Heritage home, renovation & interior design - Part I

Function & Flow

There’s something about period homes that captivates. Perhaps it’s the sense of history, the layers of life woven into their walls, or the way they simply belong to their surroundings. They hold beauty, romance, and a quiet, enduring presence. But they also bring complexity. Unlike modern homes, they ask more of their owners, more care, more understanding, more patience.

If you live in a period home, or are considering one, this guide will help you navigate some key considerations before undertaking its interior design or renovation. Part I focuses on the practical and legal aspects, elements that form the foundation of any successful project. Part II, arriving in August, will explore decoration and furnishing.

The art of thoughtful planning

Good interior design is not just about aesthetics. A room can look exquisite but be uncomfortable or impractical to live in. The key to a home that flows effortlessly, one that is as functional and comfortable as it is beautiful, lies in the planning.

It starts with understanding the physical, emotional, and daily needs of those who live there, as well as the needs of the building itself. A period home has its own rhythm, its own logic. Balancing this with contemporary living, while maintaining a seamless, natural aesthetic, is the art of thoughtful design.

You might think I’m a little eccentric, but I see buildings as living things. They breathe, they shift, they evolve. A heritage home has stories to tell, knowledge to pass on. Owning one is a relationship, it requires care, respect, and time. You are not just its resident; you are its custodian.

Take your time

It’s tempting to dive straight into renovations. Perhaps the layout frustrates you, the wiring isn’t where you need it to be, or you’re battling draughts and damp. These issues matter, but the most effective way to tackle them is with knowledge and patience.

A year is a good minimum to get to know your home. Experience how it shifts through the seasons, how light moves through it, how it breathes. Research its history. Understand its original structure and the changes it has undergone. You’ll start to see what belongs, what was added later, and, most importantly, what truly needs to change.

This doesn’t mean you can’t begin planning, but it’s wise to keep an open mind. Some frustrations may ease as you adapt to the house; others may reveal deeper issues. You’ll be grateful for the time spent observing before making irreversible decisions.

Building fabric, breathability & energy

Not the most glamorous aspect of heritage homeownership, but one of the most critical. Two key elements demand attention:

1. Energy supply & futureproofing
The way we power and heat our homes is changing. Over the next 5–10 years, new technologies and regulations will shape how we live. Before committing to major upgrades, especially kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, or reconfigurations, it’s worth researching retrofit options. Planning ahead may save you from costly revisions later.

2. Understanding traditional construction
Older homes were built with intelligence, using local materials, designed to work in harmony with their environment. Introducing modern materials without understanding their impact can lead to long-term damage. A period home is an ecosystem, and its delicate balance must be respected.   

Research & managing expectations

Owning a heritage home is an investment, not just financially, but in time, knowledge, and care. These buildings require regular maintenance, and the correct materials and skills are often more expensive and harder to source. Insurance is typically higher. These realities are part of period homeownership, and understanding them upfront can prevent unwelcome surprises.

Beware of misinformation. Many well-meaning tradespeople lack specialist knowledge, and their interventions, however well-intentioned, can sometimes do more harm than good. Equipping yourself with basic knowledge will help you make informed decisions.

A great place to start is the Historic England website. They offer excellent resources, guidance, and can clarify whether your property is listed.

Listed buildings

A listed home is one officially recognised for its historical significance. Owning one comes with responsibilities. Changes can be made, but any alterations affecting the property’s ‘special interest’ require consent. And it’s not always obvious what qualifies, assumptions can lead to costly mistakes.

Consent is granted (or refused) by your local authority, and failure to comply can carry serious consequences, including imprisonment. Crucially, when you purchase a listed property, you inherit responsibility for past alterations, even those made by previous owners without permission.

Evolution & engaging with others

Approaching your home’s restoration with curiosity and collaboration will yield the best results. Seek out local knowledge from neighbours, previous owners, historical archives. Libraries, newspaper records, and even social media can uncover invaluable insights. A heritage consultant can demystify planning regulations and help identify historically significant elements of your home.

Heritage homes are not just about the era in which they were built; they also tell the story of every generation that has lived in them since. Understanding this evolution is key to making respectful, informed decisions.

How you live

While getting to know your home, take time to reflect on how you live.

How do you move through your spaces? Which rooms do you use most? Where do you feel most comfortable? Are there aspects of your lifestyle that you’d like to incoporate better into your home?

This might seem obvious, but the way we live is deeply personal, shaped by our past homes, routines, family structures, and habits. A design and layout that works beautifully for one person may not suit another.

Consider, for instance, the appeal of open-plan living. It is often top of a modern living wish list, but for some, the reality is that it can be noisy, lack privacy, and even feel overwhelming. Only by truly understanding your own needs can you determine whether it’s right for you.

In a heritage home, these questions become even more vital. Alterations such as knocking through walls, extending, or changing layouts are often more complex or even impossible. The key is to meet the building halfway, finding a balance between its history and your way of life. It’s in this negotiation that the most beautiful, timeless designs emerge.