THE LISTED PROPERTY OWNER'S CLUB

Before making any changes, it is vitally important that you understand what you can and cannot do with the property - but do not be afraid of the responsibility you are taking on. You may have ideas of how you would like to live in your property and ideas for making changes - but before you put a sledge hammer through the kitchen wall, take specialist heritage building advice and discuss your proposals with the local planning authority conservation officer. It will be time and money well spent. It is important to remember that many internal alterations (such as moving walls) may harm the special architectural or historic character of your building and will not receive listed building consent from your local planning authority.

A combination of traditional styles for modern living works best when using antiques and repurposed furniture, whilst also creating a reflection of the history of the property which visually enhances the space. The quality of interior spaces can greatly influence our well being, because for many of us the majority of our time is spent indoors. How can we define ‘Interior Design in Heritage Properties’? Interior design can be a combination of surface pattern, furniture, texture, material and lighting quality - and this can include the placement of elements such as furniture, rugs and curtains.

Maintenance of any property can seem a chore, but it can be satisfying to see the finished result when the appropriate repairs and/or restorative measures have been completed. A well maintained property will always retain its value, if not increase it. So, it makes economic sense to carry out timely maintenance, which should usually negate the need for expensive repairs. Heritage building interior design specialists who understand the fabric and the specific needs of the property ensure that inappropriate repairs are avoided. Examples of unsympathetic repairs include the use of plastic-based paints and plasters, which restrict moisture permeability on walls and can result in serious, if not irreversible damage.

It is vital that you are aware of your legal obligations, and if your plans include the removal of fabric, such as floors, walls, chimneys, stairs, fireplaces, windows and doors, - without listed building consent from your local planning authority - then you could be breaking the law if the work was carried out. A Heritage Interior Designer can guide you through the legal regulations and will creatively respond to your brief and support the relevant planning application. Throughout the design process, try and be sympathetic to the existing building and consider reintroducing or reimagining missing architectural details. In turn, this can help to inform the finishes for floors, walls and windows. It is not unusual to reinstate or restore traditional features and at the same time, to introduce modern touches appropriate to your way of life. Such changes help put your mark on the property and contribute to the history of your home.

A Heritage Interior Designer will help advise on structural alterations through to an ornament on a table and everything in between. You may require several rooms to be redesigned, making them more suited to your way of life, so a phased approach may be considered best – and during all work we recommend you compile a photographic record, which can be interesting and exciting, as you watch the steady transformation of your brief and your home.