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How to Bring Victorian Style to your Home
By Jessica Stockton
The Victorian era spanned the years from 1837-1901 and coincided with the reign of Queen Victoria of England. It was a time of great scientific, technical and industrial advances and, coming on the heels of the Industrial Revolution, it was the first time in history that home goods and services became widely available to the middle class. Through the advent of mass production, furniture, fabrics, dishware and flatware, artwork and decorative items were suddenly affordable and available to nearly everyone. As such, Victorian style pays homage to these excesses: Luxurious fabrics like velvet, satin and brocade, deep orate woods such as cherry and mahogany and an extravaganza of knick-knacks, pillows, doilies and clutter of every imagining filled table tops, open shelves, nooks and crannies. This acquired, somewhat eccentric cluttered look is a hallmark of Victoriana. Victorians were also proud of their ability to travel more affordably, so exotic pieces from their travels made their way into homes; their fascination with developments in the science of botany also led them to decorate freely with plants, most notably ferns and exotic species like the Venus flytrap. Victorians embraced deep rich color, luxurious materials and symmetry in arrangements and architecture. Here are some ideas for capturing the essence of Victoriana in every room of your home. 1. The Victorian Living Room: More accurately called the ‘drawing room’, the Victorian living room was used for formal entertaining of guests and visiting family. The drawing room was the home’s decorative centerpiece and featured it’s most expensive and lavish furnishings as well as its best appointed architectural features, such as a turned staircase balustrade, ornate moldings and high ceilings. While modern homes are not typically so ornate, Victorian sensibilities can be achieved in the living room by choosing rich brocade and trimmed fabrics with tassels and braids and dark woods. Crown molding and a Persian area rug will add to the ambiance, and of course you’ll want to include an exuberant display of knick-knacks, plates and collectibles on the mantle, table top, walls, and so on. 2. Victorian Bedrooms: In Victorian times, husbands and wives often slept in separate chambers with a bathroom or sitting room connecting them. In a smaller home, there was often a separate dressing room for the husband. While frilly, girly fabrics, lace and trim are often used in Victorian bedroom, a nod to the man of the house can be employed by adding masculine touches, such as a leather ottoman or a clothing valet stand. Typical Victorian bedrooms also included an armoire, washstand and a four poster or canopy bed. 3. Victorian Kitchens: Open display space, pot racks and freestanding cabinetry will give a contemporary kitchen Victorian style. Victorian kitchens were usually large and included an eat-in area that was independent from a formal dining room. A large central table was the typical workspace and is a throwback to today’s kitchen island. Black and white checkerboard or basket weave tile floors, white subway tile and tall highly wrought sink fixtures in oiled brass as well as crystal knobs on your cabinetry can lend an Victorian air to your kitchen. 4. Victoran Bathrooms: The focal point of the Victorian bath was a claw foot tub. Stained glass was typically used for privacy on the windows. Wood cabinetry, rich elaborate light and plumbing fixtures, tiled floors and marble countertops are all authentic touches. If you’re drawn to Victorian styles you’ll find it mixes easily with other styles like country, eclectic or traditional. In a contemporary home, a Victorian mirror or artwork can be used as a focal point to introduce a layer of unexpected drama to a space. Photo from Flickr - "Parlor In Dining Room" courtesy of sherrysrosecottage . |
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Well organized, well written and a fine read, Jessica.
Thank you for sharing.
Best wishes.
Frederick
The copyright for this content entitled "How to Bring Victorian Style to your Home" has been specified by the contributor as:
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This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
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February, 2012
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