Modern Heritage Style & Conscious Sourcing
One of the questions I am most often asked is how I define my interiors style.
Recently when a producer at RTE Home of the Year asked me to describe the style of our master bedroom, I was lost for words. ‘It’s just us!” I stuttered.
When it comes to all things ‘home,’ we have always tried to do things in our own way, without becoming too invested in the latest interiors trends. Our goal has been to achieve a characterful feel to our family home, one that is modern and traditional at the same time.
The process of personalising any home is an ongoing journey. Shaping an eclectic, authentic sense of style takes time and can evolve over several years. Increasingly, families are choosing homes that can be created slowly, in pace with their daily lives, rather than seeking fast track renovation projects.
There is certainly a nostalgic feeling to interiors right now. A modern take on classic heritage style sees traditional details such as panelling and patterned wallpaper paired seamlessly with modern, contemporary accents to provide the perfect blend of old and new. Often the best ideas come to the fore when you have lived in a space for a period of time.Working in this way, care can be taken to maintain the integrity of the original architecture, whilst breathing new life into tired features. By mixing old and new, antique and contemporary pieces, it is possible to blend the heritage of the building with your own personal character and style.
Modern Heritage
The interiors that inspire us above all others are first and foremost creative and stylish.
Original artworks, well-loved books piled high on coffee tables and pot plants (real or faux!) all combine to tell the homeowner’s story and create a truly authentic home.
‘Modern Heritage’ style allows a relaxed, playful approach to interior design as it relies on many decorative elements to achieve the look. That traditional approach to design brings a comforting, reassuring feel to the home and a timelessness that is easy to live in.
This informal approach to styling means that you can simply keep layering and gently updating for years to come.
Perfectly Imperfect: Mixing Antique and Contemporary Furniture
Heritage styling relies upon using antiques and traditional furnishings that add a sense of character. So, dust off those family heirlooms from the attic and get them out on display, they will bring a sense of history with them. The challenge when working with antiques is the risk of creating an old fashioned, out of touch feel, so the key is to strike a balance by adding a modern twist. Blend pieces from different eras and keep an eye out for second hand furniture with interesting scallop or bobbin trims.
Challenge yourself to think differently with clever re-inventions of old furniture that were destined for the scrap heap. Easy as it is to buy more, putting thought into creating your own customised furniture can prove more rewarding and cost effective.
A highlight of contrast coloured paint on the inside of a vintage cabinet can bring an element of surprise and fun. With a little imagination you can revive unloved items and turn them into something completely original to you.
Confidently combining old and new is the perfect way to add character and style to make a place your own without blowing the budget. With smart upcycling and clever vintage sourcing, you can claw back the cash to invest in new statement handcrafted pieces that will stand the test of time and bring contemporary edge to your home.
A Layered Home: Making a statement with textiles
More is more in the heritage home, so layer curtains, rugs, cushions and throws. Cleverly mismatched textiles will create a bohemian vibe and turn a home into a comfortable retreat. Don’t underestimate the power of cushions; Make a soothing statement by combining a myriad of materials and textures. Use rugs to bring comfort, luxury and warmth under foot.
Introducing some considered pattern clashing is a must in any heritage home. Using found fabrics, reupholster vintage furniture to bring a personal touch. Handcrafted items such as applique cushions or traditional suzani throws will bring an eclectic twist. Eppie Thompson at The Fabled Thread (thefabledthread.com) offers beautiful sampler sewing kits for all abilities so that you might handcraft your own piece of textile art. Remember, it is always the small details that make a room memorable.
A Sense of Nostalgia
In the heritage home there is a need to preserve the past as well as inject modernity. Seek to restore period detailing such as cornicing, tile work and stained-glass windows. An original fireplace is the perfect way to inject heritage style. Everyone vies for that fireside seat. Make it the central focus of the room by positioning two sofas facing each other at either side. Bring your fireside scheme into the 21st century by embracing the ‘mantle scaping’ trend, using flowers, vases and candles to create seasonal mantle displays.
Bookshelves are another nostalgic, must have heritage centrepiece to a room. There is nothing more comforting than a well-loved bookshelf. Books bring instant character to empty walls, with a cosy, timeless feel. Any library, no matter how big or small, should feel well loved. Lacking space for those tier-on-tier shelves? Then stack books or magazines as a makeshift plant stand for a lived-in look.
Vintage Modern Mix: Make your artwork work hard
When sourcing art, always begin with an artist you love, rather than sourcing a piece to suit a colour scheme. Finding the right art as a starting point could even trigger the style and theme of a whole room.
Be bold in your choices and don’t be afraid to break conventional rules- there is no better way to inject your personality. Finding art that contrast with the look of the room can add bold contrast and an extra layer of interest, rather than feeling twee and contrived. Be inventive with your framing choices to make the artwork stand out. A small picture in a large frame looks dramatic and demands attention, whilst a colourful hand painted frame will bring a handcrafted, eclectic look. Gilded frames work well on different wall colours and will add a touch of heritage glamour to any space.
A Never-Ending Story
Heritage style isn’t all about the polished rooms and the completed renovation projects we see on social media. As people, we change and grow all the time, so our homes should reflect this.
Recently, I read a quote from the stylist and writer Ali Heath in her book ‘Curate- Inspiration for an Individual Home’ that really resonated with me.
“I realised home was a vast empty canvas. A place where I could tell my story and create anything I wanted.”
Now what could be more appealing than that?