Home Improvement
There has been a noticeable change in the way people are decorating their homes.
For a while, everything seemed to be about clean lines, minimal rooms and getting rid of anything that looked too old. Now we're seeing the opposite. People are putting character back into their homes: fireplaces, alcoves, panelling, timber details and traditional features are all becoming popular again.
As a carpenter, it's something we're seeing more and more in the work customers ask us to do. But there is a difference between a feature that is simply on trend and one that can genuinely improve your home.
Here are some of the carpentry touches we're seeing most often, and where we'd put your money if you're thinking about improving a property.
Fireplaces are one of the biggest examples of the return to traditional features.
If an old fireplace has been boarded over or removed during a previous renovation, bringing it back can completely change a room. Even where a working fire isn't required, a properly finished fireplace and surround can become the focal point of a living room.
Period features can be particularly valuable in older properties. Property advice from estate agents and renovation specialists consistently points towards retaining or restoring original character rather than removing it.
If your house originally had a fireplace, it's worth finding out what was there before ripping everything out. Sometimes the best feature is already hiding behind the plasterboard.
Alcoves are another job we get asked about regularly.
Leaving an alcove empty can make a room feel unfinished, while filling it with a standard piece of furniture often means gaps and wasted space. Built-in alcove cupboards, shelving or a combination of the two can make much better use of the space.
You can keep the design simple or go for something more traditional with mouldings and painted cabinetry. It's also one of those improvements that isn't just about appearance: you're gaining useful storage at the same time.
Dado rails, picture rails, panelling and decorative mouldings are all making a comeback. They're particularly effective in older properties where they suit the age and proportions of the building, but they can also work surprisingly well in modern homes.
A dado rail doesn't transform a property on its own, but the right proportions and finish can make a room feel much more considered. The important thing is not to add traditional features just because they're fashionable: they need to suit the room.
Wall panelling has been popular for a while, though it looks like it may finally be settling down.
From simple shaker-style panelling to more traditional raised panels, it can add texture and depth to a room without needing a complete renovation.
We're also seeing more interest in darker, warmer timber tones and richer colours, rather than everything being white or grey. Panelling is a relatively simple way of changing the feel of a room, particularly when combined with good lighting and the right paint colour.
Worth flagging though: after several years of near-constant demand, panelling is starting to feel like a trend that's coming to an end. It's been used so widely, in every style of home and every price bracket, that some designers now see it as overdone rather than distinctive. That doesn't mean it looks bad, but it's worth thinking about whether you want a feature that still feels fresh in ten years, or one that's simply popular right now.
A good fitted wardrobe is one of the improvements where style and practicality come together. Rather than having freestanding furniture taking up space, fitted wardrobes can use the full height and width of a bedroom.
They're particularly useful around chimney breasts, alcoves and sloping ceilings where standard furniture doesn't fit properly. And you don't necessarily need to have everything made from scratch: as we discussed in our article on IKEA fitted wardrobes vs bespoke carpentry, an IKEA system can sometimes be used as the starting point and then finished with bespoke carpentry.
Storage is one of those things that people appreciate more when they don't have enough of it. Built-in shelving, cupboards, window seats and media units can make use of areas that would otherwise be wasted.
This is probably one of the safest carpentry improvements because it combines something people want, more storage, with something that looks good. Good storage can also help a room feel larger because you can get things off the floor and properly organised.
Doors are easy to overlook, but changing a set of cheap or dated internal doors can make a surprising difference.
Traditional panelled doors, glazed doors or properly made timber doors can suit period homes particularly well. If you've got an older property, replacing every original door with a modern-looking one might not be the best move: sometimes restoring or carefully matching the existing style works much better.
This is where we'd separate the two. Some carpentry features are popular because they look good on Instagram. That doesn't necessarily mean they're going to increase the value of your house.
If you're spending money specifically because you're planning to sell, we'd concentrate on improvements that make the house more useful, more attractive and more in keeping with the property.
| Carpentry improvement | Popularity | Potential value |
|---|---|---|
| Restoring an original fireplace | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Built-in wardrobes | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Bespoke storage | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Alcove cupboards | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Traditional doors | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Wall panelling | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Dado rails | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Decorative mouldings | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
There's no guarantee that any individual improvement will increase the sale price of a property: location, condition, layout and the local market all matter. But making a home feel well looked after, practical and in keeping with its character can certainly make it more appealing to buyers.
One of the things we like about the current trend is that people aren't necessarily trying to make every home look brand new anymore. There's a growing appreciation for original features, natural materials, traditional details and rooms that have a bit of personality.
For a period property, that can mean restoring what's already there rather than covering it up. For a modern house, it might mean adding a few carefully chosen details: a built-in bookcase, a panelled wall, a bespoke media unit or some quality timberwork.
You don't have to fill every wall with panelling or turn your house into a stately home. Often, one or two well-made features are enough.
If the aim was to spend money where it makes the biggest difference, we'd usually look at:
At Maltings Carpentry & Renovations, we work with homeowners across Snape, Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, Woodbridge, Framlingham, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and surrounding areas.
We build and install bespoke storage, fitted furniture, wardrobes, shelving, doors and other carpentry features, as well as carrying out carpentry as part of larger renovations.
If you've got an empty alcove, an old fireplace that needs bringing back to life or simply an idea for making a room feel more finished, get in touch and we'll have a look at what's possible. Sometimes it's the smaller carpentry details that make the biggest difference.
Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you within 2 working days with honest advice and a clear next step.
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