Understanding styles 01) Victorian

Victorian style draws its roots from the Industrial revolution which had a dramatic effect on design during that era.It improved the prosperity of the middle class allowing them to improve and upgrade decor at their homes. Many chose to use furnishings that had previously only been available to the aristocrats and upper class. The owners crammed as many pieces of furniture, fabrics and accessories into a room due to both an attempt to showcase new cultural interests, prosperity and status as well as the fashionable belief that bareness in a room was a sure sign of poor taste.

Image i. A victorian lounge area

a) Colours

Colours in this style are warm and subdued and include soft colours on grey or cream backgrounds, deep rich walnut and mahogany browns, black and shades of teal, plum, aubergine, mustardy yellows and golds, burgundy, rust, blue, green (think sage and olive, not mint and kelly) and "dusty" hues like "Ashes of roses" and a subdued shade of lavender.

b)Fabrics and patterns
Fabrics are chosen from a wide variety of vintage fabrics and trims, printed floral chintzes and toiles to silk damasks and velvets. Complex patterns cover any surface of a victorian home. From multiple wallpaper to luxurious fabrics and oriental rugs, victorian interior design uses patterns lavishly throughout the home. Patterns range from flora and fauna to geometric patterns, stripes, damasks and more.

 c)Furniture and lighting
Furniture is typically luxurious. Furniture and accessories are elaborate and range from delicate to massive. Extravagantly ornate decorations, china, lace, stained glass, flowers busts, souvenirs, framed paintings or prints, should be used throughout the house. Restraint is not part of victorian style in interior design.

P.S
How can one style a modern victorian house?
Find out more in my future blog titled " The Victorian Chic"