Next came paint, top to toe. We chose tones that felt timeless but fresh, softening the drama of the architecture without erasing it. But as we painted, the house began to speak. In several rooms, especially the front, we discovered areas of original horsehair plaster. Some sections were stable, others crumbled at the touch. It was a reminder that this home had lived many lives before ours.

Horsehair plaster was the standard wall finish in Victorian homes, particularly from the early 1800s through the early 20th century. It’s a lime-based plaster reinforced with animal hair, most commonly from horses, though ox, goat, and even cow hair were sometimes used.

Back to Brick

In the front room, the plaster was too far gone. We took it back to brick, a raw, humbling sight. With properties of this age (circa 1860s, not 1960s!), you can’t just slap on modern materials and hope for the best. You have to understand the bones. You have to respect them.

Why Lime Plaster?

After research and consultation, we chose another lime plaster, a breathable, flexible material that works in harmony with old brickwork. Unlike modern gypsum, lime allows moisture to pass through, preventing trapped damp and preserving the integrity of the walls.

But lime plaster isn’t a quick fix. It’s a craft.

The Process: Slow, Skilled, and Worth It

• Prep: The brick must be cleaned and lightly dampened to accept the plaster
• Base Coat: A coarse mix is applied first, often with horsehair or fibers for strength
• Curing: Each layer must dry slowly, no shortcuts, no rushing
• Finish Coat: A finer layer is applied and smoothed, sometimes burnished for a soft sheen
• Patience: Lime plaster can take weeks to fully cure. It’s a waiting game, but a worthy one

Watching the walls come back to life, layer by layer, was like watching the house exhale.

Now, let's talk about paint….. I wanted the perfect ‘white’ walls with charcoal trim, skirting and doors!

The Myth of the Perfect White

White isn’t just white. It’s warm, cool, chalky, creamy, crisp, shadowy, or sunlit. And in a Victorian Gothic Revival home, the stakes are higher, you’re not just painting walls, you’re framing history.

What Your Home Is Telling You

All of these elements in this beautiful old house influence how a white will behave. A cool white might feel sterile against warm wood. A warm white might go yellow in low light. And a “neutral” white? It might not be neutral at all once it’s on the wall.

Your Swatch Strategy (and why it’s genius)

• Test in natural light at different times of day
• Place near architectural features (baseboards, windows, flooring)
• Include contrast (like that dark swatch) to see how whites respond

This isn’t just about colour, it’s about context.

Adding Interest to Walls

Where Architecture Meets Emotion

In a house with high ceilings, original mouldings, and centuries-old character, the walls aren’t just surfaces, they’re storytellers. But even the most beautiful canvases need framing. As we’ve moved through this first phase of our renovation, we’ve looked for ways to add depth, texture, and meaning to our walls without overwhelming their quiet dignity.

Paneling & Molding: Echoing the Past

One of our favourite additions has been decorative panelling. It’s a way of restoring rhythm and proportion, giving the walls a sense of architecture. We’ve kept the profiles soft and classic, echoing the Victorian lines without going full period drama.

Final Thoughts

Painting was never just about colour, it was about listening. As we stripped back layers and chose new ones, the house revealed its history in fragments of horsehair plaster and crumbling lime. It reminded us that restoration is a dialogue, not a makeover. Every decision, from the perfect white to the quiet elegance of charcoal trim, was made in conversation with the architecture itself. And as we added panelling, moulding, and texture, we weren’t just decorating, we were honouring the rhythm of a home that’s stood for generations. These walls have stories, and now, they’re beginning to tell ours too.

Next post …… A Fireplace Revamp, Custom Wardrobes & Clever Spaces