Spanning the course of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), the Victorian era reflects a period of rapid social change, economic growth and design innovation fuelled by Britain’s Industrial Revolution. This period gave rise to spectacular structures like the Royal Albert Hall and Balmoral Castle, alongside the ubiquitous Victorian terrace—iconic symbols of mass urban expansion across London and other cities.
The Victorian terrace emerged out of necessity, meeting the growing demand for housing as Britain’s economy and population soared. The booming textile, iron, and transport industries created an influx of workers, and mass-produced terrace homes offered an affordable solution. These homes, with their characteristic rows and decorative facades, remain a hallmark of Victorian design.
Victorian interiors mirrored the era’s diverse influences, blending Gothic, Rococo, and medieval styles with the latest trends in mass production. Furniture, fabrics, and ornaments flooded homes, creating a richly layered aesthetic that symbolised opulence and status. While this “more-is-more” approach seems overwhelming today, it spoke to the Victorians’ aspirations and newfound prosperity.
Modern Victorian interiors reinterpret this legacy, embracing a balance of ornate details and contemporary simplicity—a nod to the Arts and Crafts movement that gained traction in the late 19th century. Stay with us as we explore how to infuse Victorian charm into modern living spaces.
The Victorian era was a time of dramatic societal transformation, driven by the Industrial Revolution and a booming economy. As wealth spread among the middle and upper classes, particularly the nouveau riche, homes became a canvas for showcasing prosperity and status. This desire for opulence gave rise to richly detailed interiors and distinctive architectural features that remain iconic today. Here are some key hallmarks of Victorian design:
Victorians embraced a variety of influences, from Neo-Gothic and Rococo styles to Medieval, Asian and Middle Eastern influences. This love of variety allows for a playful and personalised approach in modern interiors.
Deep jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red adorned walls, often paired with patterned wallpapers boasting floral motifs or damask designs. Contemporary interpretations can use these colours as accents or in smaller spaces, while opting for neutral textured wallpapers or fabrics to subtly elevate the scheme.
Furniture was substantial and ornately carved, featuring plush upholstery and deep button-tufting. Pieces including wingback armchairs and chaise longues in luxurious fabrics were popular and remain collectable, give a vintage find a new lease of life by upholstering in a modern fabric.
Victorians believed a well-decorated space was a sign of refinement. Ornate picture frames, decorative porcelain figurines, and botanical painting adorned shelves and mantels. For a modern take, feature carefully curated collections of objet d’art and artwork displayed on shelving or a console for a measured nod to the past.
Brimming with character and charm, a Victorian home present the perfect canvas for creating modern yet timeless living space. Here are our top-tips for transforming these period gems into envy-inducing, contemporary masterpieces.
Victorian architecture often compromised the grandeur of earlier periods for practicality at times resulting in more compact rooms and lower ceilings. To combat this, use clever design elements like floor-to-ceiling bookshelves or vertical partitions. These not only add functionality but also draw the eye upward, enhancing the sense of height and scale in smaller spaces.
Let traditional elements stand out buy treating them with bold colour and modern surfaces. In the guest bedroom of our St John’s Wood project, we the addition of classic alcove storage but allowed the custom joinery units to sit suspended above the ground. This subtle twist opened up the floor space to create a seamless, uncluttered look while maintaining the practicality of additional storage and charm of traditional craftsmanship.
The typical layout for Victorian homes features a series of small, adjoining rooms which can feel a dingy and warren like. For a more spacious, flowing design consider opening up and connecting spaces for an open-plan layout. If a major renovation isn’t in the cards, simply introducing a lighter colour palette can work wonders. Bright, airy tones reflect natural light, creating a sense of openness and modernity without sacrificing the home’s historic character.
By blending the best of Victorian design with modern innovations, you can create a space that honours the past while embracing the present—an inspiring home full of charm and functionality.
At Roselind Wilson Design we draw on over two decades of industry experience to continually deliver exceptional, unique homes for our discerning clients. If you are planning a renovation or have a glow up in mind, get in touch and let our expert design team assist you on your next design journey.