THE PARLOUR PAPERS
A COMPENDIUM OF WRITINGS AND MUSINGS ON THE CHARACTER OF HISTORIC INTERIORS
The Parlour Papers gathers together the studio’s thinking in the form of essays, observations, and the growing Wallander House Dictionary. They are a record of how old houses remain relevant and how we might help preserve and respect them. It is a place for ideas in progress: part editorial, part archive, and always concerned with the house. Through these writings,
Studio Wallander explores how heritage design can affect our lives today, and keep our sense of continuity.
The Parlour Essays are extended writings on the principles and practice of heritage design, and how it fits within the structure of older homes while connecting to the needs of modern living. Each essay examines the fabric, detail, and meaning of period houses and their place in society: colour and materials, the relationship between interiors and culture, and the ways in which history was once the present. Together they form a record of ideas linking historical understanding with contemporary design expectations.
They also look at the realities of working with historic buildings today, considering all from proportion and craftsmanship to planning, alteration, and the subtle decisions that determine whether a house keeps its character or loses it. The intention is not to romanticise the past, but to understand it clearly enough to work with it. These pieces are rooted in research, architectural precedent, and lived experience of British and European domestic spaces. The aim is to preserve character, avoid pastiche, and allow old houses to remain relevant, useful, and respected.
The Parlour Principle sets out the ethos that guides Studio Wallander’s work. A house is a structure with its own character, personality and history, deserving of the same respect as any crafted object. Older homes have an integrity built through time: their proportions, materials, and wear tell a story that should be understood before any change is made. The house deserves to be heard.
At its heart, the principle treats the home as a safe and enduring haven. Design should protect what is sound, repair what has been lost, and introduce only what strengthens the building’s original sense of order. This approach aligns with what the studio calls The Permanent Set—the idea that a house, like a stage, holds its own script and scenery, and that design should work in harmony with that enduring framework. It is a practical philosophy, concerned with continuity, clarity, and restraint. Every project is an exercise in stewardship: working with what exists, not against it, avoiding following passing trends, and ensuring that what still stands continues to do so with quiet dignity.
The Wallander House Dictionary is a growing reference of architectural and decorative terms found in British houses.
Each entry defines an element, material, or feature in plain language, setting out its purpose, period, and construction. It brings together details from architecture, joinery, plasterwork, and domestic planning to create a practical source for designers and homeowners alike. It is an evolving record of the vocabulary of domestic architecture, accessible to anyone interested in the making and decorating of houses.
The entries are concise and factual, drawn from observation and established reference material. The intention is simply to provide clarity and consistency in how features are described, whether in conversation, design, or restoration work. By gathering the terms in one place, the dictionary allows for straightforward comparison between styles and periods, helping readers recognise familiar details and understand their proper names. It is a working reference rather than a complete catalogue, intended to grow as time and use demand.
STUDIO WALLANDER PARLOUR PAPERS 2025
