The journal

Choosing the Right Paint for Period Properties

10 July 2025 4 min read

Restoring a Georgian house, updating a Victorian home or enhancing an Edwardian property is always a labour of love. These homes are not only beautiful but historically significant, carrying a rich narrative of architectural integrity through their colour and design. Dominic Myland, our CEO and fifth-generation owner, offers advice on the best paint to bring authenticity to your project.

Restoring a Georgian house, updating a Victorian home or enhancing an Edwardian property is a labour of love. These homes are not only beautiful but historically significant, and when restoring or decorating one, every detail counts, from the cornicing to the colour on the walls. They carry a rich narrative, and preserving their architectural integrity while introducing thoughtful updates is a careful balance.

At Mylands, we understand the artistry behind that balance, with over 140 years of experience helping homeowners and designers choose paint that respects a home's heritage while bringing it confidently into the present. Dominic Myland, CEO and a fifth-generation expert in colour and finishes, explains how to decorate period homes thoughtfully and authentically.

Georgian drawing room with walls and woodwork painted in Burlington Arcade No.216 and tall sash windows — Burlington Arcade No.216 on walls and woodwork in a Georgian drawing room

Understanding the building's character

"Every period property tells a story," says Dominic. "The key is to listen before you start painting over it." Whether it's a Georgian townhouse, a Victorian villa or an Edwardian terrace, understanding the era in which your home was built helps you make informed decisions about colour and finish, and historical references can provide a palette that feels both authentic and timeless.

"A Georgian house might call for symmetry, subtle colours and flatter finishes, while a Victorian house might benefit from richer, deeper hues. Edwardian properties often blend traditional layouts with early modern influences, offering even more creative freedom." Understanding your home's character helps ensure updates feel cohesive, so lean into its origins rather than covering them up.

Choosing the perfect finish

"The finish you choose can dramatically affect the feel of a room. For walls in period homes, I recommend our Marble Matt Emulsion; its incredibly flat, powdery finish closely resembles historical limewash but with the durability modern life demands. For woodwork, like panelled doors, skirtings or original window frames, Plant-Based Wood & Metal Eggshell delivers a refined, low-sheen finish ideal for older properties. If you want something bolder or more dramatic, our Bright Gloss adds classic glamour, perfect for highlighting architectural features."

Selecting heritage-inspired colours

Colour is key in period decorating. "We always begin by looking at the architecture," says Dominic. "In a Georgian house, you might find muted greys, soft blues or chalky creams. Victorian houses suit richer, moodier shades, like deep reds, forest greens and navy. Edwardian properties often combine floral, lighter tones with wood accents."

Dominic recommends exploring Mylands' Archive collection, rooted in historical pigments and colours from our extensive archive. Favourites include: Pleasure Gardens Green™ No.214, a dark, rich green that suits drawing rooms and libraries; Egerton Place™ No.297, a deep, earthy mushroom pink ideal for Victorian living rooms or snug studies; and Clerkenwell No.21, a heritage off-white that brings airiness to narrow Edwardian hallways.

Victorian bedroom with tongue-and-groove panelling in Pleasure Gardens Green No.214 behind an iron bed — Left, a bedroom panel in Pleasure Gardens Green No.214; right, a snug study with Egerton Place No.297 walls

Small Victorian study with walls in Egerton Place No.297, a leather chair and a tiled fireplace — Left, a bedroom panel in Pleasure Gardens Green No.214; right, a snug study with Egerton Place No.297 walls

Narrow Edwardian hallway with Clerkenwell No.21 walls and original encaustic floor tiles — Clerkenwell No.21 walls in a narrow Edwardian hallway

Balance authenticity and modern living

While respecting history is essential, Dominic encourages personal touches. "We often see clients pairing deep, heritage colours on the walls with lighter, more contemporary trims. Deep, historical tones on walls can also be beautifully offset with a touch of gold or silver, using our metallic finishes. It creates depth without feeling overly traditional."

Country house dining room with walls and woodwork in Bond Street No.219 and a pale gold picture rail — Bond Street No.219 walls and woodwork with a pale gold picture rail in a country dining room

Expert guidance with Mylands Colour Consultancy

Bringing period properties back to life can feel overwhelming, and our Colour Consultancy service is designed to support homeowners and designers in making confident, informed choices. Whether you're restoring original features in a Georgian house, exploring bold tones for a Victorian property or softening the palette in an Edwardian home, our expert consultants work with you to choose colours and finishes that honour your space's character while reflecting your personal style.

At Mylands, our passion for preserving Britain's architectural history is matched only by our commitment to creating beautiful, lasting colour. "Our consultants can help you uncover the perfect palette, often inspired by the property's architecture and light, to ensure every room feels both authentic and beautifully lived-in," says Dominic Myland. Book a one-to-one consultation in person and let us help you turn your vision into a home with history, harmony and heart.

Complimentary 20-minute colour discovery call. Book your appointment today: bonjour@mylands.fr, 05 82 95 11 03. DISCOVER.