PERIOD PROPERTIES: Edwardian interior ideas you might not have considered
Modern homes are not known for their character and charm like period properties. Designed to be built as efficiently as possible, new houses are often lacking in decorative features or style – and although they are designed for modern family life, and arguably more suited to contemporary living, they are not as desirable as popular period properties such as the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes discussed in our previous blog posts.
However, that doesn’t mean modern homes aren’t capable of their own character and charm – here’s our advice on adding some Edwardian-inspired appeal to your modern home with these interior ideas you might not yet have considered.
The edwardian-style boom
Edwardian homes had more large, open spaces than the homes of the 19th century, and interiors were simple and elegant. This makes Edwardian interior design the most effective period style in a modern home without needing to make major structural changes.
The 20th Century brought a boom in construction, with Edwardian homes covering a range of housing including terraced, semi-detached and larger detached properties – therefore serving a range of social classes. The availability of gas and electric led to a focus on lighting, and a change of décor; moving away from the dark, warm colours of the Victorian era, the Edwardian period favoured more pastel colours and bright, spacious interiors. Edwardian style was inspired by the earlier Georgian interiors, deviating from the cluttered, busy interiors of Victorian homes, and focusing instead on simplicity, elegance and timelessness.
Edwardian interiors ideas and how to add them to your home
Fireplaces
Arguably the most important feature of any period home, fireplaces are rarely featured in newer homes, with modern houses often built without chimneys. False chimneys can however be added – with the additional benefit of being able to choose the best spot in the home!
Original Edwardian fireplaces can be found in antique shops for a stunning feature that adds genuine Edwardian character, and the space can be filled with logs, candles, or flowers for a decorative element. Alternatively, a bespoke fireplace inspired by Edwardian style can be designed to fit your space; this can be electric, or a bio-ethanol fire for an authentic look.
architectural detail
A modern home is a blank canvas – whilst new homes can initially be devoid of character and personality, they can also provide the perfect opportunity for adding Edwardian architecture and striking features. Common features in Edwardian homes include ceramic tiles, parquet flooring and decorative moulding such as dado rails and coving. Adding these small details to your interior contribute to the overall design to create the impression of heritage and timelessness, whilst providing touches of character and charm, instead of the plain walls and sleek interior of a modern home.
luxurious touches
With their spacious, elegant interiors, Edwardian homes were all about luxury. Select premium finishes and sumptuous fabrics like rich velvet, silk and chiffon – include plenty of soft furnishings in these luxury fabrics including long curtains, cushions, throws and upholstered furniture. An abundance of fabrics, materials and textures will soften your interior and add a homely touch, whilst your choice of colours and finishes can add some Edwardian elegance. ο»Ώ
brighten and lighten
An important feature of Edwardian homes is light – both natural and artificial. Edwardian interiors favour bright pastel colours, floral designs and are very spacious – escaping from the darker colours and cluttered-look from the Victorian era. Enhance the natural light coming into your home with bright, reflective surfaces and plenty of glass and mirrors. Keep your furniture away from doors and windows to let the sunshine in and make sure to incorporate plenty of space in each room to make your home feel light and open, avoiding dark colours and heavy, oppressive furniture.
Artificial lighting is also crucial – wall lights, pendants, lamps, lanterns, candles – a variety of options provides flexible lighting from cosy ambiance to bright task lighting, and can completely transform your space. It also provides an opportunity to add striking features to your design: choose elegant lighting that complements the rest of your interior, with interesting textures and finishes coordinated throughout.
bespoke furniture
A great way to add Edwardian style to your home in a way that feels natural and seamless is with bespoke furniture. Furniture that is built to fit perfectly into the spaces of your home is not only an efficient use of potentially otherwise unused floorspace, but it can be the perfect opportunity to add an Edwardian touch.
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Opting for a classic style, with traditional details and natural materials, bespoke built-in features will create the impression of being an original part of your home’s architecture, appearing as genuine period features. Bespoke sideboards, bookcases and cupboards can also provide ideal storage solutions and display space without bulky furniture, maintaining the essential neat lines and simplicity of Edwardian interiors.
detail, detail, detail
Don’t forget the small details – modest decorative features can be crucial to the overall impression of a space, and it should feel effortlessly timeless. Featuring simple Edwardian designs, such as a traditional skirting around your furniture and continuing this around the rooms throughout your home will make your bespoke items a seamless addition, whilst adding subtle touches of the classical Edwardian style without too many fussy details. You could also do this with wood panelling, window seats and picture rails.
edwardian art influences
Art Nouveau is a popular style that influenced interior design in both the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Soft shapes and curved arches are commonly found in Art Nouveau styles, as well as organic shapes and inspiration from nature.
Edwardian furniture saw the growth of mass production, and with it, more affordable furniture inspired by Art Nouveau. Art Nouveau furniture was originally handmade and high-priced, requiring a lot of skill – this was a luxury only accessible to the upper classes in the 19th century. But with the manufacture of reproducible, simplified designs in the Edwardian era, the Art Nouveau style made its way into more middle-class homes.
Add some Art Nouveau inspired furniture or accessories with original features to your home to enhance the Edwardian influence throughout your interior. Based on nature, Art Nouveau heavily features leaves, flowers, vines, insects, animals and other organic forms; along with the emphasis of encouraging light into their homes, Edwardians were bringing the outside into their interiors. Indoor plants can provide colour, nature and beauty into your home, so they should be a crucial element of your Edwardian décor – complementing the touches of Art Nouveau in your interior design.
other things to consider
sustainability
Our impact on the environment is an important consideration in contemporary living. Fortunately, new homes tend to be designed with elements of sustainability in mind – double glazed windows and all-electric heating systems are standard in most new-builds for eco-friendly housing, with the bonus of helping homeowners save energy costs.
But when designing your interior, it is still crucial to bear in mind the effect your decisions may have on the sustainability of your home. Research the manufacturers you plan to buy from to ensure they use renewable materials in production, and use designers and builders who value sustainability.
There are plenty of things you can do yourself to ensure an environmentally friendly design too; reuse and upcycle existing furniture, buy second hand furniture from local charity shops or antique stores, and choose recycled materials. Buying locally saves pollution from transporting items from elsewhere, as well as saving costs from buying used items and avoiding travel expenses. Antique shops can offer many unique items that will perfectly complement your Edwardian interior – period pieces and handmade furniture are among the many treasures you may discover for your own home.ο»Ώ
If you are planning to discard any items from your home – be that old appliances, furniture, scrap materials etc. – try repurposing it elsewhere or giving it away instead of taking it straight to the tip. Local communities often have groups on Facebook, or you can post it on Gumtree or take it to a charity shop. You might be surprised how valuable these items can be to someone else, even if you no longer find them useful! After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Recycling is a huge part of sustainable design, including recycled and recyclable items. Bamboo is an example of an eco-friendly material that was introduced in the late 1800s, meaning it was often used in Edwardian Art Nouveau furniture. Adding bamboo furniture to your home will maintain the Edwardian inspired design whilst contributing to the sustainability of your interior.ο»Ώ
don't forget you
Don’t forget to add a personal touch! As we always say, your home should be filled with things YOU love, so make sure to pick out some unique pieces to add to your interior that will make it your perfect haven.
If you are looking for more inspiration, check out the rest of our blogs and follow us on Instagram for frequent updates! For a chat about designing your interior, get in touch – we would love to hear from you.
~Nikita & Katie, February 2023
