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CategoriesPeriod Home Renovation

Victorian homes are spectacular to look at. There’s little wonder why so many people choose to renovate and modernise these properties. However, as with all types of period property, renovation and modernisation take a lot of time and effort. Victorian homes can be some of the trickiest to get right, at least when it comes to balancing the old with the new.

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That’s why it is recommended that you look for a period renovations expert who can support your vision. It’s never a good idea to take on a period renovation alone. You’ll need an exceptional eye for detail, and there is a lot of handiwork involved. In this guide, we’ll take a quick look at the most effective way to renovate a Victorian home.

Focus on Space

If there’s one thing which runs common to most Victorian renovations, it’s the idea of maximising space. Traditional homes from this era might be ornate and complex, but they were also built to be practical.

A smart move when looking at Victorian renovation options will be to maximise natural light. Open up existing rooms and spaces. Many Victorian properties have stuffy, cramped rooms which benefit from being opened up and redesigned. The key, of course, is to avoid destroying any of the original charm, and that’s where a period design expert will come in.

Keep the Right Amount of Charm

Woman having tea by the windowVictorian homes are best known for being very intricate. There are a lot of specialist touches and flourishes which you’re likely to find in the inner architecture, as well as outside. However, they can also be surprisingly simple.

The key when learning how to renovate a Victorian home is to be ruthless with features that no longer have a place in today’s world. Window features and fittings may look quaint, but they may also be old and decrepit. A period design expert will help you preserve the features that matter, and will encourage you to scrap the ones which don’t.

Don’t Cram in Too Much

Victorian homes, inside and out, are appealing thanks to their simple style and surprising elegance. Many might expect these properties to be full of over-the-top design choices and flourishes. While there are often a few intricate touches, they’re usually pretty sedate.

That being said, you don’t want to go over the top. That means whether you are interested in bringing in fresh colours, furniture or other installations, you might run the risk of cramming your space. That risks you losing sight of the original charm, whether you bring modern or period furnishings into your home.

Start with the Right Plan of Action

Always ask for help and advice from a seasoned professional or period design expert. They will help you to budget appropriately and make the right choices. Have a quick read of our guide to Australian period homes to get started or call us on 03 9882 5255 today if you’d like to know more about the work we do.

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