How to decorate a historic home: Timeless tips from Blickling Hall's property curator.
Buying a period property in Norfolk or anywhere in the UK is both a dream and a design challenge. How do you honour its historic character while making it feel like home?
Whether you're restoring a Georgian townhouse, updating a Norfolk farmhouse, or styling a Jacobean manor, we spoke to a true expert in historic interiors for advice on how to blend timeless charm with modern comfort.
Here we talk to the expert: Megan Dennis, the property curator at Blickling Hall, north Norfolk.
Blickling Hall is one of Norfolk’s most iconic historic homes. This Jacobean masterpiece, cared for by the National Trust, welcomes thousands of visitors each year and behind its exquisite interiors is Megan Dennis, who curates the house and estate.
Megan’s approach to interiors is rooted in a deep respect for history, but also a strong belief that historic homes should be lived in and loved. Here, she shares expert tips to help you decorate your period home with confidence, character, and creativity.
1. Embrace the layers of history“Think in layers,” Megan says. Your home’s history isn’t one fixed moment in time; it’s a story with many chapters. Instead of stripping everything back to one era, celebrate the mix of architectural styles and influences.
At Blickling, the Brown Drawing Room is a blend of Victorian design,1930s features, and Arts and Crafts craftsmanship, all tied together with a unifying colour palette. The result is a cohesive space full of character and charm.
Historic home design tip: Choose colours that connect different time periods, allowing your rooms to feel balanced, not busy.
2. Let personality shine through
“History can be playful,” says Megan. Details like the hidden spider in Blickling’s ceiling moulding offer moments of joy and discovery. Even in formal spaces, look for opportunities to inject fun and personality.
Bold fabrics, quirky artwork, or antique curiosities can add warmth and individuality. A historic home should tell your story as well as its own.
Interior tip: Mix in contemporary pieces with antique finds to avoid your home feeling like a museum.
3. Lean Into the period style
If your home is predominantly one style, Georgian, Edwardian, or even mid-century don’t fight it. Lean into it with confidence.
The Peter the Great Room at Blickling is a masterclass in Georgian opulence, from salmon satin walls to gilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers. The result is immersive and intentional.
Styling advice: Go all in with era-appropriate decor. Confidence is key when styling historic homes.
4. Make It comfortable and lived-In
Historic homes aren’t meant to be preserved in glass cases. “Don’t think of a historic interior as set in stone,” Megan explains. Add soft furnishings, fresh flowers, framed family photos, and layered textures to make grand spaces feel warm and welcoming.
Practical tip: Throws, cushions, and rugs soften formal rooms and help them feel like home.
5. Respect scale and proportion
One common design mistake in older homes is mismatched scale. Oversized furniture can overwhelm a cottage, while dainty decor can feel lost in high-ceilinged rooms.
Blickling’s South Drawing Room features a dramatic ceiling that suits the scale of the space, but that same ceiling would feel out of place in a small country kitchen. Let your room dictate the size and grandeur of your furniture and features.
Design rule: Match furnishings to your architecture’s proportions for a more harmonious look.
6. Celebrate the craftsmanship
Every historic home has a human story. From exposed beams to hand-carved details, these features deserve to be celebrated and protected.
At Blickling, mason’s marks from Humphrey and Sampson Frisby, a father-and-son stonemason team, are still visible centuries later. Choosing high-quality materials for your own renovations continues that tradition of care.
Preservation tip: Restore and reuse wherever possible — and invest in craftsmanship for any new work.
7. Mix old and new for modern elegance
Modern elements can enhance a historic home when used with care. This summer, Blickling hosts a contemporary sculpture exhibition inspired by 17th-century entomology books. The juxtaposition is striking, not jarring.
Apply this same principle at home: pair vintage wooden furniture with sleek pendant lighting or hang contemporary art on traditional plaster walls.
Style idea: Add a statement modern piece to bring fresh energy to period interiors.
8. Design for the future
Owning a historic home means becoming a custodian of the past. Megan encourages homeowners to take the long view: choose timeless finishes, avoid trends, and work with local craftspeople where possible.
“Looking after a historic house is a privilege,” she says. “Enjoy it. Celebrate it. Share its stories.”
Legacy tip: Renovate with care and intention. Your home’s next chapter begins with you.
Whether you’re in the middle of a restoration project or just love interior design, a visit to Blickling Hall is essential. The house is open daily from 11am to 3pm and offers an unforgettable insight into how historic homes can be both elegant and liveable.
Explore more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Blickling
Looking for more interiors inspiration and stylish living tips? Read At Home Magazine here
Thinking of buying a period property in Norfolk?
At Sowerbys, we specialise in heritage homes, listed buildings, and country properties across Norfolk. Our local knowledge and passion for Norfolk’s rich architectural history make us the ideal partner if you’re ready to find your own historic haven.