Heritage Colour Palettes: How to Get a Period Look in Your Home

One of the most cost efficient ways to evoke the character of a specific historical era in your home is by using heritage colour palettes. These timeless shades, rooted in the aesthetics of the past, bring authenticity and elegance to modern interiors and contemporary homes. In this post I’ll explore the typical colour palettes of key design periods, how to apply them in your own space, and what to consider when selecting paint finishes and surfaces.

Typical Colour Palettes of Key Periods

Georgian (1714-1837): Subtle Sophistication

Georgian interiors are often renowned for their restrained and elegant colour schemes. Popular shades of creams, muted greens, and dusky blues reflect the Georgian love for balance and harmony, reflecting their love of classical architecture and natural landscapes. However many homes were also decorated with deep reds, vibrant greens or rich mustard – inspired by the Italian Baroque homes visited by designers and home owners during their Grand Tours. Gilt and marble were used with extravagance.

Victorian (1837-1901): Dramatic and Rich

The ornate rich red Victorian drawing room at Audley End, courtesy of English Heritage.

The Victorian era embraced deeper, richer hues, reflecting advancements in paint technology and mass production of wallpaper. Popular colours included dark greens, burgundies, plum, deep blues, and warm browns, often paired with intricate patterns in wallpapers or tiles. Jewel tones were used to convey opulence. The influence of the Arts and Crafts movement in the latter part of this period saw the softer nature-inspired tones like sage green, buttercup yellow and dusty rose incorporated into the designs of William Morris and his contemporaries. Certain aspects of this Movement (the simple lines and restrained decoration) anticipated the open, unfussy style of Modernism.

Edwardian (1901-1910): Light and Airy

In contrast to the Victorian period, Edwardian interiors leaned towards lighter and fresher palettes. Sweet-pea colours of lilacs, soft pinks, light blues and pale green were popular for wall paint and small pattern wall papers, and whites dominated on ceilings and woodwork/trim. These colours suited the era’s preference for bright, open spaces with a nod to simplicity and elegance – this was, after all, the period of Crittal windows (the steel framed black grid windows so popular now).

Scandinavian heritage (19th & early 20th century): Muted and Moody

Scandinavian heritage homes are characterized by a combination of light and neutral tones, such as whites, soft greys, pale blues, and muted yellows, as well as bold, dark colours like deep reds, forest greens, and rich blues. These darker shades were often used in dining rooms or parlours to create warmth and contrast during long winters while still harmonizing with the light, airy tones seen elsewhere in Scandinavian homes.

Art Deco (1920s-1930s): Bold and Glamorous

The Art Deco period brought a vibrant shift, with striking combinations of black, gold, silver, and jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue. Pastel shades such as peach and mint green were also popular, creating a sense of luxury and modernity. High contrast and geometric patterns were key to this style.

European and American Modernism (1920s-1940s): Cool and Glossy

The modern materials and construction methods that gave rise to open-plan living also saw minimalist interiors for the first time. Walls were unembellished with moulding or panelling and painted white or in neutral colours to provide a blank canvas for modern art and large expanses of glazing. With the popularity of polished chrome and steel, plywood cabinetry and furniture and concrete floors, this is an era of pale and cool colours.

The bright and airy entrance hall of @mrskinthecountry’s Edwardian home.

Applying Heritage Colours in Today’s Homes

Bringing heritage colour palettes into your interiors doesn’t mean replicating period decor exactly. Instead, you can use these palettes as inspiration, adapting them to suit contemporary tastes and lifestyles.
But if you do have a period home and want to honour its historic interiors, the cheapest and easiest way is to use heritage paint colours on walls, ceiling, and trim.
Various paint manufacturers are known for their period colours – Farrow & Ball, Edward Bulmer and Little Greene amongst them. Other brands have heritage ranges, including Dulux Heritage and Benjamin Moore’s Historical Colour Collection.

To seek inspiration for colour combinations, look to the art, wallpapers and fabrics of those periods – and where possible, visit historic properties (be those residential or civic buildings), the V&A Museum, London’s Museum of the Home. For inspiration based on how others are decorating their British period homes, drool over the properties selling with specialist estate agent Inigo (be prepared to lose at least a couple of hours on their website!).

Paint the Walls with Conviction

Introduce period colours through painted walls, doors, cabinetry, or trim. Be brave and go for more than a feature or accent wall – these were not a period feature (the era of TV’s Changing Rooms may seem historic, but not in this context!) Commit to all walls in a room if you can – but if that’s not possible, perhaps paint a wall of built in bookcases or period-style panelling in your colour of choice and the remaining walls in a complementary or paler hue.

Highlight Architectural Features

A deeper green on the skirting/base board and cornices in a reception room of Edinburgh’s Georgian House Museum, courtesy of Flikr Billy Wilson

Emphasize period features such as cornices, crown molding, skirting/base boards, or fireplaces by painting them in contrasting or complementary shades from the same palette. This approach enhances the character of your home without overwhelming the space.

Layering with Patterns

Combine heritage colours with patterns inspired by the period. Georgian stripes, Victorian florals, or Art Deco geometrics can be incorporated into wallpaper, window drapery, upholstery, or rugs.

Blending Old and New

Use heritage colours alongside modern furniture and fittings to create a juxtaposition of styles. A Mid-century modern teal sofa, for example, can look stunning against an Edwardian pale blue backdrop. For sources of vintage and period furniture see Where to Source Period Pieces in my blog post focused on this.

Paint Finishes and Surfaces: What to Consider

When using heritage colours, the finish and application are as important as the colour itself. Historical interiors often relied on specific techniques and materials that influenced the final appearance of surfaces. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Matte and Eggshell Finishes

Many period interiors featured matte or low-sheen finishes, which create a soft and authentic look. These finishes are particularly suitable for walls and ceilings in Georgian and Victorian styles.

Gloss for Woodwork

High-gloss or semi-gloss finishes were often used on woodwork, such as doors, skirting boards, and banisters, to create a polished and durable surface. This approach works well for highlighting architectural details.

Distressed and Textured Effects

To recreate an aged appearance, consider techniques like limewashing or using textured paints such as Crown’s Suede range. These methods add depth and authenticity, especially in rustic or country-style homes.

Surface Preparation

Heritage paints are best applied to well-prepared surfaces. Older homes may require extra care, such as repairing plasterwork or removing previous layers of paint, to ensure a smooth finish.

Eco-Friendly Options

Many modern paint brands offer eco-friendly heritage ranges with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making them a healthier choice for your home and the environment. These are also breathable paints which are a sensible choice for managing humidity levels in older homes.

Final Thoughts on heritage colour

Using historic colour palettes is a powerful way to bring character, depth, and a sense of history to your home. Whether you’re inspired by the soft sophistication of the Georgian era or the bold glamour of Art Deco, there’s a palette to suit every taste and interior style. By carefully selecting colours, finishes, and surfaces, you can achieve a look that pays homage to the past while remaining timeless and relevant for today.