The rhythm and repetition of a townhouse’s original features – whether Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian – brings a delightful sense of both structure and character. Not all homes, however, are fortunate enough to have retained their floors, fireplaces, panelling and plasterwork. Take the time to ensure that repairs and replacements are authentic in quality and looks, and also appropriate for modern life.
Walls & Ceilings
Ornate plasterwork and decorative panelling are often what distinguishes period walls and ceilings from their much plainer modern equivalents and, whether it is a case of renovating an entire plaster ceiling or adding a historically accurate skirting or dado rail, the overall improvement will be immense.
“When choosing mouldings, be guided by the dimensions and styles already present in your house,” says Emma Page, founder and director of The Victorian Emporium. “Note which wooden mouldings appear where. You may need to look at similar housing – try your neighbours – if they have been removed. Many houses did not have ceiling roses or dado rails in the bedrooms, for example, and it would not be true to the period of your
