Say goodbye to all white and contemporary everything and make way for modern heritage. This style combines traditional elements and craftsmanship with all the comforts and conveniences of modern living to provide the perfect pairing of old and new.

Modern heritage is a trend that works well for most styles of homes from Victorian villas to modern estate houses. You don’t need to live in a period property with tall ceilings and sash windows – though it helps. From furniture and wallpaper to colour schemes and upcycled items, we look at how to create this timeless and inviting vibe.

Halls

The hall is the gateway to your home and sets the tone for the rest of the house. Focus on incorporating traditional architectural details, such as wood panelling or wainscoted walls to anchor the space.  Renovate and restore any period features such as a stained-glass front door, ceiling rosettes or parquet flooring. If your home lacks period charm, consider commissioning a glass artist to create a stained-glass door in the art deco style, for example. Rich colours and patterns are key elements of a modern heritage style.  A statement lighting fixture can add a touch of elegance while a carefully selected antique console table or vintage mirror will add to the “old meets new” feel.

Bathrooms 

Image supplied by Masker Architects

Embracing a modern heritage design isn’t about creating an old- fashioned interior. Instead, it’s about taking the best features from a period style and seamlessly pairing them with modern features. For example, a rolltop bathtub and a black framed walk-in shower, as above.  It’s about cherry picking the features that you love, such as clawfoot baths and combining them with luxurious modern touches like heated towel rails and high-quality showers. If tiling your walls, find something to give a vintage vibe: subway tiles will give a great look without sacrificing any practicality in your bathroom design. For something a little bolder, choose a mural tile design to create a feature wall. Additionally, consider repurposing furniture like cabinets or milking stools to add a unique twist.

Kitchens

Yellow Retro Maximalist Floral Wallpaper. Image supplied by Wallsauce.com

Choose high-end cabinetry that echoes traditional design elements, such as Shaker style doors or detailed mouldings. Consider incorporating a farmhouse sink or a vintage-inspired range cooker with a timeless tile splashback as focal points.

If you have a big budget, explore new or reconditioned Aga stoves to inject instant character to your kitchen. They come in creams, reds, yellows, blues and greens.

Browse the Big Chill’s collection of full-size retro and classic fridges, all offering the latest cooling technology or consider a standalone Smeg fridge and freezer. Tiles can further enhance the vintage feel from crackle glazed metro tiles for a kitchen splashback through to geometric patterned tiles for your flooring. Complete the look with open-style shelving for heirloom china or copper utensils.

Sitting rooms

Alderney armchair in olive green cotton. Image supplied by sofa.com

If you’re having trouble understanding what this style is all about, check out the room above with its wood panelling, elegant armchair in matching hues and modern stove that demands your attention.  According to Metro, it’s the synergistic tension between old and new that gives modern heritage its vibe.

To truly embrace modern heritage style consider investing in fitted furniture that incorporates classic design elements. Custom-made built-in book shelves or window seats can blend traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.  Add soft throws, wicker baskets, cosy rugs and plump cushions for added comfort and intimacy,

Scour antique shops, flea markets and online platforms for unique pieces that can be restored. A vintage chest of drawers, old wooden trunk or reclaimed wooden floor can all contribute to the charm of a modern heritage interior.

Bedrooms

Marigold pattern wallpaper. Image supplied by Wallsauce.com

Bedrooms should be tranquil retreats perhaps with a touch of nostalgia. Opt for a neutral colour palette as the foundation allowing you to experiment with different textures and patterns. Floral wallpapers, patchwork bedspreads and patterned sofas are all good choices for modern heritage bedrooms. Upholstered headboards in classic silhouettes paired with luxurious bedding and drapery create an inviting atmosphere. Complete the look with modern artworks, inherited furniture and accessories.  Bright and bold, colourful and cheerful, stripes are mood-boosting. They’re a staple of soft furnishings. But while stripes make a big impact, it’s best to skip striped accent walls in bedrooms (or anywhere else) as it can feel like you’re in jail.

Colour palette

Benjamin Moore Dramatic Deeps Intrigue. Image supplied by Benjamin Mooore

Repeating colours is among the simplest ways to unify your interior décor. Choose a colour scheme that combines neutral tones like cream with mid and deep hues for accent. Many leading paint companies offer a range of historical colours. Little Greene, for example, has recreated a heritage palette from paint analysis in historic houses. The 50 colours range through the key ages of interior design from the Georgian period right up to the 1970s, so you can explore online by time-period. The most popular and timeless colours are often the oldest shades, says Little Greene. Dulux also offers a Heritage range. Divided into light, mid and deep tones, the paint manufacturer provides a colour card of columns of complementary hues to inspire your colour choices, each paired with a beautiful white.

Wallpaper

Beige panelling wallpaper. Image supplied by Wallsauce.com

Much like paint colours, patterns and prints can channel the look and feel of a particular period, adding a new dimension to a modern space. Check out the panelling effect wallpaper by Wallsauce, above – muchc cheaper than the real thing. Or you might prefer Victorian botanical prints or wallpaper featuring the 19th century designs of William Morris.  Inspired by nature, Morris’ designs feature flora and fauna that he observed in his garden or country walks, including Strawberry Thief, Golden Lily and Willow Boughs.  Sanderson offers a selection of the popular Morris wallpaper designs as do Clarke & Clarke. Meanwhile research of National Trust properties by Little Greene has resulted in beautiful examples of historical wallpapers from the Georgian period through to the 1960s and 70s.

This modern take on heritage style sees elements such as wood panelling, botanical prints and heritage paint colours provide a backdrop for modern artworks, green plants, pre-loved furniture and the latest technology. Modern vintage is not only a comforting look but a sustainable one if it includes recycled elements. This style is ideal if you’re looking to create a home that feels inviting, easy to live in and doesn’t tread too heavily on the planet.