Ultimate Guide to Edwardian House Renovations
Are you considering taking on an Edwardian home renovation project? From brick exteriors to large, leafy gardens, Edwardian homes have unique charms that appeal to many. However, whether you are a homeowner looking to update your Edwardian property, an experienced restorator or are entirely new to renovation, you may feel daunted at the thought of embarking on this project.
Not to worry, this comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to know before embarking on your Edwardian house renovation. First, let's look at what makes these properties so unique and explore some of the key details to consider.
What Makes Edwardian Houses So Unique?
Edwardian houses, popular in England from 1901-1910, tend to be attractive and traditional in design. Often featuring decorative brick and detailed mock Tudor accents, they come with their own distinct characteristics that set them apart from other homes.
Let's take a closer look at some key features in your Edwardian property:
1. Brick: Flemish Bond brickwork is the most common brick used for Edwardian houses. It is comprised of red brick and blue brick that is patterned in alternating stretcher bond.
2. Extensions: Many Edwardian houses will have an extended kitchen, as the design of these homes emphasises practicality.
3. Windows: Often sash or bay, these wooden frames are single-glazed, and the glass will tend to look traditional.
4. Mock Tudor details: Whether it's the arch above a window, or a door leading to the garden, Mock Tudor details were popular among Edwardian home builders.
5. Open fireplaces: Another common feature in Edwardian homes, these ornate fireplaces add an air of luxury.
6. Parquet woodblock floors: Beautifully intricate parquet flooring is something to look for when taking on a renovation project.
7. Large gardens: Most Edwardian houses feature extensive gardens. You may want to take the time to assess what improvements are needed and budget accordingly.
8. Wooden porches: Sometimes attached to the front door, porches of Edwardian homes tend to have low-hanging eaves and triangular bracing.
When most people think of Edwardian homes, brick façades, large windows, Tudor details, and traditional wooden porches immediately come to mind. What they don't always remember, however, are the numerous wooden details, ornate parquet woodblock floors and large open fireplaces that make these homes so distinctive. All of these features help to create a distinct look and feel, allowing homeowners to stay true to the original design of their property while introducing some modern touches.
When renovating an Edwardian home, the goal is to keep the look and feel of the house true to the original but to update it for the 21st century. The best way to do this is to take the traditional materials and structures of the home and update them with more modern options. For example, open fireplaces can be replaced with energy-efficient electric models. In addition, parquet woodblock floors can be refinished to bring back their shine. These updates can get an Edwardian property back to life without taking away from the charm and style of the era.
Another important consideration when restoring an Edwardian home is the large gardens and outdoor spaces around the property. By adding decking or paving, these areas can be updated for use as entertainment and relaxation spots, giving them a modern twist. Likewise, it's worth adding an outdoor seating area near an existing gazebo, which will allow you to take advantage of the warm summer evenings in a beautiful setting.
By familiarising yourself with some main details, you'll be more than ready to confidently take on your own Edwardian home renovation project. So don't hesitate; if you have your eye on a particular property, now could be the perfect time to get started! Contact us today to learn how we can help make your dream home a reality.