Hi We've been carrying extensive refurbishment and modernisation to our 1960's house, but because of the extra expense have to leave the existing coving up. Any ideas to help bring this look more up to date would be welcome. Thanks Lisa Stone

How faithful to the period are you hoping to keep your renovation? Many homes from this time would have only had coving in "the good room" and as such it would be totally in keeping to leave the other rooms without. If you do go ahead and install I would definitely go with your plan of keeping the design simple and without too many curves (curves would be more in keeping in a Victorian style home). Good luck!

I agree with Victoria - it all depends on the house. If it’s a Victorian property with high ceilings and the original coving has been ripped out, then yes - replacing it would be great. However if it’s a more modern property with lower ceilings, don’t add something that wouldn’t have been there. Personally I really don’t like it when modern properties have had fake historic features added - it looks a bit odd, and it could even devalue your property.

In 1930’ ceiling to wall coving was rarely used, instead a picture rail was added to the wall a short distance below the ceiling. If you follow the bottom of the slope around the rest of the wall and add picture rail (use substitute deco rail if cannot find reclaimed original) so that the picture rail is one continuous line around the room and paint a lighter shade on the ceiling and slope than on the wall below, this will give the illusion of balance. Love 1930 houses.