MOST people are surprised to hear that I live in a Victorian house when they find out I live in Basingstoke.

For most, Basingstoke conjures up the image of all things shiny and modern - but that's not necessarily the case. There's an abundance of period properties in the area and the council now recognises their importance and is encouraging conservation areas.

If you are lucky enough to live in a Victorian house, you may want to restore it to its former glory.

You can give your home the right atmosphere by introducing some original features without sacrificing 21st century standards of convenience.

If you have a modern home, the over-fussy look that was emulated in the 1990s may look a little dated now.

The Victorian era was from 1837 to 1901. The industrial revolution brought about dramatic improvements and an increasingly prosperous property-owning middle class. This demand brought about elaborate ornamentation and a requirement for fashionable home furnishings.

The poorer classes would try to emulate the style of the upper classes, and wallpaper was manufactured for the first time.

With the improvement in chemical dyes in the 1850s, stronger colours such as plum, sage green, Prussian blue and gold were used.

William Morris had the most profound effect on wallpaper designs. His fabrics and wallpaper designs are still produced and available today.

Cornices and ceilings roses could be found in larger houses, while cast iron fireplaces with mantelpieces would be a focal point.

The Victorians were great collectors of ornamentalia. Stripped floorboards and rugs were also popular and Victorians would layer and layer their furnishings.

If you need help and ideas of how to restore your Victorian home, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has completed conservation projects and can advise on renovations in keeping with the property.

If you need interior advice, you can contact me at Honeysuckle Interiors on 01256 780831, or check out the website at www.honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk