Fashion, design trends and technology have all been adapting and transforming over the years. As the decades roll by, every period leaves a legacy that remains today. From the bustle dresses and gloves of the beginning of the 20th century to the bell-bottoms and leather jackets of the 70s right until modern times, these trends stir nostalgic feelings even in people who weren’t around in that time.
Those same feelings are roused when it comes to home improvements. And the nostalgic aesthetic of a period home is undeniably beautiful. There are countless ways to modernise your period home, but what about injecting a period-style flair to any home? We’ve collected a few home improvement ideas to help you do just that.
The Victorian period was between the middle of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It’s a time synonymous with architecture. Architects were free to experiment with a variety of styles, evolving and building on the Georgian era and utilising new techniques including integrating steel into their creations. Some of the most prestigious examples of this period are the Natural History Museum and The Houses of Parliament, both in the nation’s capital. The British empire had a global presence in the 19th century, spreading the Victorian style internationally. Famous global examples include the Brooklyn Bridge in New York and St Peter’s Cathedral in Adelaide, Australia.
Interesting fact: Dining rooms in early Victorian homes were often built in the basement. They believed that sitting in the dark aided digestion.
With the industrial revolution still in full swing, the Victorian period saw a housing boom. Millions of Victorian houses are still prevalent around the UK to this day. Some of the primary characteristics of architecture from the Victorian era were high ceilings, the use of complicated, asymmetrical shapes and the presence of decorative trim. The Victorian conservatory style pays tribute to the period with its faceted front, clean lines and decorative roof trim.
The 1930s is a decade most notable for its high unemployment rate and the onset of the Second World War. However, in homes throughout the country there was an amalgamation of influences with the introduction of the Art Deco style; a radical new movement sweeping across the globe. The Art Deco style, especially in architecture, placed importance on the use of geometric shapes. Notable Art Deco buildings include the Empire State Building in New York and the Battersea Power Station in London.
Interesting fact: In 1939, 27% of the UK population owned their own home. This is compared to around 65% in 2017.
1930s front doors generally featured a small section of stained glass that was symmetrically patterned. Typically, the doors were traditionally produced from wood, with the glazed section located towards the top of it. Luckily, technology has come a long way since those days. The development of multi-point locks and multi-chambered profiles have made modern considerably more secure and energy efficient than their predecessors.
Orangeries were originally used to protect fruit trees in the colder months and was largely a symbol of wealth and prestige. The concept originates from the Renaissance gardens of Italy, which emerged in the late 15th century. An orangery is largely constructed using stone or brick and maximises the amount of natural light in the room. The idea swept across the continent, arriving on British shores in the early part of the 18th century.
Interesting fact: The earliest surviving orangery is at Kensington Palace, which was built in 1704-1705 for Queen Anne.
Other famous examples of orangeries can be found at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Hampton Court. Modern orangeries can add more living space to your home and are designed and tailor-made to your exact taste and requirements.
The prelude to the Victorian period, the Georgian era began in the early part of the 18th century. In the time, Britain established itself as one of the dominant global powers with its expanding empire and becoming the world’s first industrialised nation. Many of the grand palatial Georgian buildings were characterised by their brick or stone and square symmetrical shapes. Some examples of building from the period are Somerset House in London and The Circus in Bath.
Interesting fact: Indoor toilets were first developed by the Georgians. They were basically just pots hidden in cupboards. Eventually, the flushing toilet would be invented by Alexander Cummings in 1775.
One of the peculiarities often associated with homes from this time were bricked-up windows. This is due to a Window Tax that was imposed in 1696. The more windows in a home, the more affluent the residents. Savvy homeowners bricked up some of the windows in the home to slash the tax rate they had to pay. Instead of bricking up your windows, opting for sliding sash windows would give your home the true aesthetic of a Georgian or Victorian property.
No matter which architectural period inspires you, the experts at Budget Windows are guaranteed to design the perfect product that pays homage to it. We have a proud history installing home improvements throughout Hertfordshire and North London. For more details about any of our product range, including windows, doors and glazed extensions, give us a call 01727 832 333 or get a quote online today.
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