As you embark on the journey of renovating your Edwardian home, it’s essential to have an understanding of the unique features that define this period. The Edwardian era, spanning from 1901 to 1910, is a distinct period in UK architectural history, marked by its elegance, charm, and light-filled spaces. Retaining these period features not only adds authenticity to your property but also increases its value, especially for those who appreciate the allure of period homes. This article will guide you on the key Edwardian features you should preserve during your renovation project.
The Edwardian Kitchen: A Room Filled with Character
The heart of an Edwardian home is the kitchen, and any renovation work on this space needs to be handled with care. During this period, kitchens were designed to be functional, with open shelving, large pantries, and expansive sculleries as key features. Working surfaces were typically made of wood or slate, while sinks were often Belfast or Butler style, made from porcelain.
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What stands out about Edwardian kitchens is their sense of space. Unlike the crammed Victorian kitchens, their Edwardian counterparts were designed with a focus on circulation and light. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your kitchen maintains this sense of open space when you are renovating. Keep original pantries where possible, and preserve any original tilework.
The Authenticity of Edwardian Interior Design
The interior design of an Edwardian home reflects the era’s move towards lighter, airier spaces, a contrast to Victorian darkness. Features to preserve here include the use of pastel shades on the walls, decorative plasterwork, and intricate wooden detailing. Edwardian houses commonly have large windows, designed to allow in plenty of natural light. If you’re fortunate to have these original windows, restoring them to their former glory can make a significant impact on your home’s aesthetic.
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Fireplaces were another important interior feature. Often made of oak or mahogany, they had tiled insets and elaborate designs. Maintain these fireplaces if they are still in your home, as they add an authentic touch to your interior design.
The Edwardian Exterior: A Testament of Time
The exterior of your Edwardian home tells a story of time, reflecting the architectural advancements and stylistic preferences of the era. Key features include red brickwork, decorative timber framing, and large porches. A noteworthy aspect is the roof, which is often steep and adorned with terracotta tiles.
When renovating, make sure to maintain these original features. Cleaning and restoring the brickwork can rejuvenate your home’s exterior appearance, while attention to the timber framing and porch can preserve their charm.
The Edwardian Layout: Spacious and Practical
The layout of an Edwardian home is both spacious and practical, designed for the comfort of its inhabitants. Parquet flooring, high ceilings, and wide hallways are characteristic features. The rooms generally have a logical flow, with the reception rooms at the front of the house and the kitchen and service areas at the back.
During your renovation, keep this flow in mind. Preserve any original parquet flooring, as this is a highly sought-after feature. Any original woodwork, such as doors, window frames and skirting boards, should also be preserved where possible.
The Charm of Edwardian Gardens
Edwardian homes often come with charming gardens. These spaces were seen as an extension of the house, with design features such as pergolas, rose arbour, and sunken gardens. If your property still has any of these outdoor features, preserving them during your renovation project will enhance the overall aesthetic of your home.
Renovating a period property like an Edwardian home can seem like a daunting task. However, with careful planning, attention to detail, and a respect for the property’s history, it’s possible to create a home that blends modern conveniences with period charm. Just remember to preserve the key features that make your home uniquely Edwardian, adding value and character to your property.
Edwardian Living Room: A Blend of Comfort and Elegance
An integral part of every home, the living room, in an Edwardian house, is typically characterised by its elegant yet comfortable design. Unlike the Victorian house, which often featured dark, robust furniture and rich tones, Edwardian houses had a preference for lighter, more delicate furniture crafted in mahogany, walnut, or satinwood. Chairs and sofas were typically upholstered with patterned fabrics, complete with comfortable cushions.
What makes the Edwardian living room distinct is its emphasis on comfort and elegance. The use of large windows to draw in natural light complemented the light colour scheme, creating an inviting atmosphere. A key period feature to preserve in your renovation project is the bay window – a signature element of Edwardian homes that serves to enhance the sense of space and light.
Fireplaces were a focal point in every Edwardian living room, often made from marble or carved wood, surrounded by ornate tiles. The mantelpiece was typically adorned with small, decorative items. It’s advisable to restore these fireplaces to their former glory during your home renovation, as they add an authentic touch to your interior design.
The Edwardian era also saw an increased interest in indoor plants, a trend which saw many living rooms featuring large palms, ferns, and other indoor plants. If your Edwardian home still has its original plant stands, preserving them will add an extra layer of authenticity to your renovation project.
Edwardian Utility Room: A Testament of Efficiency
The Edwardian utility room is often overlooked in house renovations, yet it’s a space that showcases the efficient design of Edwardian houses. This room was typically used for laundry and other household chores, featuring a robust cast-iron stove, a Belfast sink, and ample storage space.
The utility room’s design was focused on practicality – a simplicity that is, in many ways, aligned with today’s modern aesthetic. During your renovation, it’s important to keep this functionality in mind. Preserve the cast iron fixtures where possible, and try to maintain the original layout as much as possible.
If your Edwardian home still has its original drying racks, preserving them can add a unique period feature to your utility room. Also, consider keeping any original storage cupboards or shelving units, as these provide not only practical storage solutions, but also serve as a testament to the efficient design of Edwardian houses.
When embarking on your home renovation, it’s important to take into consideration the key period features that define the Edwardian era. From the light-filled living room to the practical utility room, each room in an Edwardian house has its own unique character that deserves to be preserved.
Conclusion: The Art of Renovating an Edwardian Home
Renovating an Edwardian home is not just about updating the space to suit modern living. It’s about preserving the period features that make it special, and blending them with modern conveniences to create a home that’s both comfortable and stylish.
Whether it’s the character-filled kitchen, the elegant living room, or the practical utility room, every room in an Edwardian house has a story to tell. By preserving these period features, you’re not just adding value to your property, but also keeping a part of history alive.
So, as you embark on your home renovation project, remember – your Edwardian house isn’t just a period property, it’s a testament to a bygone era of elegance, charm, and practicality. With careful planning, and a respect for the property’s history, you can transform your Edwardian home into a space that’s truly your own, while still preserving its unique period charm.
Image credit: Your Home Magazine
