'Before and after' gallery: Edwardian chic

BEFORE: Bare bay

The window frames are stripped of paint and restored to their former glory.

Carpet toss

Untrendy rose-pink carpets are lifted, together with old fireplace fixtures and fittings.

Knock, knock

A non-sensical doorway to the kitchen is repositioned, leaving a cute semi-circular window and transforming the cooking area.

Window undressing

These traditional Edwardian windows will soon be complemented with cutting edge fabrics.

Dark, dingy, damp

A dark hall will soon be lifted with bright white paint, bookshelves and a removed door.

Renew-wall

Uneven walls are stripped bare, replastered and wallpapered.

Hearth and home

Dated fireplaces are ripped out so that modern versions of the originals can be fashioned.

AFTER: A grand design

A restored black marble fireplace juxtaposed with a modern mirror and neutral furniture makes this room a pleasant mish-mash of old and new (Photo credit: Colin Poole).

Cooking haven

Who wouldn't want to fashion a feast in this clean and simply-designed kitchen?

Scheme dream

The charcoal and duck egg blue colour scheme and plush fabrics complement original features like the huge window and high ceilings.

Accessor-wise

Stores specialising in lamps and other accessories can advise you on features that fit in with your period decor.

Antique chic

Simple cream-and-black decor offsets the mahogany Chippendale table and antique grandfather clock. Striped upholstery links this space to the rest of the house.