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Can you add victorian features to a modern house?
Some interior design trends are forever evolving, while others are timeless, and modern victorian style is one of them. Each trend can be adapted to provide us with maximum convenience and keep up with the forever-evolving lifestyles.
By George Nicola (Expert Stager)
While design trends might keep changing, designers often draw inspiration from vintage styles to add a unique touch to each space they design and prevent all homes from beginning cookie-cutter copies of each other.
One such vintage style often the inspiration for homes worldwide is Victorian design.
In this article you will find answer to some of the most common questions which home owners has about how to transform their modern interior into a masterpiece with details, without going overboard.
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Consider integrating colors such as burgundy, navy, and forest green to give your home a more Victorian look.
The Victorian era is characterised by intricate carvings and mouldings, as well as plasterwork and intricate patterns.
You can also add a few antiques to your home to give it an authentic Victorian feel.
Soft, luxurious textiles such as velvet and lace are also linked with the Victorian era; therefore, try including velvet accessories such as drapes, a velvet throw pillow, and a lace tablecloth.
Add a couple of gas lamps and some thick drapes to complete the look.
Lastly, decorate with flowery patterns by utilising floral wallpaper, drapes, and ornamental pillows.
In this blog post we’ve answered the question: Can modern lifestyle coexist with Victorian interiors?
Here is a list of the most popular places of the biggest antique stores in the USA that may sell authentic Victorian Decor:
USA:
Here is a list of the most popular places of the biggest antique stores in the UK that may sell authentic Victorian Decor:
UK:
When did the Victorian design of homes originate?
Between 1801 to 1911, England’s population rose from 9 to 36 million, and with that, the number of houses rose too.
The peak of building production occurred between 1860-the 1870s, with small intermediate booms in the 1830s – 40s, and 50s.
To keep the style of the architecture further developing, Victorians kept all brick patterns, building manuals, and the price listed in books. Every builder and architect who wanted to build a house with features had to use these books to stay in line with the style.
By 1834 the Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in London was established, which meant that architecture became even more formalized as a profession.
Architects became less involved in housebuilding and materials manufacture; these functions were shifted to their own category of specialists.
Can you mix modern with victorian style?
In 1837 the style of architecture was already formed as a style, and a large proportion of its most prominent features were in place.
Since that moment, some of the most prominent victorian house features have been developed and refined.
Victorian-style homes are perfect for a combination of modernism blended with classic elegance. It has a modern minimalist look combined with gothic artwork and antiques from the era.
An ideal modern interior not only features the character that the old-world Victorian style brings but also has modern elements that add a sleek touch to the space.
Feel free to check out one of our projects where a Victorian Terraced House was converted into a modern city home.
What interior styles fit well with modern Victorian style?
Some interior design styles pair nicely with Victorian decor, including:
Traditional: Traditional design is a natural fit for Victorian decorated spaces, marked by intricate decorations, rich hues, and a formal ambiance.
Gothic: Gothic style frequently contains Victorian design features, such as dark colors, intricate embellishments, and antique furniture.
Romantic: The delicate, feminine characteristics of the Romantic style, such as floral designs and lace, pair well with modern victorian decors.
The Art Nouveau style: is distinguished by organic, flowing lines and an emphasis on nature. This design is compatible with other authentic decors since it frequently combines stained glass and complex patterns.
Baroque: The Baroque style is noted for its grandeur and intricate embellishments, which makes it a fantastic choice for a combination with other authentic interior designs.
Mid-century modern: style can also work well with Victorian decorations, characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on functionality. By combining Victorian decor with mid-century modern elements, you can create a stylish and functional space.
For example, you could incorporate a mid-century modern piece of furniture, like a bookshelf or a dining table, into a room with Victorian decor. Likewise, you could add mid-century modern accents, like a lamp or a throw pillow, to a room with Victorian decorations.
It’s important to remember that mixing different styles is a challenge, but it can also be a lot of fun. Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you.
You may curate a fashionable and unified setting by mixing Victorian décor with one of these styles. It is essential to note, however, that combining parts of different styles is always possible to create a look that is entirely yours and aesthetic.
Elements Of Victorian Interior Design
The Colour Palette
Since old English homes were often heated by coal, homes from the early Victorian period houses often featured darker colors, such as forest green, deep brown, burgundy, forest green, ruby red, and naval blue.
This was done to hide the impact of the coal and ash on the interiors.
Towards the late period, when gas lighting made headway, pastels and brighter colors gained popularity by leaps and bounds.
When one thinks of “Victorian interiors,” one often pictures the darker colors, but the reality is that lighter and brighter colors can be used too – as long as you add the appropriate décor pieces and furniture to the space.
Over The Top Furniture
While there is not a single furniture style that can encompass the entire era, it can safely be said that over ornamentation was (and still is) one of the key features of Victorian furniture.
Furniture usually is overstuffed and is carved in innovative ways.
Furniture pieces are also often inlaid with stuff like mother-of-pearl, have pieces of gilt affixed, or have cloisonné inserts added to add some color and design to the furniture pieces.
Bright Walls And Patterned Floors
Wall decoration was a significant trend in Victorian design. Many opted to use wallpapers with garish and elaborate patterns of leaves, vines, and flowers on their walls. People also created faux wood-like or marble look wall finishes with paint.
As for floors, wood was a widespread choice, and homes often had parquet wood floor patterns. Heavy and colorful woven rugs were usually placed on these floors to add more warmth to the space and add visual interest.
From around the mid-1800s, floor tiles with simple borders and intricate geometric patterns in the center started gaining popularity.
Evolving Décor Pieces
Décor has a great impact on the overall look of the space, and Victorian spaces are no exception. Almost every surface, from fireplace mantels to furniture, used to be engulfed with decorative pieces.
There were doilies on every flat surface, topped by vases with flowers, sofas had embroidered throw pillows, and windows were often shrouded in fancy drapes.
Victorians were also prominent in adding greenery to their homes, with many people adding potted plants to their homes, with ferns and palms being the most popular.
Another impact of the fast advent of technology was the availability of pictures since printing and photography techniques were fast developing.
Suddenly, even commoners found an easy and pocket-friendly way to add portraits to their walls.
Victorian Light Fixtures
Lighting evolved fast in this era. People went from using candles and oil lamps to using gas-powered lights, with electric lighting being developed.
Often wall sconces, chandeliers, table lamps, and even standing lamps had lampshades made of glass (Tiffany lamps) in this era in order to disperse light better and light up a larger area with minimal sources of light.
Pro Tip: If you want to achieve your modern interior with a traditional piece, do not buy reduced copies; instead, visit charity or vintage shops to achieve maximum results.
How To Create A Modern Victorian Space
Add Some Colour And Wood
Color is one of the necessities of the Victorian design style – so ditch the boring white walls for richer colors. If you live in a smaller home, it would be best to have a different color scheme for every room.
If you live in a home that has a modern style open floor plan, adding a bright and bold accent wall can help you create the look.
The addition of wood can also help emphasize the Victorian look of the space.
Things such as carved wooden frames for the artwork you add to your walls, a carved wooden frame around the mirror, or even a wooden lampshade can make a difference.
Pro Tip: For even more authentic results try preserving the original details by restoring them instead of replacing them with copies.
Lighting Makes All The Difference
Light is a great way to capture the warmth that Victorian design exudes. While modern homes are all about open windows and natural lights, Victorian interiors were all about layering different sources of light – scones, pendant lights, lamps, and even chandeliers.
According to multiple research papers, the Victorian era began in 1837, and ordinary people used oil and gas candles to light their homes.
By 1901 electricity was more widespread, and not only rich people were able to afford to have it in use in their homes.
Since modern electric lighting was still in its infancy in the Victorian era, it is best to go vintage with your light fixtures.
However, old-school chandeliers (with light bulbs in place of candles – we do not want to go that vintage!), wall sconces, and glass lamps can drive the look.
Colored glass, wrought iron, brass, and heavy ornaments are part of the style.
Pro Tip: While you do not need to go overboard with light sources in your home, ensure that your space is well-lit and that the light fixtures you choose reflect that era.
A quick way to increase the amount of light in a space without adding additional fixtures is by using mirrors. Bonus points if you use gothic or carved wooden frames.
Bold Wallpaper
Elaborate and patterned wallcovering was a trend then and is a trend even today. Old school patterns with intricate flowers, vines, and leaves can be a striking addition to any space and give it that old authentic look.
The wallpaper can be balanced with minimalistic décor pieces and fixtures to keep your modern victorian aesthetic home vibe going.
Create A Gallery Wall
The old Victorian style of creating a gallery wall can be a great addition – especially to your living room. To give it a contemporary look, be selective with the art pieces you select.
Combining modern and quirky art pieces with old-school abstract art pieces will help create a gallery wall that is modern yet gives off a very Victorian look.
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The Devil Is In The Details
Victorian homes were loud and exaggerated and full of ornate furniture pieces, heavy textiles, art pieces on each wall, and an abundance of knick-knacks.
While decorating your home in a modern Victorian style, you need not go overboard, but you need not show too much restraint.
You can add oil paintings to your walls, use heavy silks as drapes and even add brightly colored and patterned Persian rugs on your floors to add layers of detail to your home.
Victorian Style Bathroom
Victorian bathrooms have quite a distinctive look. If you wish to give your bathroom the old Victorian look with a modern twist, here are some luxury bathroom design ideas you can use.
If your bathroom is smaller, you can achieve the look by adding a claw-footed bathtub. These days these tubs come with hidden modern plumbing, giving the look of an old Victorian tub but with the facilities of a modern tub.
While modern bathrooms often have the splashback extending in all directions, Victorians often preferred to give the upper walls a non-tile wall treatment. Instead, Paisley or floral wallcovering was the material of choice.
Today, waterproof wallpapers can not only make your walls look great but are also durable enough to last you longer than traditional wallcoverings.
Adding a modern twist to Victorian interiors is all about finding the perfect balance between the two.
How easy it is to curate modern victorian room on a tight budget?
It can be difficult to create a modern period style on a limited budget due to the expensive and intricate victorian design features, such as antique furniture, complex plasterwork, and sumptuous fabrics.
However, there are a few cost-effective methods to incorporate current Victorian flair into your home:
Mix and match: Rather than attempting to recreate a 19th – century space, consider mixing and combining Vintage pieces with more contemporary ones.
You could, for instance, match an antique 19th – century upholstered sofa with a contemporary coffee table or add Victorian-style paint to a room with contemporary furniture.
If you are on a tight budget, you might want to explore using reproductions instead of real Victorian artifacts. Numerous stores specialize in reproducing Victorian-era objects, and these items can be far less expensive than genuine antiques.
Thrift stores and estate sales can be excellent sources of reasonably priced vintage pieces and antique items, including Victorian decor.
Keep an eye out for old mirrors, lace tablecloths, and elaborate frames that can give your home a touch of Victorian elegance.
Instead of investing in costly decorative elements, consider adding Victorian-inspired accents to your home with paint and wall fabrics.
You may, for instance, add wallcovering with an ornate Victorian-style imprint or paint a room a rich, dark color, such as burgundy or navy blue.
You should be able to create a modern Victorian-inspired design on a minimal budget if you follow these guidelines.
If you are inspired by minimalism and modern victorian design, check our recent project here.
Why do people love 1860's interior design touches?
People’s spaces in the 1860s, distinguished by wealth and grandeur, significantly influenced design trends even today.
This period’s dwellings frequently featured intricate features, rich hues, and sumptuous textiles.
Thus, many homes of this period may have been impractical or inefficient by current standards.
During the 1860s, furniture was frequently finely carved and upholstered with velvet and silk. In addition, period’s homes often contained antique furniture, artwork, and decorative things.
In the 19th century, decorative elements included exquisite plasterwork, stained glass, and ornate patterns that were time-consuming and expensive to maintain.
Victorian homes had ornately carved and luxuriously upholstered furniture that needed constant cleaning.
Affluent and wealthy people’s homes were frequently constructed for formal entertainment; thus, they had enormous, grand halls that were impractical for daily living, on top of all decorative pieces.
This period’s homes were also fond of wall art, frequently employed to bring color and pattern to a space.
Overall, 1860s homes were beautiful but less practical than modern homes. design was centered on creating a sense of grandeur and richness and featured a combination of ancient and contemporary features.
Key Takeaways
Since the Victorian era lasted for almost 70 years, you are not confined to a particular design or style – rather, you have a variety of designs to choose from.
You can stick to a particular style or use various pieces from various styles to create a unique space. Do not be afraid to add your personal touch and edit away things that don’t work for you.
But to summarize it shortly, focus on colour, wood, dramatic wallpaper, gallery walls, light fixtures, and detailed details while building a modern Victorian room.
Thrift stores and estate sales offer affordable vintage and antique products. Find the right mix of modern and traditional.
Finally, Victorian interiors were noisy, exaggerated, and full of extravagant furniture, heavy textiles, wall paintings, and knick-knacks.
Remember, styles are just a guideline, and you can add your own personal style to your space to create a home that is reflective of your personality.
