Victorian Style: A Victorian Restoration Guide

Do you long to have a victorian style home, and to restore your house back to one of the favourite eras in architecture?  This article will help those of you who may be interested in restoring your home to its formal grander.

Capturing the era:

The overall mood of this era could be described as darker. It’s dramatic and mysterious, plus it is also just a little bit imposing. As such, old Victorian home make for fun restoration projects.

Influence on Victorian style:

All styles from all eras are influenced by something and the Victorians were no different. The Victorian era was a time of industry and the beginning of modern engineering, where steam clouds bellowed into dark skies and the streets were cluttered with peddlers and busy people headed all over. It was the advent of the industrial age where everything became larger and more embellished, reflecting the technological change and advent of new materials and processes. There is also a feel of dark and grittiness to what had become a dramatic change in society.

The Victorian home took all these materials and processes and created something new in architecture. There is so much to take in when it comes to Victorian architecture and decor – from the dark stained wood and the almost cluttered look of the big and puffed out furniture to the art and flora.

First steps toward Victorian restoration:

Starting with the walls, floors, and ceilings, there are some simple guideline to keep in mind for your Victorian restoration. Think dark, think foreboding, and, most of all, think Gothic. After all, one of the more obvious and unmentioned influences and themes of Victorian homes and art are the similarities to the Gothic style.  This remains popular today so it is easy to find materials, decor, and furniture that fit this style.

When staining wood -- from flooring to wall panels -- use a dark stain. This creates the mood of the Victorian period. However, if you are planning on using carpet, then go with something of a faded grandeur. Also, remember that tiles are great for high-traffic areas of the house yet still fit with the Victorian style.

Wallpaper was new at the time so the older Victorian era homes would not have it, but post 1840s, these homes probably would have this decor item. For wallpaper, to keep with the Victorian style, use flower prints, animals, or the like; something with a repeating pattern works well. Paint was popular and in that era, including using specific types of ‘effects.’  For instance, wood and stencilling are both good choices. When selecting furniture, remember that, at the time, overstuffing was quite popular. Remember to also crowd the room.

Don’t forget about the interior doors in your Victorian style home!  Ensure they match the dark stain and embellishments that define your decor.

Victorian exterior doors can also have stained glass inserts with motifs that match the wallpaper or other decor items in your home.

Image credit: jingdianjiaju