Breathing New Life into Old Floors, Doors, and Mantels
Restoring the timeless elegance of Georgian homes is a rewarding journey, and no elements embody the character of these period properties quite like their original floors, doors, and mantels. At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we understand the importance of preserving these architectural features while bringing them into harmony with contemporary living. Restoration isn’t just an aspect of design; it’s a labour of love that honours history while making spaces functional and beautiful for modern life.
The Importance of Authenticity in Georgian Restoration
Georgian architecture is synonymous with symmetry, proportion, and understated elegance. These principles extend to the interiors, where details such as timber floorboards, panelled doors, and intricately carved mantels serve as focal points. Preserving these features is vital to maintaining the authenticity of a Georgian home. Replacing or discarding them can strip the property of its historical significance.
At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we take great care to source materials that align with the Georgian era’s aesthetic. For example, we recently sourced reclaimed floorboards from a Victorian house in Clapham via eBay, which were a perfect match for a client’s Georgian renovation. By using reclaimed materials, we ensured the flooring retained its original charm and patina while contributing to sustainable practices.
Restoring Georgian Floors
Original Georgian floors often feature wide timber planks with a weathered finish that tells the story of the home. Over time, these floors may become worn, uneven, or stained. Restoration can involve sanding, staining, and resealing the wood to enhance its natural beauty. However, it’s essential to retain imperfections that add character rather than striving for a factory-finished look.
In a recent project, we restored a Georgian parlour’s original floorboards, carefully treating the timber to remove years of grime without erasing its aged charm. We also incorporated reclaimed bricks to create a hearth that complemented the tones of the floor. By using worn, slightly imperfect bricks, we maintained a sense of history and avoided the overly polished look of newer materials.
Reviving Georgian Doors
Doors in Georgian homes are more than functional; they’re integral design elements that reflect the home’s style and period. Many Georgian doors feature six panels, a design dictated by the era’s preference for symmetry. At Alastair Humphries Interiors, we believe in restoring these features rather than replacing them.
Restoration often involves repairing damaged wood, replacing missing mouldings, and repainting in heritage colours such as muted greys, greens, or off-whites. In some cases, we’ve even sourced doors from reclamation yards like Frome and Wells to match original designs. These yards are treasure troves of authentic pieces that help us maintain the integrity of Georgian interiors.
Restoring Georgian Mantels
Mantels were the centrepieces of Georgian sitting rooms and parlours, often featuring intricate carvings and classical details. Restoring a mantel can involve repairing damaged plaster or wood, stripping layers of old paint, and repainting or staining to match the room’s scheme.
We recently worked on a Georgian home where the original mantel had been painted over multiple times, obscuring its delicate details. Through careful stripping and refinishing, we revealed its original craftsmanship, transforming it into a stunning focal point. Pairing the mantel with a reclaimed hearth in a herringbone design added texture and interest to the space.
Why Restoration Matters
Restoration isn’t just about preserving history; it’s about creating a home that reflects its heritage while meeting the needs of modern life. By breathing new life into Georgian floors, doors, and mantels, we at Alastair Humphries Interiors ensure these homes remain as timeless and inviting as they were centuries ago.
Whether sourcing materials from reclamation yards or finding treasures on eBay, the journey of restoration is one of care, creativity, and respect for the past. Each floorboard, door, and mantel tells a story, and through thoughtful restoration, these stories continue to enrich the lives of those who call these beautiful Georgian homes their own.
