Bring Your Period Property To Life With These Tudor Design Tips

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Bring Your Period Property To Life With These Tudor Design Tips
Bring Your Period Property To Life With These Tudor Design Tips

Just like the clothes we put on our back, our homes are an expression of who we are. We design them with ourselves in mind – as, after all, we are the ones who live in them. We also tend to want them to be unique to us and relish anything that sets our properties apart from others. With this in mind, many people these days are ditching modern new builds for older properties in search for that elusive ‘character’. Of course, modern apartments are still perfect for some people. They are often ready-built, with some even being pre-furnished, and have a sleek, minimalist look that is popular at the moment. But, this isn’t for everyone. Many people are seeking older properties for a number of reasons. This can be to do with location, as older properties tend to be situated in more desirable areas. Or it can be to do with space.  A lot of old houses are huge compared to modern builds, simply because when they were originally constructed, the average house plot was much bigger. Many also come with gardens and even three to four storeys. But another serious pull for property aficionados is the inclusion of period features. Period features are aspects of an original property that have either being partially restored or have stood the test of time on their own. For many people, they add charm and warmth to a property, as well as being a serious talking point. One of the most popular period eras for modern homes was the Tudor era, which is also one of the most easily recognisable. If you are considering buying a Tudor property, take a look at what features you are likely to spot and how you can take inspiration from the past.

tudor design tips

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Exterior

The Tudor Period was thought to be a period in England and Wales between 1485 and 1603. It occurred when the infamous Henry VIII was on the throne, followed by his daughter Elizabeth.  However, in terms of architecture, Tudor-style homes didn’t arise in the USA until the 1800s.  An influx of European architects during this time brought a new style of home design with them, and many new American properties were constructed in this fashion. This is known as the ‘Tudor Revival‘. Typical Tudor features include heavily embellished doorways and excessively steep, pitched roofs. These roofs were designed with wet English weather in mind, so could be perfect if you live something where snow is likely! Another classic example of Tudor exteriors is white walls with wooden panels. Once you’ve spotted a property like this, you will know exactly what era it originates from. If you don’t currently own a property with this feature, but still dream of living in your very own Tudor castle, don’t fear. You can still get the same effect with a bit of handiwork. Discuss with your contractor whether you would be able to paint the exterior white, and then install wood panelling. Installing a heavy, wooden door with a brass knocker is also an ideal way to restore a Tudor property to its former glory.

Exposed bricks and wood

When it comes to interiors, there are also many features that can be dead giveaways for a Tudor property. Exposed internal brickwork and overhead wooden beams are all classic examples of a Tudor interior. If you are planning to keep these in your home, be aware of how to care for them. If the exposed wall is dirty – for example, if you are moving into a previously derelict property – be mindful of what you use to clean it with. Harsh cleaning products can disintegrate the brick, so stick to a gentle combination of warm water and vinegar.

indoor design tips

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Furniture

The type of Tudor furniture we are used to seeing typically belonged to the upper classes. If you want to try and recreate this look in your own home, avoid pale colors at all costs. Tudor homes were typically decorated with warm colours such as oranges and yellows, with brown as a base color. This theme was carried over to the furniture, where dark woods such as mahogany were used for items such as wardrobes and even bed frames. If you are looking to create a cosy Tudor-inspired living room, opt for neutral-toned furniture – you can find out more at Plum Goose and similar online retailers. Other types of Tudor furniture were typically ornate. Consider investing in a beautifully carved cabinet where you can store your glassware to create a real centerpiece for the room. If you have enough room, treating yourself to a wooden four poster bed will truly give you the royal Tudor experience!

tudor window

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Fireplaces

During Tudor times, central heating systems didn’t exist. Therefore, most rooms in the house had some form of a fireplace, in order to sufficiently heat the property. The biggest and by far the grandest fireplace would be in the drawing room, where most entertaining would take place. Tudor fireplaces were typically much larger than the ones we have today, with most measuring around four foot wide and five feet tall. If your property has a traditional Tudor fireplace, why not consider getting it restored? Many contractors will be able to clean out a previously dirty fireplace as well as sandblast it and polish it so it is as good as new. There’s nothing quite like a roaring open fire in winter to really be the finishing touch to your Tudor-style home.

Geometry

Geometric shapes and designs were hugely popular in Tudor times. You can get this look in your home in a number of different ways depending on what your budget is. If you are planning a full restoration project, replacing your windows can be a great way to show off this Tudor trend. Diamond-patterned windows were a classic symbol of Tudor homes, as were oriel windows – which are essentially mini bay windows on the home’s upper floors. Adding a geometric style rug to your wooden floor, or a throw over your bed, also adds texture and keeps to this classic trend.

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