1930s home renovations are increasingly in demand as homeowners wake up to the potential offered by a makeover of Britain’s ubiquitous period homes. We look at a few home renovation ideas to bring out the best in these much-maligned properties.  

What is a 1930s House Renovation? 

Back in the 1930s, reduced construction costs and easier access to mortgage financing sparked a housing boom that helped boost the British economy. New homes proliferated across the country in the pre-war years, particularly semi-detached properties. Popular at the time, they fell out of fashion later with buyers favouring a more individual style. Now, though, they’re making a comeback. 

1930s homes have a lot going for them, not least space. They tend to be built on larger plots than more modern homes, so you get generously proportioned rooms, a good-sized garden and, often, a garage. The design and layout tend to be practical and unfussy, and things like bay windows and half-glazed doors let in lots of light. Certain features like diamond pattern leaded windows do look dated now, but others like Art Deco ‘sunburst’ stained glass are highly desirable and lend period charm. 

1930s House Renovation Costs

Like all construction jobs, 1930s house renovation costs vary widely depending on the size of the property, the quality of materials and how extensive the renovation is. 

As a guide: 

• A single-storey ground floor extension costs £60,000-£130,000.  
• A kitchen renovation costs £16,000-£25,000.
• Bathroom renovations cost £4,000 to £8,000. 
• Creating open plan living space costs £12,000 to £15,000. 

1930s House Renovation Ideas

1. Choose your style

When planning a 1930s house renovation, the first step is to choose between honouring the original style or going for something more modern. You can, of course, mix and match but it helps to have an idea so you can take coherent design decisions and avoid a mismatched mishmash of styles.  

If you’re keen on antiques you may be able to pick up period items to decorate your home at reclamation yards or auctioneers. However, doing a 1930s house renovation doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in the past. You can honour the original but update it for the present day with contemporary furniture, lighting or wallpaper in period style and colours. The 1930s was the era of Art Deco and early Modernism, so abstract or geometric shapes, pastel shades like peach and pale green and bold details in black and gold are all in keeping. Authentic design touches like reeded-glass-fronted kitchen cabinets and wooden flooring will also add to the effect. 

If you prefer a more modern look, choose streamlined, unfussy designs and furniture that will work in the space while pulling your home into the 21st century. Brighten up dingy or cramped spaces by swapping dark wood panelling for plain walls and light shades. 

2. Design the fireplace

Recessed ‘coffee and cream’ fireplaces are a common 1930s feature that people either love or hate. If you’re in the latter camp, swap it for a modern fireplace with clean lines. You can afford to play around a bit with a 1930s house renovation but take care not to mix styles too much. For example, a Victorian fireplace has different proportions and just won’t look right in a 1930s home. 

3. Don't forget the exterior

Another great way to update a 1930s home is to create open plan living space. These properties tend to have better foundations but thinner walls than older houses so it’s easier to knock them about. You can also increase the space with an extension or orangery, which will also add character to the typically plain rear of a 1930s home.  

And don’t forget the exterior when doing a 1930s house renovation. These homes were built en masse during times of austerity so some materials haven’t stood the test of time well and look very dated (pebbledash, anyone?). Changing the windows and doors and updating the exterior with cladding or a new coat of paint will work wonders. 

If the place has never been renovated, you’ll also want to update the insulation to save on bills and bring it up to code. This doesn’t mean losing original features like stained glass since these can be encased in double glazing.