Exeter's period properties—from Georgian townhouses in St. Leonard's to Victorian terraces and heritage homes—require specialist decorating approaches. These beautiful buildings have unique characteristics that demand expert knowledge and appropriate techniques. Here's essential specialist advice for decorating Exeter's period homes. Our domestic decorating services specialise in heritage property work.
Understanding Exeter's Period Property Types
Georgian Properties (St. Leonard's, City Centre)
Georgian homes in Exeter feature:
- •Symmetrical facades and proportions
- •Large sash windows
- •Original panelled doors and shutters
- •Period fireplaces and cornicing
- •High ceilings and spacious rooms
Victorian Terraces
- •Bay windows and decorative features
- •Original floorboards and fireplaces
- •Period tiling and stained glass
- •Ornate plasterwork
- •Narrow but tall proportions
Edwardian Properties
- •Lighter, airier feel than Victorian
- •Arts and Crafts influences
- •Quality joinery and built-in features
- •Garden-focused design
- •Better natural light
Essential Decorating Principles for Period Properties
Respect the Building's Character
Period properties have inherent character that should be enhanced, not hidden:
- •Work with original features, don't cover them
- •Choose colours that complement the period
- •Use appropriate finishes (matt for period interiors)
- •Preserve original details (cornicing, panelling, fireplaces)
- •Consider the building's history and style
Use Breathable Paint Systems
Old buildings need to breathe—this is crucial:
- •Traditional buildings have permeable walls
- •Non-breathable paint traps moisture
- •Trapped moisture causes damp and decay
- •Use breathable paints (lime, clay, or mineral-based)
- •Essential for both interior and exterior work
Colour Schemes for Exeter Period Properties
Georgian Colour Palettes
Georgian homes suit:
- •Soft greys and creams (Farrow & Ball, Little Greene)
- •Heritage blues and greens
- •Warm neutrals that complement period features
- •Rich, muted tones (not bright modern colours)
- •Consider: Original Georgian colours were often quite bold
Victorian Colour Schemes
- •Deeper, richer colours
- •Jewel tones (deep reds, greens, blues)
- •Warm earth tones
- •Dramatic contrasts (dark walls, light woodwork)
- •Consider: Victorian homes can handle stronger colours
Specialist Techniques for Period Property Decorating
Preparing Old Surfaces
- •Test for lead paint: Essential safety step
- •Gentle preparation: Don't damage original surfaces
- •Fill appropriately: Use breathable fillers for old walls
- •Repair before decorating: Fix issues properly first
- •Respect original materials: Work with, not against, the building
Working with Original Features
- •Cornicing: Clean carefully, paint to enhance detail
- •Panelling: Use appropriate finishes, preserve character
- •Fireplaces: Highlight, don't hide, period features
- •Sash windows: Specialist techniques for period windows
- •Original floors: Protect during decorating work
Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
If your Exeter property is listed or in a conservation area:
- •Check requirements: Exeter City Council may have specific rules
- •Listed building consent: May be required for external work
- •Approved materials: Often specified for listed properties
- •Colour restrictions: Some areas have approved palettes
- •Professional requirement: Listed work often needs specialists
- •Documentation: Keep records of all work done
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Using non-breathable paint on old walls
- •Covering original features
- •Choosing inappropriate modern colours
- •Rushing preparation work
- •Using wrong materials for period properties
- •Ignoring damp issues before decorating
- •Not checking listed building requirements
“Decorating a period property in Exeter isn't just painting—it's preserving history while creating a beautiful, functional home. Specialist knowledge makes all the difference.”
Professional Period Property Decorating
At BSR Decorating, we specialise in period property work across Exeter:
- •Heritage expertise: Understanding of period building techniques
- •Appropriate materials: Breathable paints and traditional methods
- •Listed building experience: Knowledge of conservation requirements
- •Respectful approach: Enhancing character, not changing it
- •Long-term thinking: Solutions that protect and preserve
Planning to decorate your Exeter period property? Get specialist advice from BSR Decorating. We understand the unique requirements of Georgian, Victorian, and heritage homes across St. Leonard's, Pennsylvania, and all of Exeter. Our domestic decorating team has extensive heritage property experience.