Using Contemporary Style To Embrace Your Heritage Setting

A lot of our gorgeous Yorkshire projects are within heritage buildings, which creates the most beautiful canvas from which we can craft our schemes. But, inevitably with these heritage homes, there is always a degree of modernisation that is required. Some would shy away from this, preferring to keep the past in the past, but we love to embrace modernity within these iconic spaces.

One of the simplest ways to ground your interior scheme in a modern era, without it being too scary, is with colour. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Modern colours, such as vibrant yellows and reds, are a great tool from which you can bring a contemporary feel to your home. With hero pieces, such as this incredible yellow chair from sofa.com you can add a burst of modern colour, without pushing yourself too far from your comfort zone.

But, before you head out and buy the brightest shades on the market, take a moment to think about you and your family. Though you may want a bold or brave look in your heritage home, your lifestyle will ultimately lead your design scheme. Do you have a wonderful country life full of big muddy dogs and children who love to run around outside? Or perhaps you lean more towards a modern, sleek and efficient lifestyle. Either way, your design choices will need to mirror the practicality of your everyday life. If you do have those large dogs, perhaps a white sofa in family rooms might not be the best option…

Red ottoman by local upholster Emma Patchett

The Ernest Swivel Armchair from sofa.com

Don’t be afraid to add pattern

I have always been a fan of beautiful and bold wallpapers. Whilst on my travels to this year’s London Design Week in March, I was thrilled to see an abundance of beautiful and bold papers, all perfectly suited to bringing our heritage homes into the 21st century.

Whilst touring the different brands and showrooms I caught up with the wonderful American designer, Laura Kirar. Her new collection with Arteriors revisits memories of social family holidays by the sea, with the entire look representing a strong nautical theme. British designer Fiona Howard also had some beautifully British papers, which were both pretty and quintessentially English in style. Definitely one to consider for a true country home feel.

Wallpaper is a wonderful way of bringing colour and interest to a space, without having to commit to an entire scheme. Perhaps, for example, you are interested in chinoiserie and feel that it would add something luxurious to your bedroom, but you’re nervous to take steps to completely redecorate the space. A feature wall using a paper which takes a modern twist on chinoiserie, is a fantastic answer and a great way to ‘test the water’.

Don’t be afraid of bringing personality to a space with pattern – embrace it and all its glorious adaptations.

Anne Marie Cousins

If you’re interested in exploring design options, please contact us via our website www.amcinteriordesign.co.uk