Greg Penn aka @manwithahammer has become the Instagram account to follow for inspiration on anything period home renovation related! Currently restoring an ex-Naval Georgian townhouse in Plymouth to its former glory, Greg is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of period home restoration. Having previously completed his first project – a Victorian Terrace in the North East of England, he’s upped the stakes and moved on to the huge undertaking of this 30 room pile. Painstakingly reviving one room at a time with a fantastic mix of old and new pieces. We caught up with Greg to talk period home renovation tactics and the importance of a good bathroom…
HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED ADMIRALS HOUSE AND WHAT MADE YOU BUY IT?
I’ve been here just over two and a half years, I fell in love with it straight away. It was also (relatively speaking!) a bargain, it was in such a state and is such a size that I don’t think any sane person was willing to take it on so I decided to take the leap!
WHAT STATE WAS IT IN WHEN YOU BOUGHT IT AND HOW FAR HAVE YOU GOT WITH RENOVATIONS?
Pretty bad… internal and external leaks… no preventative maintenance for a few decades… no functioning toilet… very grubby and tired – most of the rooms hadn’t been touched properly for 40+ years. I think I’m probably 2/5ths of the way through the house but after that, there’s a large, very neglected Georgian walled garden that I think will take a couple of years too!
WHICH ROOMS WERE YOUR FIRST PRIORITIES?
The main thing was getting a bathroom done, being able to get yourself good and clean at the end of a day of renovating is hugely important, the rest you can sort of cope with so long as you can have a hot bath or shower!
HOW MANY BATHROOMS HAVE YOU RENOVATED IN THE HOUSE SO FAR?
I’ve done 4 so far plus a downstairs W.C. There are at least another two, maybe 3 to do… plus the outside privy!
TELL US ABOUT THE DESIGN PROCESS FOR YOUR BATHROOMS
I start with either the wall colour or wallpaper and for that, it depends on the room – the way it faces and the light it gets. In the pink bathroom, it faces north – in the summer it does get a little direct sunlight in the evening but the vast majority of the time it has a cooler indirect light. I like bathrooms to feel warm and inviting (you spend most of your time naked in them right?), so the sludgy, dirty pink warms the space up a treat. After that, it’s looking at the layout – which in an old place is often dictated by the location of the soil-pipe… and then finally I think about the other bits and pieces.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE OUT THE NEED FOR PRACTICAL MODERN-DAY BATHROOM FIXTURES WHILST STILL MAINTAINING THE LOVELY PERIOD LOOK AND FEEL?
I think it’s important to keep a bit of softness in the bathroom. I know it’s practical, but I’m not fan of wall to wall, floor to ceiling tiles – especially if they’re white. To me it feels cold and unfriendly. I think the use of vintage/antique pieces for storage really helps bring in some texture. I like using old mirrors above the basin too. I also keep all the original features; fireplaces, coving, and panelling all help retain the feel of the space. You can even add panelling to the lower walls which introduces character whilst still being very practical.
WHICH ITEMS WERE AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR YOU WHEN SELECTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES?
Lighting is really important in bathrooms – again so many just go for the ubiquitous grid of spotlights, even in period properties and often, if you have the space, there’s no need. Obviously you need to work within the regulations but wall lights, statement pendants etc. really add something to the space.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE ON OUR PARISIAN GLOBE FOR YOUR BATHROOM?
The room has tall ceilings and I really wanted something to fill the space and make a statement, as well as something that would balance out the other large pieces in the room (armoire, bath, fireplace etc). I love the character and texture it has too and it filters and softens the light as well, whilst still being plenty bright enough for the bathroom! It’s often the first thing people notice when they walk into the room!
WE LOVE YOUR LAYERED LOOK OF OLD PIECES WITH NEW, WHICH ARE THE FAVOURITE ANTIQUE / VINTAGE PIECES YOU’VE FOUND SO FAR FOR THE HOUSE?
Thank you! I love some of the huge, old mirrors I’ve found, with the original plate glass that twinkles and sparkles when the light hits it.
HOW DO YOU USE THESE OLDER PIECES IN BATHROOMS TO MAKE THEM COSIER – A PLACE YOU WOULD WANT TO SPEND TIME RATHER THAN JUST BEING FUNCTIONAL?
Anywhere you can squeeze them in – do! It totally changes the feel of a bathroom – often they’re quite clinical, sterile spaces but the warmth of wood or texture of an old painted piece really takes away from all the glossy, shiny bathroom fittings. I like treating bathrooms like any other room and antiques and vintage pieces are crucial to that for me.
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WENT WRONG OR YOU WOULD CHANGE?
I would really love to have underfloor heating under the marble floor! It’ll be better once I’ve connected the radiators at least!
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO PEOPLE RENOVATING A PERIOD HOUSE?
Take your time – don’t rush it and get to learn the spaces, what the light is like, and how you like to use them… and invest in a decent vacuum cleaner that can handle renovations – the dust is no joke!
LASTLY, YOUR FAVOURITE PURE WHITE LINES PIECES AND WHY…
Blimey that’s a tricky question – your lighting range is extraordinary, so many pieces I’m drawn to that would work beautifully in a period home as well as something more modern! Your decorative plaster pieces are brilliant and you get some of the best antiques in as well – there’s too many lovely things to pick just one!
You can follow Greg and his progress at Admirals House via instagram at @manwithahammer
Browse our selection of lighting, furniture and mirrors to get the perfect period home look…
