The Modern Victorian

Most of us hear the word "Victorian" and think stuffy or for those of us who are more Trivial Pursuit minded, "We are not amused." But the Victorian era was a watershed period for Western culture and civilization. The Industrial Revolution, (cottage industries and other political issues aside), changed the way many things were made, from clothes to furniture and other household items. The Victorian Age was also characterized by an eclectic fusion of styles and cultures largely due to the breadth of the British Empire, which included several continents. During Queen Victoria's reign, British architecture, interior decoration, interior design and furnishings were greatly influenced by these Middle Eastern and Asian cross-cultural currents.

A growing decorating trend, Modern Victorian echoes back the elegance, opulence, drama and romance of Victorian interior design principles. At the same time, it incorporates modern architectural and interior decorating philosophies, utilizing the best elements while paring down the Victorian penchant for excessive ornamentation.

Many people are captivated by the Victorian era because of the inherent romance and gracious and luxurious style of living associated with this time period. Decorating your home in a Modern Victorian mode is relatively easy by following a few simple guidelines.

Use Victorian Motifs

When decorating the rooms of your home, use Victorian motifs. The language of flowers, using flowers in a bouquet to send messages, was a popular Victorian pastime. Anything floral related such as rosettes, trailing vines, acanthus leaves, pansies, etc. is a popular theme for fabrics, architectural decoration and ornamentation on furnishings. Other common motifs are shells, gods and goddesses from Greek or Roman mythology, bunches of grapes, fish and musical instruments such as the harp or lyre.

The Victorian Palette

Because of the many cultural influences that affected Victorian society, colors were rich and vibrant. When decorating in the Modern Victorian theme, select berry and jewel tones, including more neutral and softer colors like black, navy, ivory, pale yellow and burgundy.

Mix It Up with Fabrics

The Victorians loved to decorate with as many different textures as possible. By using velvets, silks and nubby wools in the same room, you can recreate the feel of a Victorian bedroom or sitting room. They also liked to mix-and-match paisley, plaids, damasks, brocades and stripes with one another.

Other Decorative Touches

• Wrought iron, with intricate designs and metalwork flourishes, was a popular material in Victorian Britain for gates, garden structures and outdoor furniture. But it also made its way indoors. When giving your home a Modern Victorian look, choose a metal bed for a guest room, a wrought iron console table for a hallway or a round table with a metal base and a glass top and matching metal chairs for a breakfast nook.
• Stenciling is the art of repeating a pattern by means of an outline of a particular image. It can be applied to almost any surface. Victorians commonly stenciled ceilings, furniture and even doorways and floors.
• Of course, the Victorians were famous for accessorizing with lavish detail. But, to give a room that Modern Victorian look, you can decide how little or how much. Use dresser scarves, tablecloths and elaborately embroidered runners on tabletops. Place several small vintage lamps around a room. Add heavy silver or crystal candlesticks and colored cut-glass bowls of potpourri or dried rose petals. Drape a fringed shawl over a floor lamp.