Since 2020, Australians have been hooked on the trend of fresh country air, wide-open spaces, and a community feel. The allure of larger, more affordable spaces, and a simpler way of life comes with the charm of older homes that are imbued with intricate period details. While renovating these vintage homes, Renee McGinty from Gyprock says it’s “important to retain the authenticity and character of the existing home”. Here she shares her three top tips with Canberra Daily.

Blending old and new

A core modernisation style is opening up the original structure of the home to create a more spacious and airier floorplan. While doing this, retaining some features of the old and blending it with the new can make a big architectural impact: the contrast of period features against modern design. Showcasing the high ceilings, chandeliers, and original doorknobs within your modern renovation serves as an anchor between the eras.

Ceiling roses

No matter what style or era your home, ceiling features can make a transformative difference to the look and feel of your space. Ceiling roses have been used through the decades and come in an array of designs – from very elaborate to simple and classic.

“The trick to choosing the right ceiling rose is to consider the ceiling height and room size, and to match the smaller and larger diameters with the same patterns,” says Renee.

“You can select from different periods’ styles to suit your home or by a particular design, which helps if you are trying to match a cornice style or pattern in a room.”

Cornice

Cornice styles have constantly changed to reflect the interior trends of the period the home was built. Whether you’re going for a more classic style or embracing total modernisation, a cornice helps refine a connection to the architectural heritage of your period home. Retaining the original cornices in your home while renovating can create a more cohesive design narrative, reflecting the past and contributing to the liveability and aesthetic impact. To maximise the cornice’s charm, Renee suggests considering paint colours, wall patterns, furniture, and cabinetry.

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