Should you be in the fortunate position to own a period property then you will want to maintain the beautiful and original features of home. However, the dilemma of combining modern living with the beauty and style of the period home is one worth considering, and it’s always worth taking the trouble to seek a sympathetic solution.
Period properties are notorious for lacking storage space for clothes, and this makes wardrobes top most wish lists. Because of their age and the way they were originally designed, many period properties will have features which require special consideration.
Chimney Breasts
The recesses each side are the ideal place to start when considering hanging space – a his and a hers is usually how we diplomatically deal with this area! So, if it is to be wardrobes, then sliding doors as a modern solution, or hinged doors as a more traditional way of keeping the chimney breast, and possibly the fireplace, showing in the middle. A sliding wardrobe can smoothly cover the entire span, especially useful if the plasterwork isn’t looking its best or is a little featureless – use the shallow centre space for a flat TV, a vanity or dressing table type arrangement with a wall mirror and a couple of shelves under and above for hairdryer, make up and cosmetics to be ever-ready, or shoe storage.
With all of our fitted furniture and bespoke units you have the flexibility to choose what ever depth you like, sliding wardrobes need to be a minimum of 630mm whereas a hinged door wardrobe is ideal at 600mm, but you can increase this depending on window reveals and how it may affect your bed space opposite.
Bay Windows
Pre war houses often have a grand bay in the bedroom which can do more than just provide a floor space for a boring dressing table. By having a specialist installation, you can snugly fit a luxury window seat which sits just under the window sill, or a dressing table without any gaps behind. You may have some odd shaped cupboards at each end, but it’s all extra storage space!
High ceilings
When looking at maintaining features like ornate coving, cornice and ceiling roses, it may be better to keep the wardrobe heights to key into the picture rail height to keep room proportions and let these features show as intended. Because our wardrobes are made to measure by width AND height, we can make them exactly right for you.
Low ceilings
Cottages often have lower ceilings and beams which need to be accommodated. We are experienced in designing a solution which will provide optimum storage whilst taking these limitations into account.
Period Colours
It is important to keep permanent additions like wardrobes in a classic style, keeping the colours and door styles as simple as possible to avoid any design conflicts. Deane can install doors and frames in raw MDF ready to paint too, should you require such detail. However, new soft colours such as creams, greys and mossy greens are ideal for character homes.
On your doorstep…
Hampshire in particular has many cities with an array of beautiful old properties. Winchester and the surrounding area is a popular choice for Londoner’s second homes, the perfect location where town meets country. For keen mariners, Old Portsmouth has the Solent on the doorstep, while being close to the cosmopolitan centre with shops bars and cafes.
Deane Interior Solutions Ltd based in Fareham, Hampshire, specialise in made to measure fitted bedrooms and wardrobes.
