Thirties-inspired decorating

With houses and flats built in the Thirties becoming increasingly popular, people with period properties no longer have only bay windows and ornate cornicing to contend with. Solid yet stylish, reasonably priced yet architecturally interesting, the low ceilings, Crittall windows, curved corners, and 'feature' fireplaces of Thirties builds pose a unique set of decorating dilemmas. Do you work around original features, or do your best to disguise them?

To keep things modern without creating a museum set, the trick is to choose pieces that are inspired by, or complement, the shapes and materials of the era. Mirrored surfaces, chrome, wood and leather are all of the period, but gloss lacquer, spray-painted aluminium, shiny vinyl and modern flooring also work well in a Thirties context.

Add humour with an overscaled piece of furniture, reinterpret original designs in contemporary colours, or work modern pieces in the distinctive soft Thirties palette to give edge and definition to a monochrome scheme. Finally, be brave and mix geometrics and florals – they're a winning combination.

Here are our top style ideas for Thirties-inspired decorating:

CREATE A NEUTRAL BACKDROP
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SHOW OFF SCULPTURAL SHAPES
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REVIVE AND REINVENT
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DEFINE SPACE WITH OUTLINES
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GET FRESH WITH PASTELS
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UPDATE UPHOLSTERY
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INTRODUCE BEAUTIFUL BRIGHTS
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