Eras

Whether you’d like to restore the original spirit of a period home or add touches of your favourite era to a modern one, the past can be a rich source of inspiration.

From an array of colours inspired by people and places from history to specialist finishes designed to bring out the best in original features, our range gives you everything you need to create a look you love.

Painted in Calke Green No.34 | Estate Eggshell


Georgian

(1714 – 1830)

Often referred to as the Age of Elegance, the Georgian era is defined in interior terms by its perfect proportions, carefully balanced palettes and decorative flourishes. Intricate plasterwork, stucco and panelling were a common feature in affluent homes, often coloured in tones similar to Lime WhiteOff-White or Fawn.

Wall colours, meanwhile, were muted and sophisticated with a slight sheen. To recreate an early Georgian look at home, consider mid sheen Modern Emulsion in desaturated tones such as LichenPigeon and Picture Gallery Red. For a lighter, Regency-inspired look, try combining dusty pinks and greys, like Setting Plaster and Pavilion Gray.

Painted in Rectory Red No.217 | Estate Emulsion


Victorian

(1830 – 1900)

With the advent of mass production, Victorian homeowners found themselves able to upgrade their rooms with relative ease. A common result of this was a heavy, cluttered look characterised by lots of furniture and an abundance of dark wood, but it also meant the introduction of a huge range of decorating styles.

Continuing in the Regency style, the early Victorian era saw rooms painted in pale pinks and iridescent whites like DimityCalluna and Great White, while shades like Parma GraySaxon Green and Citron embody a cheery mid-Victorian style.

This was also the time that wallpaper started to gain popularity in homes, with damasks and large floral, bird and animal motifs proving popular – try Orangerie or Silvergate to recreate the look.

Painted in Skylight No.205All White No.2005 | Estate Emulsion
Strong White No.2001 | Soft Distemper
Wimborne White No.239 | Estate Eggshell


Edwardian

(1900 – 1914)

A breath of fresh air after the dark colours and clutter of the Victorian era, Edwardian decorating made use of a smaller palette of lighter shades. Very popular for their ability to create a sense of light and space would have been pale pastels like Skylight and Pale Powder, fresh Green Ground, soft Calamine and simple creams such as Tallow or Ringwold Ground.

Continuing the Victorian enthusiasm for patterned wallpaper, botanical designs were often found in the Edwardian home – delicate florals like PeonyWisteria and Jasmine perfectly fit the era’s ideals of freshness and light.


Wallpapered in Arcade BP 5306

Art Deco

(1910 – 1945)

Characterised by rich colours, bold geometrics and lavish ornamentation, Art Deco had become the most popular interior style by the end of the First World War, and continued to lead until the end of the Second World War in 1945.

In stark contrast to the light touch of the Edwardian decorators, an Art Deco palette was one of strong, uncompromising colour and striking finishes. Our Pitch Black or Black Blue in Full Gloss, combined with chrome accents, is a great way to embrace the drama of the movement in a contemporary home. For an even bolder look, add strong yellows or reds, like BaboucheBlazer, or Incarnadine.

Another way to add an Art Deco touch to your home is with a striking patterned wallpaper. Arcade, with its curved scallop pattern, is a contemporary take on a classic 20th century motif that’s perfect for modern homes.


Wallpapered in Tessella BP 3603

Mid-Century Modern

(1945 – 1975)

By the middle of the 20th century, décor had become crisper and less cluttered. After the Second World War, architects and designers embraced the urge to strip away unnecessary ornamentation, instead championing the use of clean structural lines and natural materials across homes and furnishings.

In the mid-century palette, neutrals like Shaded White and Skimming Stone create playful contrast with saturated shades like Arsenic and India Yellow, or with verdant tones similar to Yeabridge Green and Churlish Green.

To give the illusion of architectural detail in an otherwise plain room, you could also consider adding accents of deep London Clay, or papering a chimney breast or alcove with a geometric paper such as Tessella or Lattice.

Need More Inspiration?

For more ideas on your next decoration project, why not sign up to our email communications?