Bringing Back Victorian Homes
Interior design has been through too many eras to count and we still see the vestiges of certain fads in the home of modern people. We often throw terms like ‘mid-century modern’ and ‘farm-house’ around without knowing precisely what they mean. But for those of us who are drawn to particular styles of olden times but are not equipped with the vocabulary or the innate sense of ‘fashion’ which so many seem to have, we may require some guidance. So, in this series, you will be guided through a few eras of interior design which many still find appealing to discover what they consisted of and how to recreate them in a fresh way that doesn’t feel dated. In today's blog, we will explore the ‘Victorian’ style of design.
History
The Victorian era of design became popular between 1837 and 1901 during, as you might have guessed, the reign of Queen Victoria. This was an age of prosperity and industry for England, as new ways to create quality materials for cheaper prices came onto the scene and transportation of these goods became more and more accessible through steam engines. Mass production made acquiring high-end furnishing affordable for more and more people, and thus arose an era of lavish and decadent design choices which echoed the grandeur and excitement of the times.
Key Traits
The key traits of the Victorian interior design style are all meant to reflect the opulence of the era in an extravagant manner. This means that there was a maximalist attitude toward all decoration decisions. Every inch of a room was ornamented. Wallpaper was at its peak in this era as mass production made it accessible to more and more people, and every home became papered — from ballroom to powder closet. A particular style of wallpaper was especially popular at this time. It was called damask, and it was usually sheets of silk or other thin fabric patterned with a rhythmic curving floral pattern. This added color and texture to the walls and gave the room a weighty, dignified, and expensive feel. In higher-class homes, this weight was added to by multiple heavy, sparkling chandeliers. These were tiered light fixtures meant to dazzle the eye. The most memorable ones included dangling crystals which reflected the candlelight or the emerging shine of electric light. In short, the theme was incredibly elaborate, and the all-encompassing ornamentation was made even more impactful with rich colors.
Modern Appeal
Of course, what makes the Victorian style appealing today is the opulence of the design. Those with romantic inclinations and who like the idea of royalty are drawn to this style for its idyllic, almost fairy tale aspects. Those with a love for tradition like its vintage, long-established traits which give the feel of stability and grandeur. It is relatively adjustable to individual aesthetic preferences. It can be molded to feminine or masculine tastes and even modified to fit extreme design choices like cottage core or gothic. Even with these modifications, the sophistication and rich quality can be maintained.
Getting the Look
While the traits of the Victorian style are easy to nail down, there is the very real risk of making your home appear dated and oppressive. Additionally, the opulent quality of the style creates the possibility of breaking the bank with extravagant choices. So how can we affordably adapt the style to a modern-day context? If you're moving from one established style to another, then it can be a good strategy to slowly incorporate elements of Victorian design into your space. Start by choosing metallic accents. Pick either gold or silver and collect objects such as lamps, coffee tables, and assorted knick-knacks with ornate, flowing details. This is the first step to achieving that grand, romantic mood. A good way to modernize the look and avoid the oppressive atmosphere of some Victorian homes is to choose more delicate, airy colors such as periwinkle, lavender, and blush. This will lighten the feel of the space and ‘blow the dust’ off of a long-used style. The finishing touch will be to incorporate the damask pattern in some way or another. This can be literal wallpaper, a piece of furniture, or a lamp cover. There are dozens of ways to add detail to the space, and it will truly bring the Victorian flair to your home. And if you can find a small chandelier or crystal lamp, that will truly complete the look.
In conclusion, the idea is to maintain the iconic elements while downsizing them to make them less glaring. You must subtly allude to the desired mood, not stamp it on every surface. The Victorian style of interior design is beautiful and can be an incredibly elegant choice for your home if properly incorporated. We hope this article was helpful! Come back soon to read our upcoming posts on other eras of design and how to make them work in your modern home.
