Victorian Interiors coincided with the Industrial Revolution. In this period of time, for the first time, middle classes were able to invest heavily in the decor and the design of their homes. This was due to the cheaper, readily available household items. They were accessible to people who could never have afforded them before!
People started to fill their homes with furnishings, fabrics and accessories – all designed to showcase their new wealth in their modern Victorian homes. A bare, empty room was considered to show a lack of taste which is why Victorian Interiors appear to be very cluttered compared to modern minimalism which came at a later date.
Victorian architecture is beautifully unique. Homes are full of character and the interior design scope is endless. They are a dream home for many – stunning high ceilings, very large rooms and also incredibly well-built. Here are some tips on how to adopt this gorgeous design era..
Polished floorboards or parquet flooring were present in Victorian Interiors. If you’ve got old, worn carpet in your home, now is the time to peel it back and take a look underneath, especially if your home is from the Victorian period. You might find flooring you can lovingly restore! If not, there are many products on market where you can copy this gorgeous, statement flooring.
You can’t go wrong with large, cosy rugs on top of the hard flooring – it will add warmth and character to the space!
Bold, statement patterned inspired tiling is a current trend at the moment so there are endless options to choose from. More modern geometric designs that incorporate beautiful colours create a contemporary contrast, whilst still keeping the Victorian feel. Black and white geometric tiles create a stunning entrance hall!
The Victorians loved pattern and used it liberally everywhere! It was used on curtains, cushions, upholstery to wallpapers and multiple, contrasting patterns were used in the same room. Two styles were favoured in the home; the first, a heavy silk damask or velvet and the second, a heavily patterned floral print, ideal for cushions or seat covers whilst heavy velvets were used on curtains. A modern take on this look would be to choose accessories featuring stripes or geometric patterns or, alternatively, floral or even animal prints!
Wallpaper was a big trend in Victorian times. In the 1840’s there was a mass-production of wallpaper which led to a surge in the interest of part-wallpapered walls – an design feature which is still around now! William Morris prints were and are ideal to copy this Victorian trend, featuring beautiful floral, busy prints. Head to the Style Library website, and take a look at the striking wallpapers by Morris & Co to adopt this style! (All of which we can supply to you!) Below are a couple of their wallpapers..
Marble was also very popular in the home throughout the Victorian era and can also be replicated today. You could choose a large, extravagant marble feature such as a marble-topped surface or fireplace to create a ‘wow’ factor or simply add smaller touches in the form of decorative items, dotted around the home.
