Interior Design Tips for Period Properties and Heritage Homes

There’s a special kind of charm in period properties — rich with history, characterful quirks, and beautiful original details. At Khaya Studio, we love breathing new life into heritage homes while preserving their soul.

Here are some of our favourite design tips for working with period properties:

1. Respect the bones of the building.Retain and restore original features wherever possible — from fireplaces and cornices to sash windows and parquet flooring. These elements tell the story of your home.

2. Balance old and new.Combine antique pieces with contemporary design to keep spaces feeling fresh and relevant while honouring the past.

3. Work with the building’s natural palette.Traditional homes suit rich, layered colour schemes. Embrace deep greens, warm ochres, inky blues, and earthy neutrals.

4. Maximise light without losing character.Older homes can feel dark, so consider mirrors, soft, sheer window dressings, and well-placed lighting to enhance natural light without stripping away texture and warmth.

5. Celebrate architectural quirks.Don’t fight uneven walls or low ceilings — lean into them with bespoke joinery and intimate, cocooning spaces.

6. Source with care.Look for vintage, reclaimed, or artisan-made pieces that reflect the home’s era and add depth and authenticity.

   
   

If you’re restoring a period property or heritage home, we’d love to help you create a space that feels timeless, thoughtful, and entirely yours.