Interior Design in the UK: The Differences Between New Build Homes and Period Properties.
The Differences Between New Build Homes and Period Properties in Interior Design in the UK
When it comes to interior design, the approach can vary significantly depending on the type of property being worked with. However, we also believe that our roles as Interior Designers is to truly adapt our style to bring our clients vision to life. This means not one project is the same and we very much change our approach to the client and their property.
When we are considering the property, in the UK, two main categories stand out in our portfolio: new build homes and period properties. These distinct types of properties each come with their own challenges and advantages when it comes to design, offering different aesthetics, historical value, and practical considerations. Understanding these differences is key for clients, interior designers, and architects who aim to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also function well and respect the character of the building.
In this week’s blog, we explore the key differences between interior design in new build homes and period properties, examining the impact of each on design choices, styles, and overall functionality.
Architectural Layout and Space Planning
One of the most notable differences between new build homes and period properties is their architectural layout. Period properties, which range from Victorian and Georgian homes to Edwardian and Tudor houses, were designed with a different understanding of space and functionality compared to modern homes.
Period Properties:
Period homes are often characterised by segmented, compartmentalised spaces very much steered by class and wealth. Rooms tend to be smaller, with more distinct purposes and clearly defined boundaries. High ceilings, large windows, and intricate woodwork such as skirting boards, cornices, and architraves, are commonly seen in these homes. This can pose a challenge for modern interior design, especially when trying to integrate the open-plan living spaces that are so popular today.
Key Features of Period Homes:
Smaller, more defined rooms: A living room may be separate from a dining room, and kitchens are often more enclosed.
High ceilings and large windows: These architectural elements can make the room feel grand but also require careful balancing to avoid feeling empty.
Original features: Period properties often feature elements like fireplaces, wooden panelling, and ornate mouldings that need to be preserved or incorporated into modern interiors (please don’t rip them out!).
New Build Homes:
New build homes, in contrast, are designed with modern living and budget in mind. They typically feature open-plan layouts that combine living, dining, and kitchen areas into a single space, promoting social interaction and maximising the use of natural light. New build homes are also generally built to be more energy-efficient, which often means they include qualities such as double glazing, insulation, and more modern construction materials. These designs are much more adaptable to current design trends like minimalist and industrial styles.
Key Features of New Build Homes:
Open-plan spaces: The kitchen and living area are often combined, offering a flexible and contemporary living environment.
Energy efficiency: The design often incorporates modern technologies for insulation, lighting, and heating systems.
Contemporary finishes: The overall aesthetic is usually cleaner, with neutral tones and less intricate detailing than found in period properties.
Structural Challenges and Opportunities
The structure of period properties can significantly impact how interior design is approached. While these buildings are often rich in character and charm, they may come with a set of challenges.
Period Properties:
Uneven floors and walls: The settlement of older buildings over time can lead to floors and walls that are not perfectly level. This may require floor levelling, wall resurfacing, or custom furniture that accommodates the quirks of the space.
Less energy-efficient: Period homes can be draughty and may require substantial updates to plumbing, electrics, and insulation. As designers we often have to find ways to maintain the character of the building while upgrading it to meet modern standards.
Conservation and listed building regulations: Many period properties, especially those built before the 20th century, are classified as listed buildings and require special permissions to alter. This means that as interior designers we need to be mindful of planning restrictions when making changes.
However, despite these challenges, period properties offer unique opportunities for interior designers. The original features, such as fireplaces, wooden flooring, and ornate detailing, can serve as the perfect focal points for a design that combines old-world charm with modern sophistication. They also lend themselves beautifully to gorgeous rich textiles that reflect the period of the property, tying in the craftsmanship aesthetic beautifully.
New Build Homes:
New builds are generally structurally sound and come with fewer maintenance challenges. They are built with contemporary materials and construction methods, which means they often offer a clean slate for designers. The key benefits of working with new build homes include:
Straightforward structure: The layouts are often uniform, with no quirks or surprises in terms of wall placement, floor level, or window positioning.
Modern construction: New builds are typically built with energy efficiency in mind, which may include features like smart thermostats, underfloor heating, and high-quality insulation, making them easier to live in comfortably.
Customisation options: Many new build homes come with the opportunity to select finishes, such as paint colours, flooring, and kitchen cabinetry, allowing for a more personalized touch straight from the builder.
However, these homes may lack the character and charm that period properties offer, so our roles as interior designers may be to get creative in order to introduce your personality and warmth into what could be an otherwise sterile environment (unless that’s your style, then we’re off to a great start!).
Design Styles and Aesthetic Choices
The design style chosen for any home is often influenced by the type of property, and new builds and period properties have different aesthetic appeals that require distinct design approaches.
Period Properties:
Traditional and Eclectic Designs: Period homes are often associated with more traditional styles, such as Victorian, Georgian, or Edwardian. These homes lend themselves to rich textures, intricate detailing, and classic furniture.
Classic Colour Palettes: Interior design for period properties often incorporates muted, historical colour palettes that complement the architecture, such as deep blues, soft greens, or neutral creams. Antique furnishings and heritage fabrics (like velvet and wool) add a sense of luxury and comfort.
Maximalism vs. Minimalism: While period homes tend to embrace maximalist design, such as layering patterns, colours, and textures, some designers may choose to adopt a more minimalist approach, using modern pieces with clean lines while maintaining respect for the traditional features of the space.
The key challenge with period properties is finding the balance between integrating modern elements without disrupting the architectural integrity of the home.
New Build Homes:
Contemporary and Minimalist Designs: New builds often favour modern design trends such as minimalism, Scandi-style, and industrial looks. Open-plan spaces allow for a more streamlined aesthetic, with modern materials like glass, steel, and concrete being prominent features.
Neutral Colour Palettes: New builds tend to lean towards light, neutral colours like whites, greys, and beiges, which create a sense of space and openness. Accent colours are often introduced through decor, artwork, or furnishings.
Smart Technology Integration: With new builds often being energy-efficient, designers can incorporate smart home technologies seamlessly, including automated lighting, smart thermostats, and home security systems.
While period properties tend to have more character and historic value, new builds often provide a modern backdrop for sleek, contemporary interiors.
Maintenance and Longevity
One of the biggest advantages of a new build home is the minimal maintenance required. These properties are designed to withstand the test of time with minimal repairs, while period properties, with their age, often require ongoing maintenance to preserve their original features.
Period Properties:
The maintenance required for period properties can be significant. The restoration of original features, such as wooden sash windows, fireplaces, and cornicing, may require specialist tradespeople to ensure that the character is maintained while upgrading the systems to meet current living standards. Luckily we have a black-book of trusted trades people who can do just the job, and really well!
New Build Homes:
New builds, on the other hand, require less attention to upkeep. Modern construction materials and systems are built to be more energy-efficient and require less repair over time. The relatively low maintenance factor can make these properties more attractive to homeowners looking for convenience and long-term cost savings.
Summary: Embracing the Best of Both Worlds
Whether you are embarking on an interior design make-over for a period property or a new build home, there are distinct differences in the approach to interior design and property solutions. Period properties offer rich history, character, and a sense of timeless beauty that can make interior design projects more complex but rewarding. In contrast, new builds offer a blank canvas for creating sleek, modern, and functional spaces with fewer challenges related to structural issues or maintenance.
Both property types have their own unique appeal and advantages. The key to successful interior design lies in understanding the strengths and limitations of each type of home and using that knowledge to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Whether you are drawn to the historical charm of a period property or the clean lines of a new build, the right design approach can bring out the best in any home.
Most importantly it needs to feel like your space, home and a place you want to be. We’d love to hear about your project, please head over to our contact page and fill out the form to request a free call back.
For further resources on the intricacies of designing for period and new build homes, check out the British Institute of Interior Design and explore tips from experts on how to balance old and new in your interiors.
