How to mix and match old with new interiors

We all love a cosy cottage, a listed manor or a converted barn, packed with historic features and comfy furnishings… but what do we love even more? Some modern luxuries to compliment all that traditional charm!

Living Rooms

Furniture and soft furnishings can  be transformative. Never underestimate the impact that the right chair, rug or sofa can make in the right place. The Classic Cottages properties showcased below give some great examples of how modern items of furniture have been used to update period rooms in historic properties and how antique furniture can work well with modern décor.

4 Church Square is a charming cottage in the heart of Rye, East Sussex with beautifully preserved panelled interiors and a cosy sofa and chair. The warm hues in this room create a relaxing space.

The Old Mill, Dorchester has been beautifully restored and is now home to some stunning modern features such as statement lighting and a cleverly preserved millstone. The state-of-the-art staircase blends seamlessly with the restored beams, the perfect combination.

Wold House in the heart of the Cotswolds has gorgeous contemporary furniture for a cosy and relaxing holiday.

The Dolls House in Branscombe is a period property with stunning feature windows and exteriors. The on-trend sofa brings a pop of colour and modern vibe to the sitting room. 

The Old Pottery, Bideford, North Devon, is a great example of using antique furniture along side modern decoration; the wallpaper is a dream!

Bedrooms

The historic structure and character of an old building is definitely something to be preserved and celebrated, but this doesn't mean your interiors can’t also be right on trend. As demonstrated by the property images below, simple and unobtrusive changes such as a bold colour on walls and ceilings, or modern additions like rustic wall cladding or art can really bring ‘historic’ spaces right up to date. Mid-century modern is very popular right now and a great way to link the past is to use contemporary furniture.

The traditional beams in this gorgeous bedroom at Bank Cottage, Moreton in Marsh, in the Cotswolds, work perfectly with the modern, statement wallpaper and contemporary paint to make the beautiful bed the centre piece.

The master bedroom at Ivy House has a charming stone fireplace in original stone, beautifully preserved to create a standout feature. The minimalist soft white walls compliment the fireplace perfectly.

The Doll’s House, Branscombe in Devon is a gorgeous restoration, where exposed stone, on trend paint and modern radiators marry seamlessly to create a calm and restful space.

The Coach House in Branscombe has traditional beams and characterful arched windows which work perfectly with the painted wood panelling around the bed.

Kitchens

Known as the heart of the home, the kitchen in older properties often has much loved traditional features such as beams, flagstone flooring and the all-important Aga! Whilst we tend to look for the latest gadgets in a dream kitchen, it is worthwhile making a feature of traditional elements, like a stone wall or exposed beams to retain the character of the room. 

The Old Mill, Dorchester makes good use of sleek design and bold charcoal colours which blend beautifully with the oak beamed ceiling. 

Churchstyle Barn near Honiton in East Devon has a gorgeous kitchen designed around the original barn beams.

Camellia Cottage in Brixham, South Devon has a characterful exposed brick wall which beautifully frames the kitchen window. 

Bathroom spaces

There’s a great choice of stylish bathrooms on offer and if you are looking to retain some olde worlde panache in your bathroom, or indeed bedroom, you will undoubtedly be spoilt for choice!

Wold House in the Cotswolds has a super stylish bathroom, in keeping with the charm of the house. Check out the fabulous claw foot bath!

The master bedroom in Rydon is home to a gorgeous bathtub, fitting perfectly with the furnishings.

Our team of Area Managers are experts in the field of interiors, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions!