Victorian style or Victorian interior design is a design style of decorating with traditional furniture and decorative furnishings from the mid Victorian (1800s) to the end of the Victorian era (ending at the turn of the 20th century). It was an important departure from the traditional style of interiors decorating which had prevail in the British Isles from the regency era (through the British empire) until the end of the 19th century. Victorian style has its roots in the English countryside. The popularity of this style of decorating can be traced back to the aesthetic concerns of the Victorian age – concerning the loss of the innocence of youth and the move towards materialism and mechanised living. The style concerned with natural materials such as cotton, linen, wool, jute, and wood is characterized by an abundance of rich colours and textures. The emphasis on domestic objects, especially those associated with the seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, adds to the overall effect of the Victorian design.
The style of the victorian home decor is associated with the opulence of life, the romantic nature of a well-cared for age, and the romanticisation of a simpler time. The era is characterised by a sense of simplicity and calmness. Classrooms and dining rooms are decorated in plush, floral and feminine ways, with rich colours utilised heavily. Oriental themes are also used, with the oriental elements reflecting the influence of China, India and Persia. wallpaper designs are traditionally detailed and include flowers, birds, rivers, and other domestic animals.
Interior design tips for victorian decor include the use of plain, simple patterns, particularly on the walls. Shades of white and off-white are usually used for this style of room design, with a very light or airy feeling to the atmosphere. Rooms which have strong vertical lines should also be avoided, as they emphasise the starkness of the period. For example, in a room for dining, you could try and get a more insular, eclectic look by including pictures of dishes and plates (made from silver) or other accents. In fact, if you want your victorian home decorating to have a strong focus on practical matters, you should probably keep the dining area light and open. Too many windows will emphasise the passage of time and cause too much heat.
The focal point of most victorian homes, and indeed of the Victorian era more generally, will be the front entrance door, for which the use of glass doors is very common. In February, however, the weather is extremely cold. To combat the cold, you might consider using double glass doors – these are available in many different designs and can even have tinted glass to let in a little more sunlight into the room. These can be tastefully decorated, with ribbons tied around the outside of each one, or you can simply leave them as plain as possible. Another great lens through which you can view the victorian decorating scheme is the flooring. Floors are normally tiled, but in February it is advisable to use stone floors instead – they look wonderful and add a touch of luxury and splendour to your home.
As well as the floor, you might want to consider some of the smaller features that complete the victorian design. These would include picture rails and window frames, which can be made from different materials, like wood, slate or metal. If you really want to create a beautiful lens, why not surround these features with old-fashioned floral displays? Tulips and gerbera daisies, for example, are perfect choices. The lovely effect these create is sure to make anyone who enters your home feel absolutely stunning.
Besides adding a touch of class to your home, you could also try adding a touch of Victorian style to the inside of your home. This can be achieved by putting in a vintage wardrobe, which will take you back to an age when people didn’t mind having a dirty closet and instead put everything in their drawers. Don’t worry if your budget does not allow for a full wardrobe, just go for something that emphasises the period that you are trying to emulate. This could include some beautiful dressing tables, old fashioned mirrors or perhaps a chandelier – anything that reminds you of the time that you lived in, and something that will help you to stay in touch with the past.
As well as helping you to give your rooms a nice aesthetic look, putting in a victorian window is also a great idea if you want to recreate the atmosphere of the time. Window designs for the victorian period can take on many different shapes and sizes, and will traditionally be found either in glass or timber. For an ultra modern look, you could go for a clear window, but if you want to add a little bit of historical romance to the room, then go for a bifold or octagonal window which looks very appealing when lit from inside.
If you really want to get into the spirit of things, why not have a look at antique photographs to add some more of the Victorian era to your home? This can easily be bought at your nearest photo store (be sure to check out what they have available before making a purchase) or perhaps you can go for a larger scale version. You can also try and find original paintings or prints at your nearest art gallery, and again there is a lot of choice available to you. Whatever you choose, taking your february house plans to the next level with the perfect victorian design will definitely make your place stand out from all the others this year!
