Interior Design

Modern Victorian Decorating Ideas: Embrace the Past, Enhance the Present

Are you drawn to the opulent charm of Victorian design but want to incorporate it into your modern home without feeling stuffy? Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating a harmonious blend of Victorian aesthetics and contemporary style.

Focus on Craft and Ornamentation

In Victorian times, ornamentation was key. Bring this element into your modern space through intricate textiles, laser-cut designs, or artisan-made furniture. Avoid mass-produced items and opt for pieces that showcase craftsmanship.

Pair these ornate elements with clean, simple lines. Let the contrast between traditional ornamentation and modern minimalism create a fresh and captivating aesthetic.

Juxtapose Scales andEmbrace Asymmetry

Victorian interiors often featured a mix of scales and asymmetry. Create a similar effect by combining oversized statement pieces with smaller, delicate elements. Exaggerating scales adds a touch of grandeur, while asymmetry introduces a playful and unexpected element.

Infuse Your Personal Style

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to modern Victorian decor. Embrace your own style and experiment with ways to incorporate Victorian elements that reflect your personality. Combine Victorian pieces with modern furnishings to create a unique and eclectic space.

Highlight Architectural Features

If you’re fortunate enough to live in a Victorian home, showcase its original architectural features. Restore radiators, fireplaces, and moldings to add character and visual interest. In modern homes, emulate the “good bones” of Victorian architecture with neutral colors, darker wood stains, and marble accents.

Embrace Bold Colors and Dramatic Lighting

Victorians loved bold colors. Consider painting your walls in rich hues like burgundy, navy, or mustard. Add luxurious lighting fixtures that draw the eye upward. Think chandeliers, sconces, and lamps with intricate designs.

Create Negative Space and Draw Attention Downward

Avoid cluttering your space. Use hidden storage to conceal everyday items and create a sense of order. Display treasured objects on shelves or in carefully curated vignettes. Draw the eye downward with bold flooring, dramatic carpets, or animal-printed rugs.

Bring the Outdoors In and Consider Colorblocking

Gardening was an important aspect of Victorian aesthetics. Incorporate outdoor elements into your home with dried flowers, potted plants, or nature-inspired accessories. Colorblocking is another way to add interest to your walls. Paint the space above or below existing features in contrasting colors to create a statement.

Emphasize Bay Windows and Opt for Shutters

Bay windows are a common feature of Victorian homes. Make the most of them by choosing bold window treatments like curtains or shutters. Shutters are a practical and stylish addition that offers privacy and light control.

Create Eye-Catching Upholstery and Embrace Mirrors

Combine sleek modern lounge chairs with tufted and fringed upholstered sofas to create a dramatic contrast. Mirrors are another essential Victorian element. Use them in place of wall art to reflect light and add a touch of grandeur.

Accessorize with Nature-Inspired Pieces and Luxe Fabrics

Nod to the Victorians’ love of nature with natural wood lamps, fiber accessories, or animal-themed decor. Incorporate luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk to create a sense of richness and opulence.

Work with What You Have and Consider Large Scale Artwork

Start by identifying which Victorian elements you’d like to incorporate and what works best with your existing space. Don’t overcrowd the room. Instead, choose a few statement pieces, such as a large-scale artwork, to create a focal point and make the room feel more grand.

Curate Coziness and Embrace the Art of Artifacts

Despite its dramatic aesthetic, Victorian decor can also be cozy. Add decorative pillows, throw blankets, and soft textiles to create a sense of warmth and comfort. Display whimsical artifacts like animal bones, busts, or gold-toned cranes to evoke the Victorian spirit.

Consider putting up a bold wallpaper or trying a board and batten treatment. The beauty of modern Victorian decor is its versatility. You can experiment with different wall treatments, just keep the rest of the furnishings neutral to avoid overwhelming the space.

Create an ornate gallery wall by collecting unique frames from thrift shops and filling them with your favorite artwork and photography. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of candlelight. Pillar candles and candlesticks create a warm and inviting atmosphere, adding a touch of drama to your modern Victorian space.