Do's and Don'ts of Victorian Interior Design

Victorian design refers to a style that draws on a number of style elements – rooms are often filled with light-hued walls and accessories rich in color, detailed fabrics with complex patterns and other design elements that give off a feeling of elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, living room or bedroom, there are a few guidelines that must be adhered to in order to achieve the perfect Victorian interior design.

Do Choose the Right Faucet
Each element of your bathroom and kitchen should speak to a Victorian style – even your faucets! The faucet you choose for your space can have a large impact on the overall theme of a room. Faucets with sleek lines and cool finishes are best used in modern bathrooms and kitchens, while faucets with attention to detail are better for traditional and Victorian rooms.

The Georgian Faucet, for example, is made for a Victorian home. It brings grace and elegance into your space and the whimsical design adds a romantic and pampered feel to the bath and kitchen. Plus, the Georgian faucet wards off rust and corrosion so it looks as good as new all year round. Choose between a number of finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, polished chrome and satin nickel.

Don’t Opt for a Monochromatic Palette
Achieving a Victorian design in the home means combining rich colors to add visual interest to a space. Deep shades of green, amber, and red are consistent with Victorian-style homes. Combine these colors with softer hues on the walls and ceilings.

Do Pay Attention to Details
Romance is a huge part of Victorian design. Things like lush fabrics, ornately carved furnishings and detailed furniture should find their way into your home to evoke this romantic feel. Hang curtains with complex patterns like intricate florals and use area rugs that contribute a traditional design. Heavy fabrics with a soothing, romantic appeal are preferred.

Don’t Hold Back on Artwork
One easy way to add romance and luxury into your home is with artwork. Still shots of wines and cheese or paintings of fruit can incorporate an artistic touch to the kitchen or bathroom.

Do Have a Bathroom Focal Point
When it comes to Victorian bathroom design, there should always be a grand centerpiece located in the middle of the room. Clawfoot tubs are perfect for this – they offer intricate details on the footing and have a clean and classic porcelain finish. Pair your tub with a white pedestal sink, which is common to traditional and Victorian design styles.

Don’t Choose Light Over Dark
When installing flooring or choosing wood furniture, always opt for a darker shade – it’s more in line with a Victorian theme.

Do Incorporate Dramatic Lighting
The light fixtures in your Victorian home should stand out just as much of the rest of your design. This means using chandeliers to produce a striking feel – they can hang over a bathroom vanity, kitchen island or dining table to illuminate and warm your elegant space.

Keep these Do’s and Don’ts in mind when designing your Victorian home, and you’ll easily achieve a space that is full of elegance, luxury, and grandeur.