash windows made from uPVC, so you still get the same great look, with windows that are better insulated and easier to maintain. 

The Front Door

Your front door is the centerpiece and the focal point of your home, and a door in a beautiful period style can look absolutely stunning – just imagine it styled up with a traditional holly wreath at Christmastime, or adding a cute welcoming door mat, or even dressing either side of it with pillar candles in storm lanterns for a special occasion. If you want the security and draft proofing a modern door brings, look for composite doors from a company that specializes in residential door replacement and source vintage fittings online, like an old iron door knocker, to dress it up. You can have the best of modern comfort and still maintain an authentic vintage look if you combine designs in this way.

Designing the perfect exterior for a period property can be tough, but if you follow these simple tips, you can get the perfect blend of modern and classic. 

 

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