Own the Heritage of Your Home: The Charm of 20/30s Cottage Style Doors
As homeowners, we have a responsibility to preserve the character and heritage of our homes. This is especially important when it comes to period properties with unique exterior features and entryways.
As homeowners, we have a responsibility to preserve the character and heritage of our homes. This is especially important when it comes to period properties with unique exterior features and entryways.
You’ll find many architectural styles throughout London and its surrounding areas. 1920s and 30s homes are exceptionally prominent and have stood the test of time, with their charming cottage style doors and distinct characteristics.
1930s style cottage door
History of Cottage Style Doors
Cottage style doors are a popular feature of homes built in the 1920s and 1930s in the UK. This was a time of significant change, with the period characterised by a return to traditional values after the devastation of World War I.
There was a growing interest in traditional and rural architecture, and many homes were built with a “cottage” style in mind, with homeowners wanting to create a sense of warmth and comfort. This period also saw the rise of new architectural movements, such as Art Deco and Modernism, which embraced new materials and technology to create sleek and modern designs.
Front Door CharacteristicsÂ
Cottage style doors were typically made of solid wood and featured a flat or slightly curved top panel, with two or three smaller panels below. Hallways of the time were often small, so windows in the top section of the door allowed light to flow, opening up the entrance.
As well as your typical Art Deco patterns associated with this period, glazing in this type of door featured elements of nature, such as leaves, flowers, and other organic shapes. The attention to detail reflected the overall trend towards craftsmanship during this time and a desire to create a welcoming and inviting entrance.
Finishes for Cottage Style Doors
When it comes to the finish, cottage style doors are usually painted in traditional colours such as rich green, moody blue, or heritage cream. These colours beautifully complement natural surroundings and create a cohesive look with the interior design details of that time. Adding emphasis to sleek painted door panels and beautifully crafted glazing, door furniture remained streamlined, simply designed and functional.
Preserving the Charm of Your Period Home
If you’re lucky enough to have a property from this period or a cottage style door needing a little TLC, it’s essential to take steps to preserve, repair and enhance them. Here are some top tips from our experts:
Research the history of your home and its architectural style to better understand its unique features and design elements, which can help guide your preservation efforts.
Regular maintenance: Keep your door clean and well-maintained by washing it regularly with a soft cloth and warm water. This will help to prevent dirt and grime from building up and damaging the finish.
Repair any damage: If your door or any external features become damaged, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible. This will prevent further issues and help maintain the integrity of your facade.
Consider adding period-appropriate details, such as a vintage letterbox or door knocker, to enhance the authenticity of your home’s exterior.
Keep landscaping simple and in keeping with the style of the home, such as by incorporating English cottage-style plants and flowers in the garden.
Refrain from making drastic modern changes to the exterior of your home, such as replacing windows or altering the roofline, in order to maintain its period charm.
There are many ways to enhance the beauty of your period property but remember, first impressions count, so it’s always best to start with what every visitor will see first – your front door.
For more information on how we can enhance the look and feel of your home, request our free brochure today.
