Contemporary styles are not for everyone. If you’re someone who has (or wants to have) a home that is inspired by a vintage theme – such as the retro 60s or Georgian glamour – then you will want to find an aesthetic that will suit your home and help to create the stunning vintage look that you desire.
One of the most beautiful, vintage styles for a home – and one of our personal favourites – is Victorian elegance. If you seek a chic aesthetic that emanates class, then look no further. Here, we take a look at the basics of Victorian Elegance, how to implement these changes into your interior design and also, how you can elevate this level of style with a simple change to a furnishing often overlooked…the mantel.
Divine Deep Shades
The Victorian look relies heavily on colour schemes and textures. Deep, dramatic shades are the epitome of true Victorian elegance and reflect a highly sophisticated tone that is simple to replicate in today’s world. Deep scarlet, jungle green, navy blue and regal purple are all tones that can be used to achieve this style, particularly in the living room.
Victorian interior design was centred around drama – deep, brooding colours that reflected the unpredictable natural world were often utilised. Apply a modern spin on this strategy by painting the walls but leaving the skirting boards and window ledges white. The white provides a stark contrast, yielding a fantastically dramatic result that will give your home a stunning finish. It will also prevent the room from being overpowered by the dark hues of the walls.
Perfect Patterns
Patterns, such as paisley or floral, were often used in Victorian interior design to emphasise the home owner’s wealth. In the modern world, achieving this remarkable finish is much more cost-effective. To create a highly sophisticated Victorian aesthetic in any room, consider including patterned wallpaper and furnishings.
Patterned, soft furnishings such as curtains, blankets and cushions in the Victorian style are incredibly easy to come by nowadays. With this style returning in popularity in recent years, many outlets regularly stock extravagant floral and paisley designs.
However, as is expected with interior design, the same patterns are not for every home. If overtly floral motifs are not your desired finish, why not try implementing similar tones to hint at this popular design trend. Wallpapers in earthy tones with stylised gold leaf patterns are a true Victorian staple that will give any room an elegant look.
Accents
In interior design, furnishing a room can be the most exciting stage of the project. Searching for various components that will work well together whilst highlighting points of interest around the room can prove incredibly captivating.
Add accents to your home with flowers and elegant vases – cut glass is a fantastic addition that reflects the Victorian theme. Antique fairs and car boot sales are actually some of the best places to find a lot of wonderful accenting accessories in this style.
Another way of injecting remnants of the Victorian theme is with the use of rugs. Rugs are a brilliant way to add a little bit of warmth and style to the room, especially if you have hardwood flooring. Continue the dramatic style with your colour scheme; stick to deep colours and simple textures to keep the room looking sophisticated and on theme.
The Centre Piece
Every room needs a centrepiece – a decorative focal point – but this is especially important for a Victorian-inspired room, as a centrepiece is a Victorian staple. Historically, Victorian families would gather around a roaring fire at the end of the day to read to each other, or even simply just for warmth.
This look is easily replicated today and can provide an elegant focal point for any room. Real Flame have an array of fireplaces available in both gas and electric – in the Victorian style – which can really bring a room together.
Our range of Gas Stoves are perfect for this popular interior design theme. Each of our gas stoves are designed with a distinctive window, allowing you to enjoy the glow of flames and the warm tones of the coal or log effects. They are available in a range of styles including one dedicated to this very theme, the beautiful and traditional Victorian style. They can be placed anywhere in the home as a free-standing decorative fire, bringing your home to life and creating the perfect centrepiece for a room.
Enjoy a beautiful Victorian style fireplace but without the Victorian hassle of having to tend to a real fire. Real Flame stoves allow for modern heating capabilities whilst incorporating a truly vintage look in your home.
If you already have a fireplace, you could fit it with a Victorian Cast Iron Mantel, which is based on the popular Victorian Combination Fireplace from around 1895. This reproduction will add a touch of class to any room with its dark colour and intricate detailing. Complete the look by adding fireplace accessories, such as bellows, to really embrace the Victorian-chic aesthetic.
Victorian elegance is absolutely stunning in the home, and it isn’t hard to recreate; if this vintage theme is getting you inspired, what are you waiting for? Embrace the elegance and class of the Victorian era and transform your home into a mansion.
Get in Touch with Real Flame for more Advice and Information