Get inspiration from yesteryear... a modern look at Victorian interior design ideas. How to get the feel with a contemporary twist...
Get a traditional and romantic feel in your home, by being inspired by Victorian decorating themes.
This is not a historically accurate interior design look, it is more an inspirational scheme, with that classic, elegant and romantic feel.
If you want an interior design look that makes you think of genteel Victorian ladies, romantic flowers and a soft, truly feminine feel, then this is definitely the look for you.
This Victorian inspired look is a fresh, pale look, based around pastels and florals. Although this is the scheme we think of when we think of Victorian interior design, it is not necessarily the look that is historically correct for the period.
...So really this is a hotch-potch of all different styles, but one that ends up blending together to provide this really gorgeous, feminine, old-fashioned and pretty style.
Because this look takes from so many differnt styles, it is a good luck to really make your own... YOU can choose the colors, styles, looks and themes, in keeping with your aims for your room.
But there are some guidelines to follow, so that you don't just end up with a hotch-potch of a room (really, not a good look!)
Colors
Choose pale, pastel colors for this look to work well. Whites and creams are a good basis for your room, and give a spacious, airy feel to your room, and a soft feminine touch.
Add some dusky, pastel colors: pink, mauve, lilac, green, yellow, blue. Toned down 'heritage' colors can work really well here, or a fresher, floral feel can give a real feminine feel. Think the colors of spring and summer flowers, with a slightly hazy feel, and that is about right.
Florals
Florals have got to be the mainstay of any self-respecting feminine Victorian interior design look. Your floral prints shouldn't be too modern or bold. Instead think traditional and old-fashioned. Blowsy roses and delicate florals reminiscent of lazy summer meadows will work well in this look.
You can use florals anywhere in your Victorian decorating inspired room. Why not try a accent wall of beautiful floral wallpaper, or floral bedding, throws, cushions and paintings.
This is definitely not a minimalist look, so feel free to pile on the colors, layers and florals; mixing patterns and textures to your heart's content. (Do try and follow some restraint, so you don't just look cluttered though!)
Furniture, Textiles and Accessories
Of course, your furniture, textiles and accessories are where you can really go to town with this look.
Choosing the right pieces is really important to getting this look right.
The furniture you choose for your Victorian interior design scheme should be old-fashioned and delicately proportioned. No great hulking pieces!
To get that essential feminine feel you should choose white or cream painted furniture. If you can't find white painted furniture, just try painting your own pieces. This is a cheap and effective way to draw together different styles of furniture to get a sophisticated and cohesive feel.
Curtains, bedding, throws, cushions etc can all follow that soft feminine feel too. Look out for sumptuous fabrics, like silk, satin and lace. Whites, creams, pale colors and florals will all help you get that Victorian interior design look.
Accessories such as ornaments, pots, dressing-table sets, clocks etc are essential to the scheme. Again go for pretty and delicate (in appearance) pieces, with a decidedly feminine touch.
This is one look where you needn't hold back on the knick-knacks. Think of all the pretty bits and bobs a real Victorian lady could need to inspire your search for accessories.
Mirrors and paintings should definitely not be neglected. These are an excellent opportunity to easily choose delicate pieces with finely wrought frames, in pale colors (or you may paint them yourself). Mirrors can help to reflect light around the room, for a spacious and airy feel (position against a window for the best effect).
Choose traditional style paintings for your Victorian inspired room - nothing too bright, bold or heavy. Country landscapes or studies of flowers are an excellent choice for a romantic Victorian decorating look.
To finish off the look, soft Victorian inspired rugs underfoot are a really good idea - and will keep your room feeling lovely and cosy.
Although the look is full of florals, patterns and bits and pieces, the theme works best in modern homes when kept to a simple color scheme and with no unecessary clutter...
Check out Victorian inspired pieces to include in your scheme. You can get some real treasures on eBay...
This is a live feed direct from eBay and is constantly updated. Simply click on a product for more information, or to bid or buy, and you will be taken direct to eBay...
Happy Hunting! Hope you bag a bargain...
So, when you are feeling feminine and want to get that simple, romantic look in your own home, try this Victorian decorating scheme.
