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5 Design Trends for Your Period Home

By Period Extensions Team,

As we enter a new year, we’re seeing a host of new styles and trends pop up across home design. While some of these styles may be fleeting fads, there are a number of enduring trends that we believe will stand the test of time. These are the design styles that are perfect for incorporating into a period home renovation or extension.

When renovating a period home, the focus should be on achieving a happy balance of heritage design features and modern elements. This approach allows you to pay homage to your home’s period charm, while achieving a functional design that supports every day living.

Keep reading to learn how you can incorporate five of the top design styles into your period home.

1. Curves and Arches

 

 Soft curves and architectural arches are set to be big in 2024. When used correctly, this style can add a touch of softness to your home, while beautifully framing prominent elements of your design. This trend has been popular on and off over the years, which means many period homes already feature curves and arches that simply need a little love.

Depending on the era of your home, you might look to restore arched hallways or architraves or create rounded walkways between living spaces. You could then incorporate arched windows in a modern extension to tie the style together through the home. Design-wise, you could opt for a curved benchtop in the kitchen, arched mirrors in the bathroom or soft sculpted furniture in the living area.

2. Sustainable Choices

 

Sustainability and circular design practices continue to dominate architecture and design. As this trend evolves, the focus is shifting to conscious selections, waste reduction and quality over price. One way you could choose to apply this trend into a period renovation is by reusing heritage features from your existing home. For example, stained glass windows could be repurposed and moved from a cramped hallway into the bathroom or original timber beams could be restored and turned into a bespoke furniture piece.

Rather than repurposing materials, you might choose to lovingly restore existing elements like wood-panelled kitchen joinery. With a sander and a few coats of paint, you can transform your existing cabinetry while retaining the heritage style of your period kitchen.

3. Biophilic Design

 

Biophilic design, or design that brings the outdoors in, is a great way to create a calming and restorative feel in the home. Whether you’re increasing natural light, adding plants to your indoor living spaces or utilising natural materials like wood or stone, you’ll find biophilic design boosts your mood, sparks creativity and reduces stress.

A vertical garden is one of the best ways to achieve a biophilic home design. Not only does this add an eye-catching splash of colour, it’s a great way to improve air quality and even reduce noise. Alternatively, you might opt for a heritage-style water feature in the hallway to add a spa-like quality to your home or employ a heritage colour palette of muted greens, soft blues and earthy browns to remind you of the outdoors.

4. Smart Technology

 

 The smart home revolution isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and if you haven’t embraced this technology yet, 2024 is the time to do so! Of course, when working with a period style, you need to be wary that smart technology doesn’t take away from your home’s heritage charm.

Start simple – change the lightbulbs in your statement chandelier to smart bulbs so you can control them remotely or via voice activation. You could also invest in custom-built joinery that houses modern appliances. Having televisions, microwaves, kettles and speaker systems built into remote-controlled cabinetry will help you achieve a heritage look while retaining all your modern comforts.

5. Natural Light

 

 Natural light never goes out of style, but with a greater focus on biophilic design and integrated indoor-outdoor living, it’s never been more important. Many period homes are dark and closed concept, but with a clever renovation or extension, you can add an abundance of natural light to make your home feel brighter, warmer and more welcoming.

Maximise natural light by opting for an open-floor plan and merging your kitchen, living and dining areas. Rather than fixed doors, have open, arched walkways or sliding doors that can be fully opened or closed. Within modern extensions, large windows will help to encourage natural light, while skylights add warmth and light to internal spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms.

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At Period Extensions & Designs, our skilled Design and Build team is ready to transform your home with expertise in incorporating various design styles into your period home. Reach out to us today to embark on your home transformation journey.

CategoriesHome Extensions Period Homes

Sustainable Options for Period Home Extensions

By Period Extensions Team,

When you choose to restore and extend a period home, there are sustainable choices you can make as an owner when going through this process with your builder. Instead of building new, you’re able to give new life to an existing home that has been built with unique character and longevity in mind.

However, not all period homes are made equal, nor are they built to last forever with no maintenance. However, an extension will breathe new life into the property and can future-proof it for years to come.

The good news is you don’t have to give up on your sustainable ambitions when considering a period home extension – there are a number of options that are kind to the planet, without compromising on style. Here are just a few of our favourites.

Reuse and recycle

When undertaking a period home extension, it’s worth establishing if there are any materials from your existing home that you can salvage and repurpose with your new design. You will save on costs as you won’t have to buy new; prevent materials going to landfill and add character to your new addition. Some materials can be re-used in some way – whether it’s timber flooring that’s repolished and re-laid or windowpanes that are carefully removed and re-added into the new design somewhere else. Recycled materials don’t need to come from your existing home either – recycled steel and timber are both available in the residential construction market.

Buy local

If you can’t use existing materials, you could look to source sustainable materials in your period home extension. This could mean incorporating sustainably sourced timber, cork, concrete or even bamboo. Where possible, it’s best to also consider the supply chain of each material. By opting for Australian-made materials, you can reduce the ecological footprint and support local businesses – a win-win!

Opting for sustainable options doesn’t mean compromise either – businesses like Colorbond steel create affordable and eco-friendly products that are durable, modern and easily recycled at the end of their lifecycle. However, it is important to do your research – look for official certification, recyclability and eco-friendly production methods for the green tick of approval.

Natural resources

Australia is a ‘sunburnt’ country, so an option could be taking advantage when extending your period home by introducing solar panels. If your home has the right roofing, you can install panels that capture the energy of the sun and convert this into electricity that powers your home, potentially reducing your energy bills. You may even want to take the chance to convert all your gas appliances into electric ones, so that eventually, you will have minimal energy bills.

While we may have plenty of sunshine, water is a finite resource. Consider choosing water-saving taps, showerheads and toilets.

Purposeful window design

Window selection is another way you can choose sustainability in your period extension. Well-located windows can introduce natural light, encourage cross-ventilation and even contribute to passive solar heating, helping to keep your home warm in the winter.

The thickness of glass also plays a part – double-glazed windows reduce heat loss by 30% when compared to single-glazed windows, helping to regulate the internal temperature of your home. If you are installing double-glazed windows with your extension, but your existing property only had single-glazed, consider replacing the glass of the existing windows to maintain energy-efficiency.

Passive heating and cooling

When extending a period home in a sustainable way, it’s essential to consider the movement of the sun, ensuring that the extension or addition receives the maximum amount of sun in the winter. This will result in a more comfortable temperature year around, without the need for artificial heating and cooling.

While we can’t adjust the orientation of a home, there are ways to manage and mitigate exposure, including the use of double- or triple-glazed glass in windows and doors, strategic shading and the installation of new insulation. These will all make a clear difference to your home’s comfort levels and energy bills!

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To get started on your period home journey today, contact us on (03) 9882 5255.

What Features Add Most Value Period Home
CategoriesPeriod Homes

What Features Add The Most Value To A Period Home? 

By Period Extensions Team,

What Features Add Most Value Period Home

What attracts most homeowners to period homes is their unique character and historical interest. Period homes are beautiful all on their own. So the key to period home renovation is not to change the look but to protect its design and structural integrity, improve their quality and enhance their functionality. 

During the planning stage, it is vital to list down the unique characteristics and features that you will protect and highlight and figure out which ones you can repair or replace. Unlike new buildings, it is crucial to consult building professionals like architects, designers, and engineers when renovating period homes.

Renovations must be done right in order for your period home to function and look good. We have come up with a list of features that will add more value to your period home when renovating. 

Enhancing And Highlighting Historic Details

Period homes are known for their historic details most of which are small items that were hand-made. These are details that we often overlook nowadays. Repair, protect, and enhance these details and highlight them so you can wow your guests. Some of these period home renovation ideas can include sprucing up historic features such as the following:

  • Hand-carved staircase handrails or balusters. Period homes are rich in artistic handy work that you can hardly find in new builds today. Highlight this feature by sanding, varnishing or repainting them to make them pop out and become a conversation piece when guests come over.
  • Red brickwork. It is easy to make bricks look new again. Just get them cleaned up and repair broken ones. A good waterjet cleaning can easily make those red bricks look like new again.
  • Vintage cladding and timbers. You will find old cladding and timbers at the top of a period house, like a mock-Tudor cladding. Get them cleaned and repainted to highlight their beauty.
  • Parquetry wood floors. Old wooden floors are great features even for modern houses. If you have parquet wood floors in your period home, highlight them by sanding and polishing. Do not cover them over with carpets. 
  • Big wooden beams. Keep the ceilings exposed and feature your wooden beams. Paint the walls and ceilings with white or bright or earthy colours to highlight the wood.

Historic character and the tiny details are what gives the period home its charm and character.

What Features Add Most Value Period Home

Adding Energy-Efficient Features and Systems

There are many factors that cause a house to not be energy-efficient. This is common with period homes especially. 

Fix cold walls. Cold walls can be caused by many things. Older walls may be damp causing the walls to become cold.

This could also be as a result of the following:

  • Faulty gutters and inadequate downpipes
  • Poor drainage
  • Cracked cement
  • Paint
  • Higher ground levels
  • Poorly detailed flashings
  • Drip mouldings

Fix badly fitted doors and windows. Eliminate gaps and secure the fittings properly. 

Upgrade insulation. Replace your insulation. That usually does the trick when it comes to retaining heat and keeping the cold out during winter, making the home more energy-efficient.

Improve suspended timber floors. Consult your engineer on how to remedy this issue. It should help keep your floors from getting too cold easily.

Install energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures. Updating your appliances, furniture, and fixtures is a major must-do to get your period home to become energy-efficient. Watch your electric bill go down as you do so.

What Features Add Most Value Period Home

Make Exterior Home Improvements

  • Gates and Railings – remove gates and railings and make way for a wider and more spacious pathway towards the entrance of the house. Install some pretty garden lights to create a feature.
  • Garden – landscape the front lawn and garden to beautify your frontage. A beautifully curated front garden adds a lot of value to the property and also adds to the overall aesthetics.
  • Insulate and Repaint the Roof. Clean, fix, repaint, and insulate the roof. It not only helps make the home more energy-efficient, but it will also give it a new look.
  • Repair or Replace the Windows. Replace rotten window frames. Change the paint colours to make them look new.
  • Repaint or Replace the Front Door. Make a great first impression and turn heads by making sure your front door stands out.

There are many ways to add value to your period home. The secret is keeping things simple and not overdoing it. If you are unsure what to do and how to do things to improve your home, contact us at Period Extensions & Designs.

We have been delivering award-winning designs and renovations for period homes all over Melbourne. Let’s help you get your dream home to come to life!

Whether you need help with the design or the actual renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

Modern Extension Ideas Period Houses
CategoriesPeriod Homes

Modern Extension Ideas For Period Houses

By Period Extensions Team,

Modern Extension Ideas Period Houses

Building an extension on your home is not an easy project. Adding new space to an already existing structure can be challenging. It is even more so when the original structure is an old one. Period home extensions are one of the hardest projects to do. Some of the materials used in the original structure may no longer be available or applicable.

The best way to add an extension is to use modern materials and add a contemporary space. This is also a hard feat. Imagine blending the old with the new. That can’t be easy, right?

We understand the struggle to mix a modern extension into a period home. The things we see on TV do not always apply especially when you do not have an unlimited budget, time and space.

With this in mind, let us help you! We have come up with a list of modern ideas that can work well with your period home.

Go For A Stark Contrast

Most homeowners tend to hide the fact that the new space is NEW. They try to imitate the original building hoping that it will pass as part of the original structure. The end result is usually a cheap imitation that does not give justice to the period home. 

Instead of imitating the old structure, go for a completely opposite design. Add a modern extension that will pop out and stand out. By doing so, you will not only make the modern extension shine, you will also elevate and highlight the beauty of the old structure. This way, there is a clear difference as to where the old building ends and the new one begins.

Modern Extension Ideas Period Houses

Industrial Concept

It may seem like an unlikely mix but adding an industrial touch can work well. Exposed metal beams and corrugated sheets can make a good look for a contemporary space that will define the difference between the modern and the old. Dark greys, black and all-whites can add drama to the whole property.

All-Glass

An all-glass extension is a refreshing way to bring in the outdoors and brighten up the whole place. Most period homes do not have big windows and are often dark. An all-glass room can bring in more light, more air and more space.

Timber Frames

Using wood and timber frames will not just look good aesthetically, it is also practical. Building extensions can put a strain on the foundation of the period home. Period homes are not designed to take on additional weight from additional structures.

By using timber frames and building it as a self-supporting structure, you can avoid causing damage to the original building and at the same time, achieve a modern but rustic look that will be the envy of your friends and neighbours.

Modern Extension Ideas Period Houses

Go For All Black Or All White Extensions

If your period home is made of bricks or a certain type of colour, adding a dramatic all white or all black extension is a great way to highlight the new space and define the original home. This way, you preserve the integrity of the design of your classic home while achieving your new modern space. It is the perfect blend of the new and the old.

Before you take on a modern extension project, be sure to consult with a structural engineer or an architect. Older buildings are delicate so you need to check with the experts if building an extension is feasible. And if so, they will recommend an extension that will complement and will not cause any damage to the existing period home.

Do not forget to set a strict budget with some wiggle room for delays and minor mistakes, set a timeframe and pick the right tradespeople to work with you. Juggling a strict budget with high-quality work can be achieved with proper planning and project managing.

Do you want to build a modern extension to your period home but do not know how to start? Period Extensions & Design is an award-winning expert in period renovations and extensions. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life. 

Whether you need help with the design or the actual extension and renovation itself, please call us today at Period Extensions & Designs on (03) 8658 1340 or contact us through our contact form.

white house with picket fence
CategoriesPeriod Homes

5 Colour Schemes to Consider for Your Period Home

By Period Extensions Team,

As we’ve already discussed in our longer guides to period home renovation, colour is essential. If you want to keep the charm of a period property, you should never go over the top with intense shades and hues.

With that considered, what are some of the best colour schemes to use for typical period properties? Some period homes are more practical than they are visually stunning. Therefore, it makes sense to give aesthetics a helping hand. Here are some ideas to get started with.

white house with picket fence

Whites and Greys

Going for whites and greys is a safe option. These are the most neutral shades, and what’s more, they can help to bring out a lot in a property. If you aim to stay loyal to a period design, you may wish to draw attention to features with simple, neutral touches.

Black and Dark Colours

It may seem a bit daring to use dark colours in period homes. However, these shades can help add to the sophistication and depth of your property. When used sparingly, darker shades can bring out some of the brighter tones in fixtures and fittings, too. It’s a great choice if you don’t want to be bold with your home design.

Pleasing Blues

Blue is one of the most popular colour choices for properties. However, you should be careful about the shade and depth you opt for. Too bold, and it will clash with furniture and other features. Too mild, and it won’t leave any impact at all.

Discuss your options with an expert in period home renovation. They will help you find shades of blue which are pleasant, complementary, and which won’t distract attention.

Going Green

Green is a brilliantly versatile colour. That is, of course, when used in the right way. Bold, deep greens can help to evoke feelings of nature. However, too sharp a green can clash with even the most neutral of fittings.

Green isn’t always going to fit in well with practical period homes. However, it may help them stand out for the better. As with blue, think about using muted shades. Don’t leap headfirst into imposing, striking greens unless the period demands it. Again, an expert will help you pick the right tone.

Browns and Coppers

Brown is a colour which has plenty of great uses. It evokes natural images, again, which will work well with modern upgrades to period homes. It is also the colour of many metals. That means you can complement metal touches in your home with copper colours, moving into orange and terracotta as you wish.

Picking Your Palette

Ultimately, the colour scheme you choose will depend on the period of your home. It’s time to think about period home colour schemes which stand out in a good way. However, it is also worthwhile honouring your existing features and fittings.

Don’t go into period home renovation alone. Let our experts lead the way for you with brilliant colour schemes and ideas. Call us today on 03 9882 5255 to learn more.

period home living room
CategoriesPeriod Homes

Period Homes: A Quick Guide to Style and Architecture

By Period Extensions Team,

Many of the period homes that you’ll see around Australia are replicated after American and English historical homes. To a trained eye, it is obvious what era a particular period home is modelled after, but for most people, this is not easy to tell. When it comes to creating your own period home, narrowing down the exact look that you want to replicate can be tricky.

period home living room

In this post we are going to take a look at the different kinds of period homes styles and architecture of  different eras to give you some inspiration and help you identify each one more.

1930-1950 – Art Deco

Solid aesthetics and geometric designs made Art Deco homes famous in the 1930s to 1950s. They had strong lines, vibrant colours, and were perhaps the most popular style of housing in the US and Europe. Art Deco was a blend of modernism and fashion, with a non-traditional elegance and a streamlined look.

1920-1930 – Californian Bungalow

The post-war American homes were affordable and simple to build. Made from brick and stone, they had low-pitched roofs and offered a unique simplicity.

1900-1915 – Federation Edwardian

Homes built just before the First World War in Australia were a modern update on old Edwardian standards. They were built from red brick and used corrugated iron as a feature, and some homes looked similar to the cottages from the time of Queen Anne.

1895–1915 – Art Nouveau

Featuring asymmetrical lines in façade designs, homes from the Art Nouveau period embraced a range of fine and decorative art including ceramics, metal work, glass work and unique architecture.

1840-1895 – The Victorian Era

Gothic-like homes were the popular look during the first part of the Victorian Era, with iron being one of the most common building materials used. Homes had intricate facades and lancet windows and were symmetrical and steeply pointed.

Iron was also commonly used in the homes from the later part of the Victorian Era, but with a lot more emphasis on showy decoration. Lavish styles were the way to go in 1875-1895, as if the architects of the time suddenly found their creative bones and chose to do interesting mosaic patterns and brickwork.

Pre 1840 – The Georgian and Regency Eras

Homes that replicate the Georgian and Regency eras dating back to pre-1840 have a simple elegance. They are easily recognisable by their absolute symmetry, straightforward design and multi-paned windows at the front of the house.

What kind of period home are you interested in?

Creating a period home that replicates your preferred era is best done by a professional design and build team with the expertise, knowledge and skill to get it right. Our incredible team at Period Extensions & Designs will be delighted to speak with you to uncover the home you are dreaming about and how to make it a reality. Feel free to give us a call on 03 9882 5255 and we’ll organise a time to get together to share our ideas.

beige period home
CategoriesPeriod Homes

What is a Period Home?

By Period Extensions Team,

There’s something special about period homes that makes you take notice when you drive past one or see one on TV. Their timeless design reminds you of olden times and rustles up feelings of nostalgia or romanticism thanks to their striking aesthetics.

Are all older homes period homes?

The term ‘period home’, refers to homes that are inspired by historical eras in the past, which could be one hundred or even a few hundred years ago. These historical designs, especially from American and English years gone past, are mimicked by Australians across the country. Period homes are a joy to live in thanks to their beauty and intrigue, and when done in the right way by a professional team, they can be a place that you’ll never want to leave.

beige period home

Renovate or from scratch?

Period homes can either be built from scratch following the designs of a certain era, or they can be developed from historical buildings that have been kept in relatively good nick.

Due to an insane amount of detail and care that has to be taken to do correct period work on a home, it’s important that an expert handles the project from start to finish. Period features are difficult to replicate, so using the services of a designer-builder team ensures that a period home looks exactly the way you want according to the era that you prefer.

Period on the outside, modern on the inside

As our lives now rely on the technology and advancements in our homes, most period homes that you will come across will have modern living standards inside. After passing the beautiful period design on the outside through the front door, the inside could be a mixture of old and new, with luxuries to cater for the modern family.

When using a historical building to create a period home, you may want to keep the interior design just the way it is but have a professional spruce it up to match the renovated exterior.

Interested in having your own period home?

Period homes are such a joy to own, and with the right design and build team, your dreams can become a reality. Our team at Period Extensions & Designs are highly experienced in creating period homes for our customers, so take a look at some of our recent projects to get a feel for what we can accomplish. We are more than happy to have a chat to understand what you are looking for, so please feel free to get in touch with us on 03 9882 5255.

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