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Uttermost Accessories Rococo Golden Hurricane Candleholder 19475
The Victorian Era or period was a time in Great Britain’s history when it had its longest living monarch, Queen Victoria (she reigned from 1837 to 1901). Her name became synonymous with the many positive events that happened during her reign such as political reforms, expansion of Britain’s borders, and social and religious improvements. Even the arts flourished during her era.
Life and lifestyle, in general, have also greatly improved during Queen Victoria’s time. Mortality rates significantly decreased and the population boomed and hit the 30 million mark. It was also during this time that Charles Darwin published his On The Origin of Species and Lewis Carroll penned the infamous Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
All in all, Britain became a wonderful place when Queen Victoria was the ruling monarch. Everything was lavish and stylish – remember these two adjectives because these are your guiding principles throughout your Victorian design project.
Victorian Hues
The Victorian period was dominated by three distinct styles – Gothic Revival, Romanticism, and Arts and Crafts. Many designers created frameworks for the elements brought by these three styles eventually bringing about cohesion and balance.
Detail and colors are two crucial elements of the earliest Victorian homes. There were color limitations back then due to technology and locations. Pigments were the hue sources with most of the palettes mainly muted and earthy because painters made use of plant pigments.
Darker shades were used in parlors and other public rooms while the lighter tones were reserved for the utilitarian spaces.
When industrialization quickly spread, paint became available so more elaborate color schemes were born. Multiple colors were already used indoors and outdoors with faux art and stenciling also born.
Flooring in Victorian homes was sponged, wood-grained, spattered or marbleized.
Since the end of the Victorian era signaled also the influx of the Arts and Crafts movement, woodwork became a favored design element, though most were still unpainted.
Victorian Patterns
Victorian design is all about diversity and decorative art. Make use of polychromy (multiple colors) and ornamentation. The color schemes and patterns are heavily influenced by Far Eastern fabrics and exotic tapestries. Even Pompeii and Japan have had their influence on the colorful Victorian homes. To use less than three colors was now a mortal sin since there were so many colors, textiles, ceramics, and wallpapers options to look at.
Now that wallpapers are mentioned, what is a Victorian home without them? The mass production of fabrics and wallpapers opened up a lot of choices to the world of design. Most of these got their inspiration from Gothic tapestries (with damask as a leading choice) and Medieval designs.
Drexel Living Room Table A La Louis XV – Louis XV Table 311-850
Victorian Architecture
If your home does not have these already, then it’s time to do a little remodeling –
Victorian Furniture
It is easy to see the romantic influences on Victorian pieces. They are sinewy, curvaceous, and the carvings are detailed. These pieces draw inspiration from Rococo, Gothic, and Louis XV pieces with gilding, dark finishes, heavy proportions, and embellishments.
Victorian furniture pieces were the first furniture to be manufactured since the period overlapped with the Industrial Revolution.
These days, the characteristics of Victorian furniture are still reminiscent of the old days but it tries to keep up with what’s current. You will see deep seats, balloon backs, low arms, and even easy chairs without arms.
Coiled springs underneath the seats are also pretty common. Woods used include walnut, oak, rosewood, and mahogany. You are also bound to see ornamentation with lots of Fleur de Lis.
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