Many period homes in Australia were built to serve a purpose and this was all well and good for the time; however, this has left many properties looking a little too similar to one another. Therefore, many Australians are taking the chance to renovate their traditional properties completely. But how can you do this without spoiling the original charm?
It makes sense to want to bring an old property up to code. You may have found a simple period property which has fallen on hard times. Sprucing up a period home in need of a little TLC can be very rewarding, but when it comes to making the outside of a purely ‘practical’ home stand out, where do you start? We’ve already covered a few points in some of our other guides, so now let’s focus on the nitty-gritty.
Paint is Popular
One of the easiest ways to bring an older property back to life is to repaint it completely. A period home renovation expert will be able to show you how. While it’s tempting to completely re-paint the exterior of your home in an allowed colour, you’re going to need to think carefully. Are you using a colour which stands out in the wrong way? Are you honouring the original look and design of the property?
We generally advise that you consider mild, muted colours, even for exteriors. An expert in period home extension and design will help you pick your palette and stay within local council rules. There are lots of ways you can recolour your property without turning it into an eyesore!
Do Your Homework
One of the best ways to revive a period home is to be true to its intentions. Yes, a practical home may not look the prettiest, but there is such a thing as over-modernising. Working with a renovations and design team, be sure to emulate design choices from your property’s given period. Whether this means uncovering flourishes or creating new touches, it makes sense to research.
Adding unique, faithful design touches to a period property will help it to stand out from the crowd. However, do make sure you have permission from your local authority. It’s also worth consulting with neighbours, too!
Rethink Your Front Garden
As we’ve explored elsewhere, gardens can do a lot. A well-cared-for lawn or yard can help to turn a tired property into a stunning, vibrant home. Again, consider some of the traditional styles and choices made by designers based in your specific period, and ask for help from landscapers.
Build lush flowerbeds and take on some creative topiary. Without going overboard, you should be able to create some truly stunning greenery. The aim here is to complement as well as to stand out.
If you’d like to know more about renovating a classic home to modern standards, our design and build team can help. Take a look at our guides on renovation, or call us on 03 9882 5255 for more details when you need them.