Adding character and period features to a new build property could be the best of both worlds. You’ll benefit from the efficiency of a modern property whilst potentially increasing the value and definitely adding style by incorporating decorative interior mouldings.
Even the most modern of houses can benefit from decorative covings. You shouldn’t think they are strictly reserved for period homes. Plaster Ceiling Roses have a range of coving and ceiling roses which are perfect for contemporary interiors, and to help you choose, we have convenient coving samples available to purchase on our website.
Serial renovators Becky and Steve Nevitt have given their modern property ‘classic credentials’ using our Swan Neck Coving and Acanthus Leaf Plaster Ceiling Roses. The results are so spectacular that their Cheshire house was featured in the March 2024 edition of ‘25 Beautiful homes’.
Becky had just finished renovating a four-bedroom detached 1920s home on a busy road with her husband Steve, when a 20-year-old detached Georgian house came on the market. It was a big contrast... it was modern and situated on a cul-de-sac inside a gated community.
‘This is our fourth renovation,’ says Becky, who oversaw the last project and hoped that a newer home wouldn’t encounter as many unexpected issues. ‘We’ve moved frequently over the years in order to climb the property ladder. Doing a lot of the work ourselves means we can add value quite quickly.’ Central to their vision was designing an open-plan kitchen-diner and living area. ‘We demolished the large conservatory to make the space lighter and more connected to the garden,’ says Becky. ‘We also converted a study into a first-floor laundry room and replaced all four bathrooms.’
The couple also enjoy having a separate living room across the landing from their bedroom. ‘As the boys’ bedrooms are on the top floor it’s nice to be a bit closer so we can hear what’s going on,’ she adds. ‘It’s my favourite space - I love the textures, layers, coving and full-height panelling in there.’
The property’s Georgian style with tall ceilings, coving and ceiling roses was Becky’s starting point for the design. Becky chose two new gypsum plaster coving designs to use in different rooms; Swan neck (code MPC065) and Dentil (code SPC015). In the Georgian and Regency periods, Swan Neck Coving was a commonly used in homes. Its plain features add a touch of sophistication, making it a versatile choice that complements various interior themes. Becky also chose ceiling roses adorned with acanthus leaves, and beading within a scalloped outer border (code LPR023).
Becky painted the house in neutrals, using darker shades in the playroom and office. Over time she’s added more colour in her boys’ bedrooms. ‘I have added panelling for interest, bronze and black metals, textured jute rugs and elegant chandeliers,’ she says. ‘I love to incorporate a few antiques in every room as well. It just adds a bit of a story.’ She opted to paint her coving and roses with a clean and simple white emulsion.
Most of the furniture is from Becky’s family’s business, Webb House Furnishers. ‘Our previous house was more modern in style and our old sofas had been battered by the children,’ says Becky. ‘The only thing brought from our last house is the office chair, and even that’s been reupholstered! I’d been earmarking pieces every time a new range came in, so it was nice to start from scratch and I love how my style has evolved.’
The pair have achieved everything they wanted from their remodel... we think this is a wonderful home. It’s amazing the difference some carefully considered panelling and cornicing makes – it’s these details that really elevate an interior no matter what age your home is. Becky and Steve have certainly shown that it’s entirely possible to fuse the two genres (classic and modern) together. These experienced renovators have given a their modern home classic good looks!
See more of Becky’s work on @insidenumber5
Products: Swan neck coving 100mm (code MPC065)
Acanthus Leaf Plaster Ceiling Rose 750mm dia. (code LPR023)
Plaster Coving Dentil 75mm Drop (code SPC015)
