Can traditional style interiors work in a new build?

[LookAtMissOhio]

Hi,

I'm planning to redecorate a standard, smallish UK semi. Problem is, I really love traditional English country interiors (think National Trust period homes). If I spend 5 to 10k on this house, I want it to be a look I like.

Pinterest keeps bringing up Victorian interiors with super high ceilings and picture rails. I'm afraid of spending a fortune, only for the end result to look like a pastiche. Thoughts?

Don't. The low ceilings won't go with it. It will look naff.

Sometimes on here you will see links to houses that owners are trying to sell, whose style on the interior is miles different to the style on the exterior. For some it's a step too far, for others it's to be admired. If you are doing this to live in and enjoy for the next 10/30 years definitely do what makes your heart sing. Otherwise, probably be more conformative, would be my advise.

I think you can focus on “classical/ traditional” elements without trying to replicate features you don’t have.

A painted shaker style kitchen/ cup handles/ antique style lighting - wouldn’t look out of place in most newbuilds.

Stick to heritage colours/ finishes on paint (even white) for walls. I think Little Greene actually do a national trust range. Stick to more matt finishes on woodwork for that more traditional feeling.
Having natural floorings such as wood or tiles with large wool rugs. Or if carpeted not fluffy synthetic ones. Caster feet sofas are also traditional but work in the right contemporary settings. As do traditional style radiators.

Do a bit of a mix so classical modern.

This kind of style? I would say all these could go in a new build.

I think @WhatAWasteOfOranges is right about incorporating traditional elements rather than trying to create what isn't there. it depends on the house and the style really. My new build does have high ceilings so I felt I could get away with a more traditional style. My study for example

Thank you all! Some very lovely interiors on this thread :)

Unsure, can I ask where you found the first image? I'd love to know what shade of paint that is.

Sorry just random Pinterest unfortunately.

www.neptune.com/living-room/

www.oka.com/uk

These two companies tend to do “traditional” looking furniture. I would focus achieving the look on the furniture and accessories rather than the walls - as these are best kept neutral / in the background as likely to have zero period features and low ceilings.

You could panel for sure.
We have a newish build (slightly unusual) and have lots of antiques, reclaimed and salvage radiators etc

Just buy what you love and it will work

Thank you all for the good advice!

For inspiration have a look at @alicegraceinteriors on Instagram- she's decorated her new builds in period style. Some are a bit OTT such as adding fake beams, but the styling is lovely.

Older furniture can be better quality as it was made to last. Go for things you love. As you don't want pastiche, avoid fakery, such as a lino floor with a wooden pattern etc

I think you can incorporate period style (truly classic style doesn't date anyway) but be careful about fixed features- introducing fake timber beams and a Louis XV marble fireplace is going to look daft!

@LookAtMissOhio

Unsure, can I ask where you found the first image? I'd love to know what shade of paint that is.

www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/house-tours/yorkshire-new-build-nidderdale-197540

Goodness me, what a house! Not jealous at all rich bastards

There are plenty of genuine Victorian houses/workers' cottages with low ceilings. I'd just go for a few careful, good quality and 'not too fancy' details, and express your style with the furniture and fabrics if you think you'll be wanting to sell. If it's a forever house, go to town and have what you like. I'm planning on going what most people would think was completely mad with one of our rooms here- dark red walls, Victorian Gothic fittings, fancy paintwork (think Pugin) and furniture tweaked with Gothic fancy bits. I figure that room is so dark, and will be so full of bookcases it will be like a public library anyway, I may as well go for it!

As an example of less wild thinking, you can get very small covings, still fairly plain, which will make it look less aggressively box-like, would give it an old 'feel' and go with older furniture and fittings, and would still look OK with more modern decor if you were selling.

That's one problem I have with the linked one- it actually looks very modern to me, partly because it has no covings.

If there’s low ceilings I would avoid picture/dado rails- it will look very dated.

However, I think country/rustic could look very nice with low ceilings. I love pine furniture and tartan fabrics, and I think that style would suit a modern house with low ceilings well.

Also shaker style kitchens are traditional and look good in any age of property.

@flashbac

Don't. The low ceilings won't go with it. It will look naff.

This. It looks terrible with low ceilings.

When I say "it" I mean Victorian picture rails, cornices etc.

Yes it is possible but will require a lot of attention to the right colour scheme and the little detail so that you don't overcrowd your house with oversize period items. My friend has traditional interiors in her new built and it is the most beautiful flat that I have ever been to.

@TheMagicDeckchair

If there’s low ceilings I would avoid picture/dado rails- it will look very dated.

However, I think country/rustic could look very nice with low ceilings. I love pine furniture and tartan fabrics, and I think that style would suit a modern house with low ceilings well.

Also shaker style kitchens are traditional and look good in any age of property.

I'd agree. Cornice, yes, picture rails and dado rails, no. You can also get cornicing that is narrow on the wall and wider on the ceiling, so you get a decent looking cornice without creeping too far down the walls.

Thanks for the tips everyone! Agreed on dado rails.

Was planning on cornicing, installing an artificial chimney breast with lovely big fireplace and an everhot stove. Might go for oak parquet on the floor once I've saved a bit.

All the inspiration out there has me a bit overwhelmed better get off Pinterest and do my own thing.