Interior Design for Victorian Homes: Period Property Design Guide

Interior design for Victorian homes involves a careful blend of preserving historical charm while ensuring modern comfort and functionality. Whether restoring or renovating an original Victorian property, or incorporating Victorian elements into a new build, achieving a balance between the past and present is key.

Embrace the Victorian Aesthetic

Begin by understanding the core elements of Victorian design and how you can make the most of them. The Victorian aesthetic is known for its ornate detailing, rich colours, and eclectic mix of styles. Your aim should be to integrate these traditional features with modern sensibilities. This approach avoids turning your home into a historical museum while still celebrating its Victorian roots.

Highlight Architectural Features

Victorian homes are distinguished by their architectural details, which add depth and character. Key features normally include fireplaces, ceiling mouldings, bay windows, staircases, and paneled doors.

Original fireplaces are often the focal point of Victorian rooms. Restoring or refurbishing these can create a striking centrepiece for your home. Surround the fireplace with built-in bookshelves or frame it with period-appropriate tiles to enhance its presence.

Ceiling mouldings and cornices, commonly intricate in the Victorian style, add grandeur. If your home has original mouldings, ensure they are in good condition. If not, consider adding reproductions. Highlight these with contrasting paint colours—using lighter shades on the ceiling and deeper hues on the walls can make the mouldings stand out.

Bay windows, often large and allowing ample natural light, can be dressed with heavy drapes in rich fabrics or lighter materials for a modern touch. Adding a cosy window seat with complementary cushions can enhance the room’s charm.

Victorian staircases, usually made of dark, polished wood with decorative balusters and newel posts, can be enhanced with a runner in a bold Victorian-inspired pattern or a contemporary neutral colour that complements the wood.

Paneled doors and wall paneling are other key features. Maintain these elements with regular care, or add them if missing. Painting wainscoting in a complementary colour to the walls creates visual interest.

Create a Cohesive Colour Palette

A traditional Victorian colour palette is known for its rich, deep hues. Original Victorian interiors favoured colours like deep burgundy, forest green, navy blue, and dark plum. To incorporate these into your modern home, consider the following approaches:

Use these darker colours on walls or upholstery. For example, a dining room painted in deep burgundy or a study in rich green can effectively replicate the style of the Victorian era. Balance these with lighter trims or ceiling colours to avoid a dark, oppressive atmosphere.

A modern interpretation might involve using Victorian colours as accents rather than the main tones. Neutral walls in soft greys or creams can be complemented with deep Victorian colours through furniture or accessories.

If you’re hesitant about using dark colours on all walls, consider feature walls or architectural details like alcoves or fireplaces to introduce Victorian colours without overwhelming the space.

Mix and Match Furniture Styles

Victorian homes often featured heavy, ornate furniture made from dark woods such as mahogany or walnut. While these pieces are stunning, they can dominate a modern space. Balancing Victorian furniture with contemporary pieces is crucial for a harmonious design.

Select a few Victorian-style pieces, like a tufted velvet sofa or a carved wooden sideboard, to serve as focal points in each room. Pair these with modern furniture featuring clean lines and simpler forms. For instance, an ornate Victorian sofa can be matched with a minimalist glass coffee table, or a carved dining table can be complemented by sleek modern chairs.

Blending different styles and periods is in keeping with the Victorian tradition of eclecticism. Don’t hesitate to mix Victorian pieces with mid-century modern or industrial-style furniture. The key is to maintain a cohesive colour palette and ensure that the various styles work together harmoniously.

Ensure that Victorian furniture is comfortable and practical for modern living. Reupholstering a Victorian armchair in a durable, modern fabric or using a contemporary mattress in an antique bed frame can enhance both style and functionality.

Incorporate Victorian Patterns and Textures

Patterns and textures were paramount in Victorian design, contributing to its rich, layered look. In modern homes, this can be reflected through wallpaper, textiles, and carpets.

Victorian wallpaper, with its complex patterns, can be modernised by using it sparingly, such as on a feature wall or in smaller spaces. Brands like William Morris & Co. and Farrow & Ball offer updated Victorian-inspired designs.

Rich textiles like velvet, brocade, and silk were common in Victorian interiors. Consider using these materials for curtains, upholstery, or decorative pillows to add opulence. Balance these with lighter, more casual textures to prevent the space from feeling too heavy.

Rugs and carpets with traditional patterns or modern interpretations of Victorian designs can add warmth and colour. Choose statement rugs from brands like The Rug Company or Rugs Direct to complement your design.

Focus on Lighting

Lighting is crucial in Victorian design, setting the mood and highlighting architectural features. Incorporate Victorian-style lighting with a modern twist.

Chandeliers were central in Victorian homes, providing both light and decoration. Choose a statement chandelier with intricate metalwork or crystal detailing, updated for contemporary taste. Brands like The Lighting Company and Soho Lighting offer a blend of traditional and modern styles.

Wall sconces, with ornate metalwork and frosted glass shades, were also popular. Use these to add ambient lighting to hallways, bathrooms, or bedrooms. Modern versions from Holloways of Ludlow or Mullan Lighting can provide a similar effect.

Maximise natural light by keeping window treatments minimal and using mirrors to reflect light. Consider enlarging windows or adding skylights to increase natural illumination. Mixing traditional fixtures with contemporary options helps create a cohesive lighting plan.

Accessorise Thoughtfully

Accessories can bring Victorian design to life, but it’s important to choose them carefully to avoid clutter. Incorporate well-chosen antiques or Victorian-inspired decor pieces, such as brass candelabras or porcelain vases, to add authenticity.

Create an eclectic gallery wall by mixing vintage art with contemporary pieces. Display collections like vintage books or curios to reflect personal taste. Textiles like decorative pillows and throws can add warmth and comfort.

Blend the Old with the New

The essence of designing a Victorian home is to create a space that feels both timeless and livable. When renovating, maintain the original structure’s integrity while updating it for modern needs.

Mixing styles and personalising the space will ensure it reflects both historical elements and contemporary living. Achieve a balance where Victorian charm and modern functionality coexist, creating a home that is beautiful and practical.

Need Expert Help with Interior Design for your Victorian Home?

Understanding interior design for Victorian homes can be both exciting and challenging, especially when trying to balance historical charm with modern living. If you’re looking to create a space that truly reflects the elegance of the Victorian era while meeting your contemporary needs, we’re here to help. At Tracey Mannell Interior Design, we specialise in interior design for period homes and would love to help you with yours.

Contact us today to discuss your vision, and let’s create a beautiful, bespoke Victorian home together.