I love revisiting classic home design styles and exploring how they have evolved over time. One era of architecture/design continues to capture homeowners’ imagination to this day: the Victorian. Victorians are some of the best examples of uniquely American design and style, and it’s wonderful to see many of these homes standing today without unnecessary exterior remodeling or alterations!
Color specialists and interior designers jump at the opportunity to work with classic Victorian homes like moths to a flame! Not everyone knows this, but for homeowners, embracing Victorian styling doesn’t mean you have to live in a space that feels like it belongs in a period drama.
Modern Victorian decor can provide a fresh, stylish take that blends the richness of 19th-century design with contemporary tastes. In this article, I will share some of my favorite design strategies for blending historic elegance with modern sensibilities in Victorian homes!
Traditional Victorian interiors were known for their ornate details, heavy fabrics, and dark wood furnishings. While undeniably grand, this style can feel too formal and somewhat overwhelming by today’s lighter, airier, and more welcoming design aesthetics. The beauty of modern Victorian decor is that you can have cleaner lines, open spaces, and lighter color palettes as a unique way of personalizing your home.
Statement Furniture with a Contemporary Twist – Victorian-style furniture is known for its intricate carvings, rich/dark upholstery, and curvaceous shape. You can pair a tufted velvet sofa with sleek metallic or glass accents to update this styling. Watch for vintage pieces with updated upholstery or incorporate contemporary furniture with subtle Victorian details! Consider adding a cool champagne-metallic chandelier above your classic Victorian dining table. There are many ways to blend the best of different eras, enjoying the best of both design worlds.
Soften the Statement Victorian Colors – Classic Victorian colors include deep jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red, and luscious browns, often contrasting with rich gold and dark wood. In modern interpretations, these shades can be softened or paired with neutral backdrops to lighten the weight of palettes. A muted plum accent wall, soft sage cabinets, or a dusty rose velvet chair would work perfectly for this lighter Victorian arrangement! Soothing neutrals, like creamy off-whites, warm grays, or pale wheat tones, work wonderfully to juxtapose a darker base color within the space as well.
Merging Ornate Details with Minimalism – Modern Victorian spaces should strike a balance by more restrainedly incorporating ornate moldings, ceiling medallions, and decorative wallpaper. Unless you’re going for the Gothic-Victorian look, it’s best to minimize or hold back from adding excessive ornamentation on every headboard, banister, or piece of wall trim. Remember that even if ornate trim like decorative moldings are in your home, they can be visually minimized or hidden using the right paint colors!
Layering Patterns and Textures – Victorian interiors are renowned for layered textures, draperies, wallpapers, and even Persian rugs. You can keep the layering in a modern Victorian home but opt for a more subtle mix. Picture pairing a traditional Persian rug with sleek mid-century furniture or using a contemporary floral wallpaper to add depth without overwhelming the space.
Bringing modern Victorian decor into your home starts with small yet impactful changes. Introducing Victorian elements through accessories like antique mirrors or velvet throw pillows is a great first step. Playing with light and dark is another way to achieve balance; if you love deep Victorian hues, pairing them with lighter walls and airy spaces can keep the aesthetic from feeling too heavy.
Modern Victorian design strategy is focused on proving that classic design doesn’t have to feel outdated or overly ornate. By carefully selecting and blending elements, you can create a space that celebrates the grandeur of the Victorian style while embracing contemporary comfort, sophistication, and colors.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of bold Victorian colors or simply love mixing old-world charm with a lighter palette and modern sensibilities, this aesthetic offers endless possibilities for timeless beauty.
Victorians are scattered throughout neighborhoods in American cities. If you’re fortunate to own one, or at the very least, dream of owning one, there’s plenty of joy in imagining how you would arrange your beautiful home! I owned a Victorian for over 30 years and loved knowing that I could combine old and new styles. I have also worked with many homeowners who have loved this refreshing way of decorating their homes. Remember, the best design is one where you have personalized your home, making it unique in every way. I hope you’re inspired!
