What Is Horsehair Plaster?

If you’re renovating an older or historic property at the moment, you may well have come across horsehair plaster, also referred to as lath and plaster, typically a mixture of horsehair, plaster, sand and lime.

Drywall is more common in newer buildings, but there are all sorts of benefits to using lath and plaster, including structural strength and greater flexibility, making it easier to plaster curved or irregularly shaped walls.

It’s also worth noting that, while modern drywall is a more cost-effective option, it could be a false economy, since plaster provides better soundproofing, fireproofing and better insulation. It also doesn’t harbour mould, so it represents a healthier option, as well.

If your home already has plaster walls, it makes a lot more sense to stick with this if you can, rather than replacing it, especially in historic properties where you want to keep the original features of the building.

Not only is lath and plaster higher quality as a material in building work, it also looks a lot better than drywall does, so this is also something worth considering if you want to enhance the aesthetics of your property. It can also increase the value of the property itself, another consideration to bear in mind.

Avoid removing plaster and replacing or covering it up with drywall, as this can make your rooms look smaller and contrast quite harshly with other features in the space, such as mouldings, cornices and so on.

You should also perhaps avoid gutting the rooms, as this will remove everything, including all the original features of the property. A professional contractor will be able to carry out repair work without resorting to a gut renovation.

The Most Influential Home Makeover Shows

In the UK, we’re almost all fixated on interior design and the idea of buying a fixer-upper to restore to its original period glory, or into a modern masterpiece. But whether it’s a pipe dream or a definite plan of action for 2021, we all love the TV shows that inspire us to consider what we can do to our own homes.

With the second series of Interior Design Masters 2021 due to start on BBC in February, this time around with comedian Alan Carr providing the snarky hosting skills in place of Fearne Cotton, we wanted to look at a few of the best interior design shows on TV or streaming.

Interior Design Masters (2019) - Netflix

The original series aired in 2019 on BBC Two, in those halcyon pre-pandemic days. As mentioned, it was hosted by Fearne Cotton and ten aspiring interior designers hoping to go professional compete to win the praise of judge Michelle Ogundehin, with the help of design gurus and industry experts as specialist guest judges each week.

Grand Designs (1999 to present) - All 4

This long-running show, presented by designer and writer Kevin McCloud, focuses on some of the more elaborate and unique dream homes being built by the owners. It typically features custom-made elements that make the finished product not a home, but a work of art.

Some of the most unusual buildings include a domed house in a hillside built entirely by the owner and his family, and a glass house on top of a Welsh cliff which is part home, part architectural monument.

Tidying Up With Marie Kondo (2019) - Netflix

If your budget doesn’t quite run to building your own grand design, then the easiest way to improve your interiors is simply with a good tidy up.

Back in January 2019, Marie Kondo was the queen of decluttering, bringing order and calm to your home and your mind. It was addictive watching, instilling a sense of productivity and motivation, without having to get off the sofa!

If you live in a period property and looking for listed building restoration experts to help breathe fresh life into your home, then get in touch today.

How To Bring a Victorian Home Into The 21st Century

The vast amount of Victorian properties in the UK, from handsome townhouses to humble terraces are still incredibly popular homes today. They were solidly built, simply configured, and crammed full of interesting features, such as sash windows, ornate ceiling roses, cornicing, and gorgeous fireplaces.

While many original features in these properties may have been removed over the years, there is much interest in restoring and retaining them to bring a Victorian home back to its previous grandeur, such as this refurbished home in East London.

If you’re wanting to bring your Victorian home into the 21st century while retaining the features that make the property so appealing, we have some tips for you here.

Sash windows

Sash windows were typical in Victorian homes, and if the original windows are still intact, repairing and waterproofing them can help them live a long and beautiful life. It is worth considering getting the sashes to upgrade with double glazing, and some companies can fit double glazing into original window panes.

 

Preserve original floorboards

Original floorboards have been an obsession for decades. Even worn and battered boards can be repaired and patched, so seek our renovation experts before giving up on the original floorboards.

Create contrast with cornicing

Ornate plasterwork cornicing was beloved by the Victorians, but you can reinvent it today, while also making it stand out, by painting a bold shade around it. This is a neat way of both celebrating and modernising an original feature. Coving specialists in London can help restore coving to its original glory.

Use bold colour

The trend for darker hues on walls work wonderfully with Victorian features and are actually in keeping with that period’s love of dark shades.

Upcycle period pieces

Inexpensive Victorian pine furniture can be found on eBay and flea markets. Bring them up to date by stripping them back or painting them in a bright shade. New handles and knobs can help give them a fresh new look too and will look at home in your Victorian property without looking stuffy.

If you’re looking for experts in listed building restoration, then get in touch today,

Ceiling Design ‘Top Interiors Trend For 2021’

If you’re currently restoring an older property or are thinking about giving your home interiors a makeover in 2021, it’s important that you don’t overlook your ceiling.

Canberra Weekly recently named ceiling design as one of the top interior trends to watch this year, noting that it’s an area of our interiors that is often overlooked.

Greg Natale, a leading interior designer in Australia, told the newspaper that, along with the walls, the ceiling is one of the first areas of a room he considers when starting a new interior design project.

“They’re an essential layer of the architecture, and a wonderful way of introducing pattern into the framework of a room, helping to define its look and add interest and drama,” he told the news provider.

Mr Natale went on to suggest that cornices could be a particularly important element to look at this year, and urged homeowners to consider how they can use these features to improve the design of the space. For instance, he noted that cornices don’t just have to be painted to match the ceiling. Instead, using a contrasting colour can provide a dramatic outline.

He’s a particular fan of painting cornices black in the right situations because this can add “beautiful definition” to a room.

Last year, an article for Architecture & Design pointed out that there are many different cornice designs, many of which are categorised according to the historical period in which they were popular. Georgian, Victorian and Art Deco are among the styles often found in homes in the UK, as well as modern designs that tend to be cleaner and more simplistic.

If you’re looking for assistance with plaster ceiling decoration in your home, get in touch with our team of experts today.

Victorian Details To Enhance Your Home’s Period Appeal

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a Victorian period property, you’ll no doubt want to make the most of it. Maybe these homes can be a little draughty in winter compared to modern homes, and expensive to maintain at times, but the desire for period property has never waned.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the property market boom, or simply wanting to make changes to your home, we have a few features you could add to bring the period element back to your home.

A butler sink

For the Victorian pantry look, a classic white butler sink will look incredible in a traditionally styled kitchen. Contrast with darker paintwork on units and walls for a standout effect.

Go for a stained-glass door

Stained-glass might bring to mind churches, but by the end of the 1800s and the end of the Victorian period, stained glass had become a popular feature in domestic front doors. The decorative panels allow light in, whilst also providing privacy, and lend a gorgeous aesthetic from both inside and out.

Fit an ornate fireplace

A cast-iron fireplace makes a natural focal point in any room in the house and is one of the joys of any home in the winter months. The Victorians relied on them for keeping warm on chilly evenings. Surrounds were often made of marble, stone or wood.

Show off cornicing

Decorative plaster cornicing – along the line where ceiling and wall meet – adds elegance, grandeur and atmosphere to rooms.

If the original cornicing hasn’t been preserved at all, consider finding coving specialists in London who can restore your coving to its original state.

Reclaim a period radiator

A reclaimed cast-iron radiator will always look great in a period home, becoming part of the framework of the home in a way that modern radiators simply cannot achieve.

If you’re looking for experts in listed building restoration, then talk to our team today.

Blackpool Tower Ballroom To Be Restored After Government Grant

The iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom is to be repaired after securing a £764,000 grant from the Government. The grant is part of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which is intended to help arts industries affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The ballroom is world famous thanks to its regular occupancy by hit show Strictly Come Dancing.

The money will be spent on restoring the plaster ceiling decoration in the ballroom. The venue first opened in 1894, and the beautiful ornate plasterwork ceiling also dates back to then. It is hoped the work can be completed during the current Covid-19 lockdown, and the ballroom can re-open to the public at a later date this year.

Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas says that "Blackpool holds a special place in the heart of every ballroom dancer all over the world". She adds: "I am overjoyed to learn of the Government's investment to aid in the restoration of one of Blackpool's historic ballrooms, all of which house the memories and history of the ballroom dance industry."

The funding is specifically from the Heritage Stimulus Fund, provided by the Government and administered by Historic England. It is part of the wider package of the Culture Recovery Fund, which is an emergency relief fund providing grants and loans designed to protect the future of Britain’s theatres, galleries, and other cultural venues.

Duncan Wilson, the Chief Executive of Historic England, commented: “In these challenging times, our shared heritage is more important than ever. This vital funding will allow essential repairs to take place, providing employment for skilled craft workers and ensuring that we preserve this much-loved ballroom for everyone to enjoy, both now and in the future.”

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is one of more than 800 heritage sites and organisations to be awarded a grant during the pandemic, and they will provide a lifeline to venues which are facing one of the biggest financial challenges for a century.

If you are looking for plaster ceiling decoration in London, get in touch today.

Ideas to Keep Your Victorian Home Decor Looking Fresh

Few homes retain the unique character and possibility for a wide range of interior design ideas than Victorian homes. They’re typically well built, with large rooms and lofty ceilings, and prove to be popular dream homes for many people.

If you’re looking to refresh your Victorian property, you may have difficulty deciding how to bring it into the 21st century without losing the charm and features that made you fall in love with it in the first place. We have a look at some tips, from paint schemes to paying tribute to its enviable features.

1. Keep it light

The expansive walls in these properties can hold nearly any shade with finesse, but some modern colour schemes are particularly sleek in Victorian properties. Fresh whites and light neutral tones are the choice for calming interiors that also make use of the natural light in these homes.

2. Or turn to the dark side

Traditional Victorian interiors were typically dark and ornate, and the modern rich and inky shades that are immensely popular were just made for these homes. Look at cool navy blues, forest greens, and lush plum shades, which are ideal for whole rooms or feature walls.

3. Keep up with cornicing

One of the staple features of a Victorian home is the ornate cornicing around the edge of a room and extend to surround lighting fixtures. If your home has these period touches, you can get cornice restoration in London to bring them back to their original state, or perhaps you’d like to change them and use a different design, just don’t get rid of them!

4. Draw the Eyes Up

With your lovingly restored cornicing in place, you’ll want to make sure it gets the envious attention it deserves. Picture rails, which are a strip of moulding which usually sits level with the top of the windows in a room can draw the eyes up the huge walls. The picture rails can also be used to break up wall colours by using a different shade or colour above the rail.

Are you looking for listed building restoration specialists? Get in touch with us today

Our Top Tips For Renovating A Derelict Property

It can be very tricky getting onto the property ladder or finding the perfect house for you, but you can make life a little easier for yourself if you decide to invest in a derelict property, a fixer-upper that you can renovate and bring back to life as you see fit.

Of course, this is no mean feat and you will need to be properly prepared for a lot of hard work, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience and one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

And who knows what you might uncover when you do start the renovation work - you might have a whole host of hidden period features to discover, for example.

Once you find a house you’re interested in, make sure you have a surveyor give it a thorough going over before you buy, so you know there aren’t any problems that could prove expensive, such as asbestos, subsidence, damp and so on. Knowledge is power, so make sure you have all the information you need before you make a final decision.

If you are lucky enough to have a property with lots of historic period features, it would perhaps be wise to do your best to restore them properly and bring them back to life.

These can look especially beautiful standing out in a contemporary design scheme so just because something seems dated, don’t feel that the best course of action is to just get rid of it. They serve as inbuilt focal points in your rooms and will always be a real talking point for guests.

Wondering how to plaster cornice? Get in touch with Ovolo London today.