10 Ways to Update a Victorian Living Room

We love our Victorian homes, but that’s not to say we want our living rooms to be kitted out with museum-style pieces that painstakingly reflect an archaic way of life, down to every last historical fabric swatch and period paint color. So, while we adore the lofty ceilings, original plasterwork and beautiful sash windows, let’s not be afraid to put our own 21st-century stamp on these historical bare bones.

This doesn’t have to mean anything as dramatic as stripping away original picture rails and marble mantels. (Heaven forbid!) It’s more about adding well-chosen contemporary decorative touches here and there. Try a striking modern light fitting or a sleek, low-slung sofa in a neon pink velvet that will look fabulous against the period architecture. Be inspired by our 10 top tips and let the decorating commence.

1. Consider contemporary lighting. There is no need to choose a vintage chandelier when lighting a Victorian living room with a modern-day alternative can put an altogether different slant on things. The room here had already been given a contemporary makeover, thanks to the deep teal feature wall and white shelving, but the contemporary lattice light contrasts effortlessly with the period ceiling rose, throwing playful shadows across the ceiling. And it’s just as beautiful as any twinkly glass chandelier in my book.


2. Layer modern patterns and colors. The Victorians were big on layering patterns, so tap into the spirit of the era — but with a modern selection. This room has a fabulously graphic rug, a bold retro-print sofa and an industrial-style coffee table crafted from salvaged wood, all working effortlessly with the ornate fireplace surround and plasterwork.


3. Install a wood-burning stove. This is a popular way to rocket a Victorian living room straight into the 21st century. While it’s considered sacrilegious to rip out an original fireplace, we might not all relish the idea of an open, roaring fire to tend to and clean up after day after day (and the heat wastage can be excessive). Instead, keep the traditional surround and call in the professionals to install a wood-burning stove. It requires easy maintenance and offers maximum heat efficiency, as well as adds a contemporary touch to a period space.


4. Streamline your windows. Do away with thick, heavy drapes in a Victorian room and opt instead for a neat, discreet solution, such as white slatted shutters. This smart window treatment is beautiful yet functional, and it will give you a blank canvas to play with. You won’t have to incorporate curtain colors when decorating the room. And it will leave more floor and wall space around the windows, creating a light, airy mood.


5. Max out on a white backdrop. While this Victorian living room is filled with well-worn vintage furniture, the all-over white surfaces offer a huge dose of slick and contrasting modernity. Because the walls, floors, paintwork and original features have been layered in nothing but white, white and more white, the beautiful velvet chaise longue and antique rug have been given a new lease on life. It’s a simple design trick that works wonders. You can vary the shades and textures if you want to soften the effect.


6. Accent with bold hues. Don’t be afraid to use vivid flashes of jewel colors in a Victorian living room. While citrus yellow and fuchsia might not appear on a historical color chart, they can add personality to your 21st-century abode. This space is full of pretty touches, including the multicolored chandelier, cute wallpaper and retro fringed lampshade, which give this vintage room a fresh update without taking away from its character.


7. Create clever contrasts. In my opinion, it would have been a shame if this architecturally grand room had been furnished just with period furniture and antiques — it would have served only to create an unlivable, “don’t touch me” museum piece. However, with a low-slung sofa and slick sideboard, the ornate cornicing, carved panels and decorative plasterwork really shine. What helps to hold together this juxtaposition of eras is the considered color scheme, in which shades for the modern pieces have been picked from the stained glass window panels, installed by the original owner in 1870.


8. Make an impact with modern art. Paint the walls in a deep, muted hue for an authentic touch that reflects the architectural heritage of your home (this gray is actually rather Georgian, but it works in this Victorian house). Then set a daring piece of modern art against it for a fabulous contrast. Period rooms can take all sorts of shades — partly due to their often grand proportions — from the darkest inky blue to stark, bright white. It’s time to get out the color charts and choose a shade to set off your art to best effect.


9. Add a neat storage wall. If you have the lofty proportions, sash windows and original cornices to start with, you can put almost anything into a period room and get away with it. Storage can be a problem in older houses, though, due to uneven walls, so building a custom wall of shelving for books and media can tackle clutter. Update the heavy Victorian bookcase with slim shelving incorporating different-size sections. Further lighten the look by stopping short of the ceiling. Stick to a simple black and white palette for the rest of the room, so the space doesn’t feel too overwhelming.


10. Make use of high ceilings. One of the great benefits of grander Victorian dwellings are the ceilings, which can be very lofty. Such proportions offer the perfect opportunity for building in a mezzanine level — a great architectural solution if you need to squeeze more rooms into an apartment. Go all-out with a striking, sleek glass version for a modern statement amid the decorative plasterwork.

Tell us: Have you updated your period living room? Share your design tips, tricks and photos in the Comments.

More:
How to Gently Bring a Victorian Home Into the 21st Century
Victorian Details Make Their Way in Modern Life

URL: 10 Ways to Update a Victorian Living Room http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-25558.html