Interior design principles for period properties

So, you’ve struck gold with a beautiful period property. Now comes the tricky task of turning your house into a home, one that feels like yours without erasing its original architectural quirks… let us guide you on your journey. 

The bedroom of a period property can be a difficult design project in itself. Whether you’re facing uneven flooring, lopsided ceilings, intricate alcoves or beams, a period property bedroom often requires a more thoughtful approach. That’s where our design partner, Sophie Conran, can lend a helping hand.  

To celebrate the launch of her exclusive collection for Dreams, we’ve teamed up with Sophie to explore how to beautifully design a bedroom that honours period style – from working around unusual floor plans to selecting the best colours, patterns, fabrics and furniture pieces that feel both timeless and personal.  

Whether you’re just starting your renovation or only seeking small modernisations, Sophie’s period property bedroom design ideas will help you create a sleep space that’s full of inviting warmth and period drama – without the theatrics…

In a world of fast fashion, fleeting interior trends, and viral TikTok moments, longevity in design has never felt more important. For Sophie Conran, bedroom design should never be about chasing what’s popular now. Instead, we should handpick pieces that feel good today, tomorrow and forever. 

 “This isn’t about trends. It’s about longevity, pieces that feel good today, and still feel good ten years from now.”

Sophie Conran, Dreams’ design partner

We asked Sophie what makes a piece of furniture stand the test of time, as well as the qualities she seeks from furniture to ensure enduring appeal, both emotionally and aesthetically. Here’s what she said: 

“For me, it is about proportion, comfort, classical principles and a choice of materials. When a piece is well proportioned, it feels right in almost any setting, and when it is comfortable, it becomes part of your everyday life rather than just something you look at.  

“I also think there is something about restraint in design, avoiding the unnecessary details that can date a piece too quickly. A bed or chair that does not shout for attention but quietly earns its place in your home is the one you will still love decades later.”

Decorating a period property bedroom can feel intimidating at first. With so much character already built in, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin. For Sophie, it’s best to work with your space, rather than against it: 

“I always begin with what is already there. Period properties often have a story from their foundations upwards, whether it is the curve of a window, the height of the ceiling, or the texture of an original floorboard. I try to work with those details rather than against them.

“It is about enhancing what is beautiful, softening what feels too austere, minimising technology, which can be disruptive for sleep, and making sure the room feels as comfortable and liveable as it is charming.”

Colour palettes that blend tradition with the present

First up, let’s talk about colours. It’s essential to think about your existing foundations and to blend your palette with any architectural features.  

For example, if you’re blessed with beams in your bedroom, you’re likely already working with a dark brown shade. This comes to life when complemented with lighter brown tones, such as beige, tan or caramel. Alternatively, if your period bedroom features a dark alcove, consider using brighter shades to highlight the area, such as a sunny yellow or gentle, blush pink, bridging the gap between heritage charm and modern comforts.  

Introducing patterns and textiles

“We have an emotional relationship with everything we touch and feel and live with, and I want it to be a good relationship; one that’s permanent.”

Sophie Conran, Dreams’ design partner

When it comes to selecting the right fabrics, textures and patterns, Sophie suggests working with natural materials. Not only do they tend to complement existing original features and have an easy, organic feel to them, but they actually get better with age!  

Sophie says: “Natural materials, [such as] solid wood, wool, linen, tend to age beautifully, gaining character over the years rather than looking tired.”  

Consider soft linen bedding that gets softer with every wash, or a chunky knitted throw draped over a vintage armchair (particularly special if it’s knitted by yourself or someone you love), for a bedroom that feels lived-in and full of quiet charm.  

With patterns, look to what already exists in your room. For instance, if your bedroom features gorgeous parquet flooring or original tiles around a fireplace, try to emulate these shapes and lines with new patterns that you bring in. This will keep the whole room tied together, in a cohesive look that blends the old and new.

The importance of scale and proportions

Scale is a critical factor to keep in mind when decorating a period property bedroom. Tall ceilings, grand archways, and expansive floors call for furniture that can hold their own.

Sophie knows from experience that proportions are key: “When I bought my house, the previous owners hadn’t really embraced the scale of the property. I use big pieces of furniture, because it really fills the space and stops it feeling cavernous; it actually looks comfortable. My dad and mum bought an old school when I was about 5 or 6, which had big proportions too, so I learned from them.” 

Consider investing in larger, oversized pieces of furniture that can anchor the space and make your bedroom feel well-proportioned. A beautiful focal point like Sophie’s four-poster ​​Arbor Bed, designed exclusively for Dreams, would certainly be fitting.  

“There’s a particular generosity and welcomeness about a space with good proportion. It’s a home that’s filled with lovely things, but they’re lovely things to be enjoyed, not just looked at from afar.” 

Get the look:

The Arbor bed

Introducing the ​​Arbor Bed, a shining centrepiece from Sophie’s new collection with Dreams. This luxurious four-poster is designed to hold you in your own safe sanctuary. For Sophie, a four-poster bed is “like a little cocoon that separates you from the rest of the world.” Protective, embracing and oh-so dreamy…

How to choose furniture for a period property

“A period home has already been around for 200 years. Make sure it’s around for the next 200 years.”

Sophie Conran, Dreams’ design partner

Sophie will always be an advocate for thoughtful investments over fast trends. And what better way to honour the past than with a signature piece that echoes your period property’s original charm? Think ornate detailing and timeless silhouettes to seamlessly blend with the rest of your space. Let’s start with the bed.

Storage is another important element to consider. In a period property, you may have fewer built-in solutions, like fitted wardrobes or underbed drawers, to keep your space tidy. That’s why Sophie swears by the humble blanket box and clever storage beds: 

“In most bedrooms, I’ve got some sort of blanket box or ottoman. It’s a great thing to have at the end of the bed; you can sit on it, you can put your clothes on it, tie your shoelaces. I use it for all sorts of things, shoes, handbags, blankets. They’re really useful pieces of storage to have.”

Get the look:

The Pillowrest blanket box

The ​​Pillowrest blanket box is the perfect bedside companion; combining understated beauty and practical storage. It offers a secret place for your spare blankets and bedding to rest, keeping your space serene and clutter-free. Pair with the ​stunning Seraphine ottoman bed and bask in the beauty of its plush, pillow back design. The curved headboard perfectly softens the bold architectural lines of a period property.

Balancing original features and modern comforts

Designing a period property bedroom is all about balance. By embracing Sophie Conran’s considered approach, you can create a space that truly honours the past while welcoming in the present. It’s about choosing thoughtful furniture pieces, timeless colours, and natural materials, to let your home evolve and grow with you and your family.