Owning an older home is a joy - the ornate plasterwork, tall sash windows, and original fireplaces are full of personality. But let’s be honest — living in a house that feels like a museum isn’t everyone’s idea of home. You want a place that’s comfortable, current and completely yours.
Updating a heritage property doesn’t mean choosing between keeping its character and giving it a contemporary feel. The secret is understanding what makes your home special and using colour in ways that enhance, not overshadow, its architectural charm.
It’s tempting to stick with safe neutrals everywhere — pale walls, white trim, a minimal accent here and there. But when you do that, your home’s best assets like cornicing or deep skirting can fade into the background instead of standing out. Historically, classic interiors weren’t shy about colour: rich Green Paint Colours | Crown Paints and elegant blues were common features long before neutral became the norm.
Take a moment to consider what inspires you. Is it the natural landscapes you’ve walked? The colours you wear? The art that moves you? Let these influences guide your choices. If you prefer a calm, understated scheme, gentle greys, soft taupes, and creamy off-whites can create a subtle backdrop that feels serene yet stylish — think shades like Clay Like or Afternoon Tea. For homes with bolder personalities, jewel-rich tones like Emerald Vision or velvety reds bring drama while still feeling authentic.
Before you Paint Samples | Crown Paints, consider your home's details. Different architectural eras have their own strengths. Tall ceilings and elaborate mouldings — often found in Victorian houses — can handle deeper, moodier colours without closing in. Edwardian spaces with simpler lines may benefit from more nuanced, gentle hues. In rooms that get little natural light, daintier tones can keep spaces feeling open and intentional.
Certain shades naturally straddle the line between heritage and modern style. Deep, earthy greens like Woodland Wanderer® | Crown Paints or Endeavour® | Crown Paints still feel rooted in tradition yet fresh in contemporary interiors.
Warm terracottas like Candy Clay® | Crown Paints evoke classic palettes while lending a cosy, organic touch. Soft, complex blues like Scrapbook bring both historic charm and airy modern character.
Not every corner of your home needs a statement hue. Areas like hallways and staircases are perfect places to experiment with more intense colours, drawing the eye and highlighting architectural details. Main living areas can benefit from tonal shifts that feel thoughtful and intentional. Bedrooms, meanwhile, often work best with calming, layered tones that create a restful atmosphere.
If your property has been extended or modified over time, colour is an excellent tool to unify different sections. You don’t need to pretend that modern additions were built at the same time — instead, carry a consistent palette through varied spaces using lighter or darker versions of key tones.
At the end of the day, updating a period home with contemporary colour is less about rules and more about personal expression. It’s about celebrating the details that make your house unique, while making sure it fits your day-to-day life. A successful scheme honours the past, embraces the present, and ultimately feels like home.
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