If you've bought a beautiful old Victorian home and want to do it justice, blending classic styling with modern comforts can seem tricky. Where do you start to decorate in a way that stays true to the era but still feels livable today? Fear not - with some careful planning and styling tactics, you can update your vintage abode to welcome both period charm and 21st-century conveniences.
In this guide, we'll cover practical tips like incorporating clean lines, embracing wallpaper, and choosing durable fabrics. We'll also discuss ways to highlight original architectural details and infuse modern updates like lighting and appliances. By balancing heritage appeal with user-friendly designs, you'll respect your home's history while designing a space your current family can wholly enjoy.
Definition of Victorian-Style Houses
Victorian-era homes date back to when Queen Victoria ruled England between 1837-1901. This was a time of major industrial growth that let builders get fancy with decorations thanks to mass-produced materials. You can spot them by their quirky shapes, tons of details, steep roof lines and bold colours.
It was an era of big cultural and social changes, and home styles mirrored that. Since things were relatively peaceful and prosperous, folks could flaunt decorative designs in architecture.
The intricate carvings and elaborate extras in these houses said a lot. They were meant to wow people and show off the owner's wealth and status. Building things with tons of ornate features like turrets, bay windows and curlicues showed you had serious cash. It was all about looking posh during the luxury of the Victorian period through impressive architectural designs.
The Best 6 Tips For Decorate a Victorian House
Pick a Focal Point
Give your eyes somewhere cool to land in the room. Whether it's a fireplace, a seriously ornate side table, or a big fancy chandelier, choose just one centrepiece to build around. That keeps it from feeling too crowded.
Have Fun With Color and Texture
When it comes to colouring your space, rich jewel tones like ruby red, emerald green and navy blue really set the elegant Victorian mood. Then use complementary hues throughout - maybe red accents with a green and blue colour scheme. Having a palette will make decor Choices way easier since everything will vibe together nicely.
Don't be afraid to layer in lots of lush textures too. Materials like velvet and silk add major old-school flamboyance. These heavier fabrics feel absolutely perfect for a Victorian aesthetic. The right colours and feel-good materials will transport you right back to the opulence of that era. Play around with shades and textures until you find a combo that says "luxury Victorian" without even trying. Your space will feel insta-classy.
Blend Some Styles
Back in the day, Victorian decor pulled from plenty of other periods like Gothic and Neoclassical designs. This mishmash is part of what gives the era its eclectic flair.
If your space already has one established vibe, it's easy to inject some Victorian interest by throwing another style in the mix. You can pair a classic velvet chair with a modern coffee table for some visual intrigue. Or how about hanging an abstract painting amongst your antique collection for a neat contrast? Mixing it up makes things feel fresh and fun.
Add a Dash of Drama
You can pick up some of that energy by installing glitzy extras here and there. A crystal chandelier turns dining room dinner parties into a full-on event, for example. Or try statement lighting like fringed lamps or fancy wall sconces. They sure did love stained glass, carved-up wood furnishings, crown moulding and shiny brass hardware too for decorative flourish without much effort.
Focus on Florals
Green thumbs, this one's for you! Indoor plants, flowers and foliage were huge for the Victorians since the dim rooms back then were perfect for ferns. Lemon button fern, sweet pea and pygmy date palms all did well. Even without a green thumb, you can still get in on floral textures. Victorian wallpaper and fabrics often show flower patterns if live blooms aren't your thing.
Opt for Quality Over Quantity
Try finding unique, local pieces for your home too. Or get crafty restoring what you already own - sanding and painting can update a tired antique on a budget. Focus on a few showstopper items rather than tons of so-so decor for an elegant Victorian aesthetic
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Decorating A Victorian-Style Home
Here are some common decorating mistakes to avoid for a Victorian style home:
Going Overboard with Clutter
It's easy to get carried away and pack things in, but too much visual noise will overwhelm you. Focus on balancing group items in odd numbers so stuff isn't fighting for attention. Give your eyes somewhere nice to rest.
Mixing Mismatched Styles
The Victorian had its distinctive look. Blending too many different eras can clash. Either commit fully to the period details or pair just a few modern upgrades with classic pieces, find that harmonious middle ground.
Skipping the Tiny Touches
Victorians adored ornate textures and trims. Small style switches like doorknobs, mouldings and light fixtures make a big impact. Don't forget plush fabrics too, all those rich materials tie the rooms together seamlessly. The finer points really bring the opulence to life.
At the end of the day, it's about moderation. Respect the original vibe while keeping things polished, calming and cohesive. Those little mistakes steal the elegant spotlight, so pay attention to balance and the finer aesthetic choices.
Conclusion:
With care and consideration, you can blend 19th-century grace with convenient modern elements to create a Victorian home that respects its history while catering to your lifestyle. Maintaining a balance between vintage beauty and today's comforts is key. With thoughtful additions like up-to-date lighting and appliances nestled amongst character features, you've honoured the architecture's origin while crafting a unique living space for contemporary life.
If you want to help bring your Victorian decor vision to life, you can always get professional help. Look no further than Adam Local painters and decorators. As a reputable UK-based company, we specialise in both interior and exterior painting along with decorative installations for both residential and commercial properties. With next-day availability, instant quotes, affordable pricing and a team of skilled professionals, at Adam Local we can help you breathe new life into your historic home through their preservation-focused services.
Komentarai