Designing listed homes: Honouring the Architecture of Heritage Homes

At Oliver Burns Studio, we have a deep admiration for heritage properties. From their striking architectural details to the rich stories woven into their very foundations, we are continually inspired by the opportunity to work with these remarkable homes. Over the past 20 years, we have had the privilege of designing some exceptional period residences, from Grade I listed Nash townhouses to beautifully preserved Grade II* legacy buildings, each with its own unique story to tell.

It is their timeless features, such as classical symmetry, elegant white stucco façades, tall sash windows, and refined porticos, that first capture our clients’ hearts. But while these homes are rich in character and history, they also need to support the way we live today.

Our clients choose to collaborate with us for our deep understanding and nuanced appreciation of heritage architecture. Here, we share our experience of working with these extraordinary homes and the considered design approach we bring to every project.

CELEBRATING ORIGINAL FEATURES AND PERIOD CRAFT

Original features are at the heart of every legacy home and serve as a reminder of the stories of the building’s past. Much like our clients’ passion for fine wine, contemporary art and vintage cars, when they’re purchasing a period property they’re looking to invest in a piece of history with a rich heritage. Whether it be Elizabethan, Jacobean, Georgian or Regency, each is defined by its own style and original features.

As with our approach to all our designs, we are never formulaic and craft each project to be entirely unique. The same careful consideration must be given to the specific period of the property we are designing for, as each comes with its own distinct features, such as elegant proportions, timber panelling or intricately moulded cornicing. They are the artefacts of the past and require the highest levels of care and preservation. To do this, we work with the very best suppliers and expert craftspeople that we trust to deliver this level of meticulous detail.

Our design approach is rooted in the principle of working with these features, thoughtfully enhancing them through a seamless and sympathetic design. The key is not to overpower but to complement, allowing the architectural language to speak while subtly introducing modern design.

CENTURY-DEFINING PROPORTIONS 

Period properties often feature grand ceiling heights and expansive room dimensions that reflect the elegance of their time. These vast proportions must be thoughtfully balanced with contemporary furnishings to preserve their spatial harmony. For example, our Highgate Legacy Residence, a Grade II* listed residence, has stunning Georgian features, which we worked with to create spatial balance. Tailored joinery, elegant four-poster beds, and sculptural furniture pieces were all crafted with the finest artisans and scaled perfectly to fit the space. We also paid close attention to the choice of materials, colour palettes, and wallcoverings to help refine the visual balance and ensure that each space retains its elegance without ever feeling overwhelming or unwelcoming.

STYLING FIREPLACES

Originally created for function, fireplaces have since become lasting symbols of character and central elements within a space. Properties such as our stunning Grade I listed Nash Townhouse in Regent’s Park and our Belgravia Grade II listed Townhouse feature original fireplaces in the majority of rooms, which we thoughtfully style to blend with the wider design. By incorporating sculptural pieces, objet d’art and bespoke fragrances, we ensure these focal points are beautifully integrated, seamlessly enhancing their original features.

The fireplace is also where we pay particular attention when curating our clients’ exceptional collection of artworks. The scale, palette, and narrative of each piece are considered in relation to architectural elements such as fireplaces, creating a dialogue between past and present.

EMBRACING CHARACTERFUL FEATURES

When we first walked into our Highgate Legacy Residence, it was the uneven original timber floors and off-centre doorways that added to its character, as if the stories of its past had been etched into its foundations. These perfectly imperfect features must be considered when approaching a new design and rather than conceal them or starkly contrast them with clean, modern lines, we embrace these distinctive elements by designing bespoke furniture. Designing with curved forms, rounded legs, and soft lines, these pieces sit harmoniously alongside historic features, allowing the old and new to coexist gracefully.

BRIDGING THE PAST AND PRESENT WITH BESPOKE DESIGN

All of our projects are designed bespoke, allowing us to not only craft beautiful pieces, but also to integrate features such as hidden storage, discreet cable routes, and purpose-built compartments for modern technologies such as entertainment systems and smart home infrastructure. One of our most recent projects featured a wonderful hidden media room, unknowingly secluded by bespoke joinery. The piece concealed all the functionality of modern technology so as not to interfere with the beauty of the room.

The majority of our projects require, as standard, concealed air conditioning, underfloor heating, intelligent lighting control systems and lift access, but with the rise in popularity and demand for well-being driven spaces, there are also considerations for new spaces. We’re seeing a growing demand for wellbeing facilities, including infrared saunas, cryotherapy chambers and medical-grade facilities, all of which require meticulous planning.

It’s this clever use of design that allows us to hide all the conveniences of modern day living, embedding innovation within craftsmanship, creating spaces where form and function combine.

DESIGNING WITH SENSITIVITY

Designing for listed properties requires an in-depth understanding of planning regulations, heritage materials, and conservation methods. Our team brings specialised knowledge in heritage design and a wealth of expertise to these complex projects. We work closely with specialist consultants, heritage consultants and skilled craftspeople, navigating regulatory frameworks while maintaining the integrity of the building’s architectural legacy.

Our approach is rooted in respecting the architecture and history of the property, while creating a home that reflects the lives and needs of our clients who live there. Through thoughtful design, bespoke craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of heritage, we create homes that present the perfect mix of classical form with contemporary function.

Get in touch to discuss your project with our specialist team today.

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