Interior design can successfully combine 'old world charm' with a modern look. It doesn't take a great deal of money, but it does require careful planning and imaginative ideas. This converted home in Australia effectively combines the old with the new. It took time and energy, but the costs were kept down to a minimum.
This small brick house was built about the time of the First World War. Over the past five years, it has been renovated by journalist Robbie Burns and his wife Sue. The house was given an old world charm through the imaginative use of color, a wise choice of wallpaper, and an inexpensive collection of Victorian furniture, The colorful entrance hall sets off the tone for the rest of the house. Originally it had been dark and unwelcoming. It was livened up by the deep red walls and the bold black and white floor tiling. The oval sepia photograph over the door frames and the wooden hat rack and table add to the period feeling. From the hall the eye carries on through the other rooms, which are cleverly accented by a contrasting white door frame, luxurious red velvet curtains and a bright canary yellow door.
Often, using bold clear colors in sharp contrast to one another can have a dramatic impact.
The main thing to keep in mind is that the larger the area, the more effective this application of color contrast should be. The black and white floor here, for instance, would probably make a small bedroom or bathroom too hectic--a softer pattern is more successful in a small room, The hall motif is then picked up in the living room, which combines a luxurious period flavor with a modern one. The abstract painting over the fireplace, for example, does not clash with the rich velvet chaise longue which seems to emerge from the past--the color tie-in eliminates this possible incongruity.
If you're mixing different period looks in your decor, try to find one element which serves to co-ordinate your scheme. This can be done by using similar textures--leather or tweed, say or by the clever use of color, as in this house.
A rich red holds the various items together and integrates the different styles and textures.
The furniture in the living room was bought from a junk shop, and then 'face lifted' by the owners from the re-upholstering to the stripping and re-varnishing. The old varnish was stripped by taking a pad of steel wool, saturated in methylated spirit (paint stripper was also used if the lacquer was too heavy), the old finish removed, and then the surface re-finished with a mixture of linseed oil, lemon juice and methylated spirit. Many fine old pieces of furniture can be bought quite reasonably because the surface is in poor condition and although re storing can be tedious, it can provide some attractive furniture economically.
---------------- ABOVE. Dramatic impact in a hall created through bold colors
and a dynamic design.
Above. A living room furnished with junk shop finds, including the luxurious
chaise longue and roomy chairs and couch.
In contrast to the clear bold colors of the living room, are the more muted and subdued colors of the study. The wallpaper here is the tone setter-the delicate pattern set against an antique gold background sets off the oval mirror and carved wooden fireplace.
-------------- Above. Two features in the dining room: A Victorian high chair
and swinging louvered doors--designed for ease when serving.
Above. Old world charm exudes from this warm kitchen, centered around the
hearth.
It's very important to select the 'right’ wall paper--it can enhance a room tenfold or, if badly chosen, distract from every item in the room.
Before choosing your wallpaper, consider what your central color theme will be, how the pattern will affect the furniture in the room and, lastly, will it be a color and design that you can live with over a period of time. The eye quickly tires of a busy pattern.
The graceful arch of the fireplace is accented by the white plaster strip which contrasts well
with the deep hues of the wooden surround. The bricks have been arranged in steps to allow a recess for a potted palm plant. As in the living room, the pieces of furniture here are junk shop ‘finds', restored by the Burns. The rush matting on the floor as well as the shaggy rug are good selections because they‘re in keeping with the general color tones of the room.
The same old world charm is found again in the bedroom, mainly inspired by the floral wall paper. The attractive brass bedstead and delicate lace curtains also add to the period look. The heavy Victorian dressing table doesn't make the room look overly dark because of the light walls and carpeting.
The flower picture above the bed was made by Mrs. Burns, using felt and wool. The colors and design cleverly echo the wallpaper. The hand some red and blue bedspread also suggests a floral pattern. All the co-ordinating color and design elements were carefully planned down to the last detail, including such touches as the deep red of the bedstead to the dainty painting of red flowers next to the window. Attention to details can go a long way to improving the appearance of a room.
Leading off the living room is a bright and lively dining room which had once been a dingy back room. The saffron wall is an effective back drop for the multi-colored tapestry hanging on the wall. It‘s a good idea to break up large expanses of bright colors; it‘s more restful on the eye. To get additional light in the room, a window was built into the wall. The leather covered high chair adds an unusual touch-it dates back to Victorian times.
Perhaps one of the nicest features is the swinging louvered doors linking together the dining room and kitchen. They were made from old railway carriage window shutters. Swinging doors make carrying dishes from one room to another easier and the louvered slats provide ventilation. The wood tones complement the yellow walls.
Moving into the kitchen, there is an old world atmosphere, too. The wood stove and brick tiered chimney were retained-the stove is still used in winter, Tartan paper was put over the asbestos walls. The low wood walls, which were painted white, the delicate white curtains and red check table cloth and cushions all add to the atmosphere. Again, the cheerful touches of red tie the room together.
At the back of the house a playroom/ television room was added. A bathroom and laundry room are just beyond. A nice touch, which sets this part of the house apart, are the wooden steps leading up to it. Raised or lowered floors add interest to any room-they cause the viewer to stop and take note. Other eye-catching features are the leather chaise longue, the brass railing, and the old fashioned trolley. Potted plants are another feature which add to the period flavor.
A final look at this house shows how an effective and atmospheric decor can be attained without spending large amounts of money. Points to bear in mind if you‘re converting are finding a suitable color scheme, selecting versatile wallpaper, and locating junk shops which have attractive furniture with potential for restoring.