Victorian homes are known for their ornate detail and brightly painted exteriors. They feature round towers, turrets, and porches. While the style seems outdated and out of place in modern homes, it is possible to make your Victorian home feel livable again by taking some simple design cues from the past. We spoke to experts to get their tips for modernizing Victorian style.
The Victorians loved patterns, so use patterned wallpapers and fabrics to create an eye-catching focal point in any room. Modern trends have revived classic Victorian prints—fleurs-de-lis, damask, toile, and florals—offset by contemporary color palettes and textures. The Victorians also had a love of nature, so incorporate natural elements into your home’s decor. Try incorporating wood or marble accent pieces or placing flowers in eye-catching containers to draw the eye of your guests.
If your house has traditional moldings or other architectural features, don’t cover them up. Instead, highlight them as treasured artifacts that add to your home’s character. You can also accentuate them with paint or wall art. Modernizing Victorian style is all about the balance, so pairing your traditional ornamentation with simpler elements will give the look an up-to-date refresh.
Unlike some modern home styles, Victorian rooms were often divided up into public and private spaces. The parlour, or front room, was the main social space where guests were received and entertained. In modern times, you can use this room as a cozy reading nook or a comfy guest suite. To keep the look fresh and updated, you can mix up scales by adding an oversized pendant lamp or sofa. Ying Reeves points out that exaggerating scales can add to the sense of delight that is consistent with Victorian aesthetics.
You can also make your home more livable by converting Victorian rooms into open-plan living spaces. This will help to make the space feel more open and connected, and will also create more space for entertaining. If you have Victorian structures like a sunroom or conservatory, you can convert them into an open kitchen or dining area by removing walls and combining spaces.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider hiring a general contractor who specializes in Victorian renovations. They can guide you through the process and ensure that your renovation is done correctly. Make sure to select a contractor with the right licenses and insurances for your project. Lastly, read through the contractor’s written contract to ensure that you understand all of your responsibilities and costs.
Victorian homes can be difficult to rework into a modern space, but with the right renovations, you can make your home feel both historical and livable. By following these tips, you can transform your Victorian home into a beautiful and inviting space for all your friends and family to enjoy.
The Victorian era was a time of great expansion and innovation, and many Victorian homes have stunning architectural features. Fortunately, these homes can easily be transformed into modern spaces with just a few easy steps.
