Historic homes have a special appeal, yet interior design of these properties isn’t always straightforward. How do you furnish the home in keeping with the time period?
Today, I’m pleased to share tips from both interior designers and homeowners on how to arrange a historic property in keeping with the era of the home.
Decorating historic homes requires a special approach, but it needn’t be too staid. “If you take a historic home too seriously, it can feel like a museum,” says Jill Valeri, president of The Welcome Home.
“Homes are meant for daily living and the wear and tear that comes with it. Above all, they need to be comfortable and functional while reflecting the personality of the people who live there.”
Use the historically accurate color schemes from the time period. Several paint manufacturers such as California Paints and Benjamin Moore offer historically accurate period palettes.
Don’t be afraid to mix together furniture of different styles.“I like to respect the architecture while using a mixture of practical new upholstered pieces and good quality antique reproductions and mix in the occasional modern piece, such as a side chair or accent table,” says Valeri.
Avoid clutter. This detracts from the architectural elements of the home. “Keep in mind that for all but a few rare cases, historic homes were originally furnished in a sparse and functional manner,” says Pablo Solomon, who owns a historic 1856 ranch north of Austin, Texas.
Embrace your home’s idiosyncrasies. “Learn about the original architect and architectural style so you can better understand all the design quirks, such as unusually shaped spaces and angled walls,” says Cecilie Starin, a featured designer at the SF Decorator Showcase. “This knowledge will give an appreciation for that time period and potentially spark ideas on how to best use a space.”
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