THE PARLOUR ESSAYS

The Parlour Essays are observational pieces on colour, interiors and their place in history and society. They examine the choices of material, function, or ornament that shaped domestic life.

The focus is on the ordinary as much as the grand, on details that reveal larger patterns. Read together, they offer a view of design as part of society.

For shorter, sharper dispatches on old-house interiors, please see The Parlour Postcards. Bite-sized observations on everyday decisions that can alter a house for better or worse.

Blonde woman sitting in an antique sofa in a period interior

FEATURED ESSAYS

Cracked blue wall with peeling paint revealing brown patches underneath, creating a vintage, weathered appearance.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 1

A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 1 - THE BIG THINGS. This essay concerns the big items of thinking for older houses, what to consider and what to investigate.

Blue floral damask pattern on beige background, featuring symmetrical, intricate leaf designs, conveying a vintage, elegant mood.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 2

A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 2 - THE CREATIVE THINGS. This essay concerns the creative and very enjoyable aspects of older houses, such as colour, pattern and textures.

Ornate, metallic doorknob with floral design on wooden door; rich brown tones and intricate patterns evoke a vintage feel.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 3

A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 3 - THE TACTILE THINGS. This essay concerns the tacticle and touchable aspects of older houses, such as handles, switches and fabrics.

Close-up of a vintage car's dark green grille with vertical metal slats, reflecting light. The setting is outdoors, creating a nostalgic mood.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 4

A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 4 - THE MODERN THINGS. This essay concerns the modern necessary aspects of older houses, such as televisions, security systems and the dreaded cables.

Classic hallway with wooden staircase, archways, and doors. Rug on wood floor, table with vase of flowers, and soft natural light. Calm mood.

2026 TRENDS THAT WORK FOR OLD HOUSES

2026 Trends that work in old houses. Trends come and go but in 2026 the trend-gods smile on period properties. Pattern, colour and natural materials take centre stage.

A silver pocket watch with Roman numerals rests on a textured, vintage book cover, casting a nostalgic and timeless ambiance.

TIMELESS INTERIORS

What does timelessness truly mean? Is it a colour, a style or is it coherence and flow? This essay explores the contradictions between what we might think it means, and what it might actually mean.

THE COLOURED COMPASS
A Guide to Colour for All Aspects

Compass showing all directions. Simple design.

COLOUR FOR A NORTH-FACING ROOM

The Colour Compass: Part I. Lean into the light. North-facing rooms require careful handling, very different from other aspects. The light is cool and even, and the colours need to carry warmth without any help.

Simple old fashioned compass showing all orientations.

COLOUR FOR AN EAST-FACING ROOM

The Colour Compass: Part II. East greets the sunrise. With brightness in the morning and softness in the afternoon, east-facing rooms can handle vibrancy and cheerfulness.

An simple, old fashioned compass showing all orientations.

COLOUR FOR A SOUTH-FACING ROOM

The Colour Compass: Part III. The light in south-facing rooms is the best gift a house can get. They are the super models of light. But with strong light, comes great responsibility.

COLOUR FOR A WEST-FACING ROOM

The Colour Compass: Part IV. Dinner by the fire. Mercurial and changeable, the light in west-facing rooms needs warmth in the mornings and radiance in the evenings.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 1

A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 1 - THE BIG THINGS. This essay concerns the big items of thinking for older houses, what to consider and what to investigate.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 2

A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 2 - THE CREATIVE THINGS. This essay concerns the creative and very enjoyable aspects of older houses, such as colour, pattern and textures.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 3

A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 3 - THE TACTILE THINGS. This essay concerns the tacticle and touchable aspects of older houses, such as handles, switches and fabrics.

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 4

A short code of conduct for old houses. PART 4 - THE MODERN THINGS. This essay concerns the modern necessary aspects of older houses, such as televisions, security systems and the dreaded cables.

STUDIO WALLANDER

THE PARLOUR ESSAYS

FEATURED ESSAYS

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 1

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 2

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 3

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 4

2026 TRENDS THAT WORK FOR OLD HOUSES

TIMELESS INTERIORS

THE COLOURED COMPASS A Guide to Colour for All Aspects

COLOUR FOR A NORTH-FACING ROOM

COLOUR FOR AN EAST-FACING ROOM

COLOUR FOR A SOUTH-FACING ROOM

COLOUR FOR A WEST-FACING ROOM

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 1

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 2

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 3

DO'S AND DON'TS OF PERIOD HOMES PART 4

THE COLOURED COMPASS
A Guide to Colour for All Aspects