Architecture: How to Fall in Love With Your 1930s Semi
Here’s all the inspiration you need to choose a pre-war property, and keep some character as you renovate
Kate Burt
8 February 2015
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
What’s your dream period property – a pretty Victorian, a grand Georgian or a homely Edwardian? These poster boys and girls for historic houses certainly hog the style limelight, swanking about with their generous decorative features. But what about the humble 1930s semi?
Lots of you on the Houzz discussion boards have expressed your 1930s house frustrations. And Hannah Brown, of Amory Brown, although a champion of this era’s architecture, empathises. “The architecture of these houses has a more uniform and less individual feel,” she says. “A lot of 1930s houses have have a mock ‘Tudorbethan’ style, with half-timbered gables, which can look affected and fussy, and diamond-leaded windows, which can make the interiors – often panelled with wood – feel dark. The houses were also built in a time of austerity in the early years, and political uncertainty in the later years, and the materials, such as pebble dash, sometimes reflect this.” And yet so many of us live in one – after all, the pre-war housing boom resulted in nearly 300,000 homes being built each year during the 1930s (to put that into context, that’s around double the current annual number – explaining why there are so many of these houses around).
But while this ubiquitous architecture may be maligned for its design details – those tiled fireplaces certainly divide opinion, too – these classic suburban homes, inspired by Art Deco or the Arts and Crafts movement, have heaps going for them. Here’s how to turn one into a real stunner, and by positively celebrating its so-called unfashionable features to boot. Not convinced? Read on…
Professional advice from: Hannah Brown of Amory Brown; Charlotte Holmes of Rogue Designs; Jerry Evans of Southpoint
Lots of you on the Houzz discussion boards have expressed your 1930s house frustrations. And Hannah Brown, of Amory Brown, although a champion of this era’s architecture, empathises. “The architecture of these houses has a more uniform and less individual feel,” she says. “A lot of 1930s houses have have a mock ‘Tudorbethan’ style, with half-timbered gables, which can look affected and fussy, and diamond-leaded windows, which can make the interiors – often panelled with wood – feel dark. The houses were also built in a time of austerity in the early years, and political uncertainty in the later years, and the materials, such as pebble dash, sometimes reflect this.” And yet so many of us live in one – after all, the pre-war housing boom resulted in nearly 300,000 homes being built each year during the 1930s (to put that into context, that’s around double the current annual number – explaining why there are so many of these houses around).
But while this ubiquitous architecture may be maligned for its design details – those tiled fireplaces certainly divide opinion, too – these classic suburban homes, inspired by Art Deco or the Arts and Crafts movement, have heaps going for them. Here’s how to turn one into a real stunner, and by positively celebrating its so-called unfashionable features to boot. Not convinced? Read on…
Professional advice from: Hannah Brown of Amory Brown; Charlotte Holmes of Rogue Designs; Jerry Evans of Southpoint
Highlight original features
So there may be the odd gripe about certain 30s architectural details, but most only need a fresh approach to bring out the best in them. This door’s vibrant new paint job gives it a contemporary boost and also really highlights the beautiful, classic sunburst design in the leaded glass.
See what’s behind the door of this inspiring 1930s update
So there may be the odd gripe about certain 30s architectural details, but most only need a fresh approach to bring out the best in them. This door’s vibrant new paint job gives it a contemporary boost and also really highlights the beautiful, classic sunburst design in the leaded glass.
See what’s behind the door of this inspiring 1930s update
Celebrate the architecture
These once radical, mass-market houses tend to be built on bigger plots than modern homes, so they have the benefit of more space than their earlier counterparts, typically with larger gardens, a garage, an original upstairs bathroom, generously proportioned rooms, plenty of windows, a practical layout and, above all, design simplicity.
“A lot of them had been badly maintained and started to look very sad,” says Jerry Evans, who gave this 1930s house a very modern makeover. “Now they’re coming into their own.” They sure are. And there’s so much to love about these well-designed, early modernist buildings.
These once radical, mass-market houses tend to be built on bigger plots than modern homes, so they have the benefit of more space than their earlier counterparts, typically with larger gardens, a garage, an original upstairs bathroom, generously proportioned rooms, plenty of windows, a practical layout and, above all, design simplicity.
“A lot of them had been badly maintained and started to look very sad,” says Jerry Evans, who gave this 1930s house a very modern makeover. “Now they’re coming into their own.” They sure are. And there’s so much to love about these well-designed, early modernist buildings.
Open up – easy in a 1930s house
If you’re yearning to create a modern open-plan layout on the ground floor of your 1930s house, there is more good news. The houses built in this era, says Jerry, typically have thinner walls and possibly better foundations than older buildings. “It makes them easier to knock around,” he says.
In addition, 1930s houses were typically decorative kerbside, and plain at the back, so doing something drastic on the garden side of your house will help to preserve character.
Ready to renovate? Find a local architect on Houzz, see examples of their works and read reviews from previous clients.
If you’re yearning to create a modern open-plan layout on the ground floor of your 1930s house, there is more good news. The houses built in this era, says Jerry, typically have thinner walls and possibly better foundations than older buildings. “It makes them easier to knock around,” he says.
In addition, 1930s houses were typically decorative kerbside, and plain at the back, so doing something drastic on the garden side of your house will help to preserve character.
Ready to renovate? Find a local architect on Houzz, see examples of their works and read reviews from previous clients.
Keep the heat in with style
They can, however, be poorly insulated, as many are of a solid wall construction, and that may require significant outlay to address. “But on the plus side, you’ll notice a big difference if you invest,” says Jerry.
And that doesn’t mean losing any gorgeous geometric stained-glass detailing you have or may want to add – another great detail to be proud of in classic 1930s homes – since this can be encased inside double glazing to update it.
They can, however, be poorly insulated, as many are of a solid wall construction, and that may require significant outlay to address. “But on the plus side, you’ll notice a big difference if you invest,” says Jerry.
And that doesn’t mean losing any gorgeous geometric stained-glass detailing you have or may want to add – another great detail to be proud of in classic 1930s homes – since this can be encased inside double glazing to update it.
Lighten up
If you’re blessed – or perhaps feeling cursed – by original features in your 1930s home, this is a good tip for one of the tricksier details you may be grappling with. That aforementioned dark wood panelling? Here, in this beautiful pre-war house designed by Hannah Brown, it has been replaced and given a fresh, contemporary update with Prussian Blue paint. “It harks back to the 1930s feel, but with a modern update,” says Hannah.
Clean white walls and woodwork, a modern stair runner and pale parquet flooring also brighten the interior dramatically without stripping away period character.
If you’re blessed – or perhaps feeling cursed – by original features in your 1930s home, this is a good tip for one of the tricksier details you may be grappling with. That aforementioned dark wood panelling? Here, in this beautiful pre-war house designed by Hannah Brown, it has been replaced and given a fresh, contemporary update with Prussian Blue paint. “It harks back to the 1930s feel, but with a modern update,” says Hannah.
Clean white walls and woodwork, a modern stair runner and pale parquet flooring also brighten the interior dramatically without stripping away period character.
Make modern décor sensitive
“Even if a room has been stripped of original features,” says Charlotte Holmes, who was behind the design of this 1930s house, “it will probably still show its age through its proportions and construction, and these subtle cues guide a design direction.”
Charlotte advises looking at how the design traditions and crafts of your home’s era have developed over time “and what their successors might be”. For example, while you might source some original features from reclamation yards, other items can be “ancestors of the originals”, rather than reproductions. “A block-print wallpaper, for example, is within a rich tradition,” says Charlotte, “and can evoke an era perfectly, but doesn’t have to be a traditional design in order to work.”
“Even if a room has been stripped of original features,” says Charlotte Holmes, who was behind the design of this 1930s house, “it will probably still show its age through its proportions and construction, and these subtle cues guide a design direction.”
Charlotte advises looking at how the design traditions and crafts of your home’s era have developed over time “and what their successors might be”. For example, while you might source some original features from reclamation yards, other items can be “ancestors of the originals”, rather than reproductions. “A block-print wallpaper, for example, is within a rich tradition,” says Charlotte, “and can evoke an era perfectly, but doesn’t have to be a traditional design in order to work.”
Tweak traditional pieces
In this renovation of a 1930s villa in Oxford, which Charlotte oversaw, the dining table is a period-appropriate bur oak, but the matching chairs were reupholstered in a contemporary minimal grey fabric for a modern touch.
The lighting is not original, and yet evokes the era without being a reproduction or pastiche. The Etica pendant is designed by Daniele Gualeni for Italian lighting company Ilide and works, Charlotte explains, “because it’s a nod towards the frosted and opaque glass fixtures so popular in the 1930s”.
See some more of this renovation
In this renovation of a 1930s villa in Oxford, which Charlotte oversaw, the dining table is a period-appropriate bur oak, but the matching chairs were reupholstered in a contemporary minimal grey fabric for a modern touch.
The lighting is not original, and yet evokes the era without being a reproduction or pastiche. The Etica pendant is designed by Daniele Gualeni for Italian lighting company Ilide and works, Charlotte explains, “because it’s a nod towards the frosted and opaque glass fixtures so popular in the 1930s”.
See some more of this renovation
Hint at the era
Even in a very contemporary refurbishment, one or two period touches will add character. Here, classic 1930s parquet flooring – another design plus point of the era – has been incorporated to stunning effect.
“Installing parquet is more expensive than planks, as it’s much more time consuming,” says Charlotte, “but it can create a dramatic effect. We love chevron rather than herringbone at the moment.”
And don’t be a slave to history. “Be bold – you don’t have to just ‘sand and seal’: think about colour washes, limewash, gloss paint, matt oil, anything goes!”
Other authentic flooring from the era you might explore includes lino, cork and narrow-strip boards.
Explore more ideas for parquet floors
Even in a very contemporary refurbishment, one or two period touches will add character. Here, classic 1930s parquet flooring – another design plus point of the era – has been incorporated to stunning effect.
“Installing parquet is more expensive than planks, as it’s much more time consuming,” says Charlotte, “but it can create a dramatic effect. We love chevron rather than herringbone at the moment.”
And don’t be a slave to history. “Be bold – you don’t have to just ‘sand and seal’: think about colour washes, limewash, gloss paint, matt oil, anything goes!”
Other authentic flooring from the era you might explore includes lino, cork and narrow-strip boards.
Explore more ideas for parquet floors
Update with a modern fireplace
“I’m personally not keen on those ‘coffee and cream’ fireplaces so common in 1930s houses,” says Jerry, echoing what a lot of Houzzers seem to feel. ‘"You either love them or hate them,” he says, ‘"and if you do hate yours, get rid of it. It’s a shame to lose a fireplace entirely, though, so replace it. Either find another original you like from the same era, or go for something very modern with clean lines, which would be in keeping, because even in the most classic 1930s house, there was a hint of modernism.”
“I’m personally not keen on those ‘coffee and cream’ fireplaces so common in 1930s houses,” says Jerry, echoing what a lot of Houzzers seem to feel. ‘"You either love them or hate them,” he says, ‘"and if you do hate yours, get rid of it. It’s a shame to lose a fireplace entirely, though, so replace it. Either find another original you like from the same era, or go for something very modern with clean lines, which would be in keeping, because even in the most classic 1930s house, there was a hint of modernism.”
amorybrown.co.uk
Build a chimney breast
“The 1930s fireplace often sits against a flat wall rather than on a chimney breast,” says Hannah. “This means it’s not as much of a feature and can look like an afterthought in comparison to those of earlier eras.”
Here, the original fireplace was removed and replaced by a stepped, limestone surround, which echoes Art Deco aesthetics. A shallow chimney breast has also been added to the previously flat wall to give the fireplace more prominence.
And if you love your original? Embrace it. Try hanging a vintage mirror above it so the eye is drawn up and away from it, and make sure your colour scheme complements the typically pastel ceramic tile design.
“The 1930s fireplace often sits against a flat wall rather than on a chimney breast,” says Hannah. “This means it’s not as much of a feature and can look like an afterthought in comparison to those of earlier eras.”
Here, the original fireplace was removed and replaced by a stepped, limestone surround, which echoes Art Deco aesthetics. A shallow chimney breast has also been added to the previously flat wall to give the fireplace more prominence.
And if you love your original? Embrace it. Try hanging a vintage mirror above it so the eye is drawn up and away from it, and make sure your colour scheme complements the typically pastel ceramic tile design.
Echo an original palette
If you want to keep a hint of 1930s but don’t have any original details, you could evoke the era in your colour choices. “Art Deco colour palettes were pastel colours, often peach and pale greens,” says Hannah. “And Arts and Crafts used natural shades, often with earthy tones.”
If you want to keep a hint of 1930s but don’t have any original details, you could evoke the era in your colour choices. “Art Deco colour palettes were pastel colours, often peach and pale greens,” says Hannah. “And Arts and Crafts used natural shades, often with earthy tones.”
Add authentic materials
This pantry area is brand new but, thanks to the evocative reeded glass in the cabinets and the interesting worktop, it has a very 1930s feel about it. The work surface conjures up original enamelled designs of the era, but is in fact modern white Corian with a black edge detail. Clever.
This pantry area is brand new but, thanks to the evocative reeded glass in the cabinets and the interesting worktop, it has a very 1930s feel about it. The work surface conjures up original enamelled designs of the era, but is in fact modern white Corian with a black edge detail. Clever.
Add a 1930s motif
Even if you’re undertaking a major modernisation or have no period features left in your home, details that nod to the era are a savvy and sensitive design touch. Here, a sunburst-style mirror echoes the iconic 1930s motif so common in pre-war stained glass designs.
See how the rest of this pre-war property has been modernised
Even if you’re undertaking a major modernisation or have no period features left in your home, details that nod to the era are a savvy and sensitive design touch. Here, a sunburst-style mirror echoes the iconic 1930s motif so common in pre-war stained glass designs.
See how the rest of this pre-war property has been modernised
Update your exterior…
And don’t be put off by an uninspiring exterior. New windows, a smart paint job and getting rid of the ugly porch doors worked wonders on this previously sad-looking house. Check out the ‘after’ shot…
And don’t be put off by an uninspiring exterior. New windows, a smart paint job and getting rid of the ugly porch doors worked wonders on this previously sad-looking house. Check out the ‘after’ shot…
…with contemporary greys
Simple yet slick, don’t you think?
Finally, do the designers have any definite ‘don’ts’ for 1930s renovations? “Avoid shabby chic or romantic Victoriana,” says Charlotte. “The 1930s were about being bold and clear, and looking to the future.”
“Don’t be tempted to replace your fireplace with a Victorian one,” says Jerry. “It just won’t work: the proportions are all wrong for the size of the windows and ceilings.”
“There’s nothing you shouldn’t do: just be sensitive to the building and the style of architecture,” says Hannah.
Tell us…
Do you love or hate your 1930s fireplace – and what tips do you have for blending one into a contemporary scheme? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Simple yet slick, don’t you think?
Finally, do the designers have any definite ‘don’ts’ for 1930s renovations? “Avoid shabby chic or romantic Victoriana,” says Charlotte. “The 1930s were about being bold and clear, and looking to the future.”
“Don’t be tempted to replace your fireplace with a Victorian one,” says Jerry. “It just won’t work: the proportions are all wrong for the size of the windows and ceilings.”
“There’s nothing you shouldn’t do: just be sensitive to the building and the style of architecture,” says Hannah.
Tell us…
Do you love or hate your 1930s fireplace – and what tips do you have for blending one into a contemporary scheme? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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I love the colour of the front door - what is it? Really good article I'm renovating my 1920s house so great ideas..
Sarah Smith, you are describing the houses on my estate. Everyone has moved the bathroom upstairs to the smallest bedroom and those who can have extended out. When I bought my (corner) house there was an extension on the back for a dining room and one on the side for a kitchen downstairs and a bedroom upstairs. I have replaced the single brick porch, which the previous owners added to the front of the house, with a double brick 'bump' so that when you come downstairs you don't come face to face with the front door but to a window and little space which houses a bookcase on one side and a Billy bookcase which has been hacked so that it has doors from top to bottom. We also built an extension to the side of the house so I have a tiled hallway and opposite the front door, incorporating the original under stairs coal hole, is a wet room with the downstairs toilet. All I can think is that these houses were designed for large families who needed bedrooms above living space as kids were outside most of the time and people's working hours were very long.
Dft