Many of us plan our annual vacation during the summer months, this makes it an ideal time of year to tackle renovation projects and remodels. As you temporarily leave your home, you can avoid the inconvenience of living amidst a building site.
Even if you’re not jetting off or planning a UK getaway, you can still take advantage of the warmest months of the year to tackle the projects that might require you to spend more time out of the house, or disrupt your usual routine.
So... are you thinking about home renovations? Summer is a great time to install coving and ceiling roses... there is ample natural lighting and the warm air assists the drying time. Our customer, Isobel Bannister (@renovation_no55) has been busy over the past few months, we asked her about her recent coving and ceiling rose installation and how it has transformed her Edwardian home.
What inspires your style?
I’m drawn to the beauty of traditional townhouse styles and manor houses, particularly Edwardian—the lofty ceilings, rich with traditional features and character. My style evolves with each room, adapting to its unique feel. I prefer to mix neutral colours, the timeless elegance of marble, and experimenting with different textures, along with various woods, to create depth and interest. I also like to incorporate a splash of colour to add vibrancy and personality to the space.
What inspired you to purchase coving / ceiling roses?
Buying an Edwardian property inspired me to restore its traditional beauty. I feel fortunate to have retained some incredible original features, although much had been removed over time. Reintroducing coving and ceiling roses has brought a deep respect for the property’s heritage. Ever since installing my first ceiling rose, I’ve been eager to incorporate one into every room!
When did you buy your property/ what state was it in?
In December 2021, I took a bold step and purchased what could easily have been the worst house on the street. With its run-down condition and the traces of a former owner’s unique pet collection, this house was in dire need of renovation. The smell was unbearable, and nearly everything needed to be re-done, from re-wiring to plumbing (there weren’t even radiators in the bedrooms). With my entire savings poured into the purchase, the renovation journey had to begin on a very tight budget.
How would you describe your interior design style?
I love to explore with traditional and modern styles, I feel when combined correctly it can be really beautiful. Mixing traditional and modern styles is like blending the best of both worlds. It’s about taking what’s timeless and adding a fresh twist that keeps things interesting and relevant. There’s something widely appealing about the contrast between a classic ceiling rose and a striking modern statement chandelier. It’s a perfect example of how mixing traditional and modern elements can elevate a space.
How has coving / roses enhanced the overall look and feel of your home?
As an avid admirer of Edwardian style and decor, I believe in honoring the era’s charm by incorporating period features into my home. Ceiling roses and coving are transformative elements that breathe new life into any room. Now, when I walk into an unfinished space, it feels incomplete without these beautiful details. Their presence not only enhances the room’s aesthetics but also captures the eye and adds a sense of history and elegance. I have installed a plain Acanthus (MPR061) and an
How did you decide on the size and style of coving / rose that would best compliment your room?
When renovating my Edwardian home, I envision the desired style and consider the room’s size and get inspiration from Pinterest. A valuable resource has been the Plaster Ceiling Roses website, which provides historical context and guides for choosing accurate period designs. On a recent project, for my coving, I chose a small, detailed option (Dentil 75mm Drop SPC015) that suited the room’s size perfectly. It meant that I could mix it with a less patterned ceiling rose, and both the coving and rose became true feature points. To enhance their impact, I painted the ceiling, coving, and rose in soft pink, creating charming Edwardian elegance.
Thank you Isobel and Hector for your valued custom and for sharing photos of your beautiful home. If you want to see more hop over to her instagram account, @renovation_no55 where you can find more inspiring interior design ideas.
‘Plaster Ceiling Roses’ Products bought by Isobel:
Plaster Coving Dentil 75mm Drop SPC015
Plaster Ceiling Rose Plain Acanthus 610mm dia. MPR061
Dentil Plaster Cornice 120MM Drop MPC075
Ornate Victorian 520mm Plaster Ceiling Rose MPR062
Photos of your finished rooms are always welcome. Please tag @plasterceilingroses