Why Heritage Home Design Is on the Rise
In an age where everything is new, new, new – and where trends come in and out of fashion as quick as you can say the word – heritage aesthetics are still as popular as ever.
In fact, they’re actually rising in popularity, with Google searches for ‘heritage interiors’ seeing a 56% year-on-year increase since 2023, and ‘classic furniture’ seeing a huge rise of 243%.
Many Brits are beginning to see the appeal of rejecting modernity and embracing tradition, but there’s just one problem – new heritage properties can’t be made, and they’re not often up for sale (not at a modest price point, anyway).
There are 379,443 listed properties in the UK, which means your chance of finding an ‘authentically heritage’ home is, unfortunately, quite low.
So, for heritage design lovers who don’t own a Grade II-listed masterpiece, we’ve recruited Kevin Brown – an experienced heritage home renovation expert from The Heritage Window Company – to reveal key elements of heritage home interiors and exteriors that you can replicate in any home.
Popular Heritage Features UK Homeowners Love
According to data from Brits searching on Google, ‘sash windows’ (18,100), ‘cornicing’ (14,800) and ‘timber beams’ (710) are the most commonly sought-after heritage features that require structural work. But there are plenty of heritage-style interior options that can be implemented quickly, too.
The most popular interior heritage features searched for by Brits are ‘shutters’ (27,100), ‘floral wallpaper’ (12,100), ‘vintage furniture’ (8,100), ‘striped wallpaper’ (8,100) and ‘heritage paintings’ (2,900).
What Makes a Home Truly ‘Feel’ Heritage?
“Funnily enough, you don’t need a heritage property for your home to ‘feel’ heritage,” says Kevin, heritage property renovation expert. “Heritage aesthetics are associated with bold styles that convincingly incorporate traditional features – this is something that can be achieved by anyone with an eye for design, regardless of whether their property is listed or not.
“You can completely transform the feel of a more modern home by making your interiors an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings, industrial-style window frames and rich, dramatic colours that help tie your spaces together with heritage charm,” Kevin continues. “You can either do this all at once, incrementally, or with eye-catching statement pieces.
“You can go quite maximalist with your interiors and still achieve that heritage effect, collecting a variety of antique or heritage-inspired pieces to add character and create the sense that your home has lived a longer life than it has. However, I find focusing on a particular heritage design style can make your home seem more consistently authentic.
“To find the heritage design style that speaks to you, have a look at Art Deco, Gothic, Neoclassical, Georgian and Victorian-style homes – you’ll be sure to find some inspiration here.”
How to achieve the perfect heritage exterior
Consider sash windows
“Heritage-style windows are instantly recognisable, thanks to their classic proportions and traditional metal frames,” says Kevin. “These days, we use more environmentally friendly and thermally efficient aluminium over the traditional steel – but this achieves the same heritage look and feel,” he adds. “As one of the most prominent exterior features, authentically heritage windows play a key role in establishing a period look from the kerb.
“Installing sash windows is a timeless way to evoke the charm of Georgian or Victorian architecture. Their elegant, vertical-sliding design and slim frame aluminium windows offer expansive views while lending a refined, authentic feel to both the interior and exterior of your home.”
Restore or add original detailing
“If your home’s exterior has heritage features in need of restoring – great. If not, then no worries, just add them,” says Kevin. “Who says you can’t start your own idea of heritage, anyway? Everything came from somewhere,” Kevin jokes.
“It’s the small details that give heritage homes so much character, that’s the cornices, stone sills under windows, mounted lanterns, iron sconces – all things you can either restore or add to the home.
“Skilled craftsman will be able to replicate these heritage-style features to good effect, with the added benefit of using modern, durable materials. You can start with small features, like brick quoining or heritage-style vents, and work your way up from there.”
Pay attention to doors and ironmongery
“Front doors are another focal point of a heritage property,” Kevin notes. “It’s the face of your home, and the frontage will be a guest’s first impression. So, if you’re going for heritage, choosing proper doors will set the tone nicely.
“Look for doors with panel detailing, traditional knockers and antique-style letterplates that will help create a cohesive period look,” Kevin continues. “You don’t have to replace the whole door to achieve this look, either.
“Heritage ancillaries made with classic ironmongery – such as forged handles, hinges and latches – will do plenty to capture the charm of older style properties. You can also paint the door a more muted heritage shade, such as sage green, navy or oxblood red.”
Heritage Interior Design: Colour, Art and Antiques
Embrace bold colours and patterns
“Bold shades and rich patterns are key in heritage interiors, helping to give each room its own identity. Deep reds, navy blues and forest greens work especially well to highlight antique features and bring a warm, rustic edge to your space.
“For patterns, the most obvious change you can make is the wallpaper,” says Kevin. “Whether you go with more maximalist, natural, William Morris-style papers or classical, bold, striped wallpapers – you can’t go wrong with these heritage design classics.”
Use plenty of artwork
“Framed classical prints or paintings, especially in darker or gilded frames, can add depth and authenticity to your walls. You don’t need to invest heavily either—second-hand shops, vintage markets and local auctions often have hidden gems at bargain prices, and a bit of negotiation can go a long way.”
Purchase antique furniture and décor
“Ornate furniture, vintage ornaments and characterful display pieces are central to achieving a true heritage aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for a statement dining table or small decorative items to dress a sideboard, antique fairs and local dealers across the UK offer a surprising amount of choice,” Kevin says.
“Crafty sellers of reclaimed wood are a great place to look for both sustainable and reasonably priced pieces that are authentically heritage. After all, they’re made from pre-loved, restored wood,” he continues, “and the more well-crafted a piece, the more beautifully it will age over time.”
Will you be making your home more heritage in 2025? If you follow this advice, timeless aesthetics will be yours in no time.
