STEP TWO
These interior style concepts naturally complement older exterior styles (Classical, Romantic, Victorian, Post-Victorian, Mid-Century). By using vintage materials and colour palettes, antique furniture, layered textiles and period trim details it is possible to convey strong vintage narrative.
Heritage
Best Suited For THESE EXTERIOR STYLES: Folk, Classical, Romantic, Victorian
Imagine: Turned table legs, oil paintings, rich wood accents, layered trim and moulding details, pedestal sinks, clawfoot tubs, Windsor back chairs, stained glass, tufted upholstery and warm lighting intermixed with candles.
This style is perfect for preserving the character and charm of historic homes. Key features include:
Use of historically accurate colours, materials, and patterns.
Layered textures and warm, classic tones. Vintage wallpaper styles.
Free-standing, vintage or antique furniture and fixtures (100% vintage or replica).
Restoration or replication of period-specific architectural details.
Historic interiors are best for quality old homes to retain their historical integrity. These types of projects require considerable care and attention to detail to get right. Planning, high quality execution, patience and a healthy budget are mandatory.
Vintage
Best Suited For THESE EXTERIOR STYLES: Folk, Classical, Romantic, Victorian, Period-Revival, Bungalow/Craftsman
Imagine: Painted wainscotting, checkered or mosaic tile, living finishes, floral wallpaper, substantive furniture, heritage colours, layered task lighting, considered millwork, and spaces dedicated to comfort.
A modernized take on traditional design, this style combines heritage inspired elements with contemporary functionality. Striking the right balance between new and old is what differentiates this style from a more transitional style. Key features include:
Preserving key architectural features like moldings, fireplaces, and woodwork with allowances made for changes and modernization.
Using vintage and vintage inspired furniture, lighting, and finishes (70% vintage, 30% new).
Functional, simple built-in elements.
Heritage colour palettes.
A modernized, heritage inspired design is great for vintage homes that require substantial updates and renovation. It is possible to preserve elements and charm from the original vintage interior while augmenting with modern materials and decor for a blended result. This creates an opportunity to choose from a broader selection of materials and decor.
Mid-Century Modern
Best Suited For These Exterior Styles: Bungalow/Craftsman, Prairie, Victory, Mid-Century Modern, Ranch, Split-Level
Imagine: Teak and walnut furnishings, sunset yellows and olive greens, high sloped ceilings, slab door styles, colourful glass lighting, chrome accents, hanging plants, sunken living rooms, split level spaces and slender curved furniture.
A nostalgic nod to the 50s, 60s and 70s, this style includes:
Iconic, vintage furniture designs.
Bold colour palette.
A mix of materials like wood, metal, and plastic.
Vintage textiles featuring geometric patterns and colour.
This style in its full glory belongs in midcentury homes. A lighter, subdued version of this style can work well in later suburban architecture as well. Ideally, the architecture and design principles align perfectly with the aesthetic to create a time capsule experience. This style requires commitment but when done well, results in a truly unique and boldly stylish interior.
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-This guide provides a brief, highly graphical overview of Canada's architectural heritage, highlighting the defining characteristics of various building styles and types across different historical periods. We love older Parks Canada publications.
Parks Canada. Buildings of Canada: A Guide to Styles and Types. 1980, https://www.historicplaces.ca/media/7173/buildingsofcanada.pdf.
-This guide, commissioned by an East coast municipality, is quite comprehensive. It provides more detailed information on the architectural styles that are common in Canada.
Town of Sackville. Heritage Architecture Style Guide. 10 Mar. 2014, https://sackville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Heritage_Architecture_Style_Guide_Final_10March2014.pdf.
-This book provides a comprehensive overview of major architectural styles and building terminology in Ontario from the late 18th century to relatively modern times.
Blumenson, John J.-G. Ontario Architecture: A Guide to Styles and Building Terms, 1784 to the Present. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1990.
-A concise introduction to considering the architectural character of your home is provided in the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Cultural Resources - Preservation Guides. The National Park Service preservation guides are a great resource in general and well worth exploring.
-This book outlines what to look for, what to do and what not to do when working on important building details.
Cusato, Marianne, and Ben Pentreath. Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid. Sterling, 2007.
-This book provides an excellent detailed guide to American residential architecture (basically the same as Canadian architecture).
McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses (Revised): The Definitive Guide to Identifying and Understanding America's Domestic Architecture. Knopf, 2015.
-This book provides detailed information on building elements.
Benjamin, Asher. The American Builder's Companion. Illustrated ed., Feb. 26, 2009, Dover Publications.
-This book provides detailed information on building elements indicating scale and proportion.
Radford, William A., Bernard L. Johnson, and Charles P. Rawson. Radford's Portfolio of Details of Building Construction: A Remarkable and Unique Collection of Full-Page Plates, Accurately Drawn and Reproduced to Exact Scale. Complete Details for Every Style of Interior Trim, Including Special Built-In Features. Illustrated ed., Dover Publications, Aug. 31, 2012.
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