A GUIDE TO RENOVATING VICTORIAN PROPERTIES

History and Style of Victorian Houses

Victorian houses were built during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901) and encompass a wide variety of architectural styles, including Gothic Revival, Italianate, Folk Victorian, Jacobeathan and Queen Anne. These homes are known for their ornate detailing, rich materials, and intricate craftsmanship, reflecting the prosperity and ambition of the era. Victorian homes had more elaborate detailing than Georgian homes, characterised by gothic features, and the use of new materials coloured glass and metal, made possible by the industrial revolution.

Victorian houses are characterised by:

• Elaborate facades featuring decorative brickwork, bay windows, and stone embellishments.
  

• High ceilings and grand proportions.
  

• Ornate plasterwork, including ceiling roses and cornices.
  

• Stained glass windows with intricate designs.
  

• Patterned floor tiles, particularly in hallways and entrances.
  

• Heavy wooden doors with decorative ironmongery.
  

• Fireplaces in almost every room, often featuring carved wood, marble, or cast iron.
  

• Dado and Picture Rails, adding decorative and practical elements to walls.

• Wallpaper Characterised by elaborate patterns, rich colors, and intricate designs, Victorian wallpaper reflected the era's fascination with ornamentation and the revival.

Renovation Tips

Many original features would have been removed during the 1960’s and 70’s where the Victorian aesthetic was unfashionable.

When renovating a Victorian home, it is essential to balance historical features with modern functionality. Here are key considerations:

Restoring Period Features

• Windows & Doors: Preserve original sash windows and solid wooden doors where possible, or use high-quality replicas.If the windows have shutters replace of repair them.Add secondary glazing if you have the original windows.
  

• Fireplaces: Open up even if only using them as a decorative feature. Restore or replace with Victorian-style cast-iron or tiled fireplaces.
  

• Flooring: Keep or reinstate original wooden floors, encaustic tiles, or parquet.
  

• Plasterwork & Cornices: Strip paint, and remove any mould. Repair or replicate decorative mouldings to maintain period authenticity. Replace or repair ceiling roses.
  

• Dado Rails & Picture Rails: Preserve or reinstate these features to enhance period charm and break up wall space aesthetically.
  

Enhancing Natural Light

Victorian homes can be dark due to their narrow windows and deep layouts. Consider:

• Adding larger windows or French doors to increase natural light.
  

• Installing skylights in extensions or loft conversions.
  

• Using light-reflective colour palettes and mirrors to brighten spaces.
  

Modern Comforts with Period Features.

• Kitchen Extensions: A sensitive rear extension can provide modern open-plan living while retaining period features.
  

• Bathroom Upgrades: Introduce traditional fittings such as clawfoot baths and high-level cistern toilets.
  

• Energy Efficiency: Improve insulation and introduce secondary glazing to retain heat while preserving original windows.
  

Room-by-Room Renovation Guide

Hallways & Entrances

Victorian hallways make a bold first impression with tiled floors and decorative archways.

• Flooring: Restore original encaustic or geometric tiles or install Victorian-style replicas.
  

• Colour Palette: Deep greens, heritage blues, or rich burgundies for an opulent feel.
  

• Lighting: Ornate pendant lights or period wall sconces.
  

• Doors & Windows: Retain or restore stained glass and decorative fanlights.
  

Living Rooms

Typically formal spaces with grand fireplaces and bay windows.

• Colour Palette: Rich jewel tones like emerald green, deep navy, or dark red. Wallpaper is also very appropriate for Victorian rooms
  

• Fireplace: Retain or restore a Victorian cast-iron fireplace with decorative tiling.
  

• Ceilings: Preserve intricate ceiling roses and cornicing.
  

• Dado & Picture Rails: Use dado rails to separate two-tone wall colours and picture rails to elegantly frame artwork.
  

• Furniture: Mix period antiques with modern comforts for a balanced look.
  

Dining Rooms

Often separate rooms designed for entertaining, also the option of opening up the room making an open plan space.

• Colour Palette: Warm golds, deep purples, or dark teals  or wallpaper for a luxurious ambiance.
  

• Flooring: Maintain original wooden floors and add a period-style rug.
  

• Lighting: Chandeliers or wall-mounted gaslight-style fixtures.
  

• Storage: Retain or add built-in cabinetry and sideboards.
  

• Dado & Picture Rails: Use dado rails to define lower wall panelling and picture rails to add classic Victorian detailing.
  

Kitchens

Victorian kitchens were utilitarian but can be reimagined with period features and modern efficiency.

• Colour Palette: Soft greys, dark blue or terracotta heritage whites, or muted greens.
  

• Cabinetry: Shaker-style cupboards with brass or ceramic handles. Add a butchers sink,  for authenticity.
  

• Worktops: Butcher block, marble, or stone for a classic aesthetic.
  

• Lighting: Industrial-style pendant lights or period-appropriate sconces.

Bedrooms

Elegant spaces that can be both cosy and grand.

• Colour Palette: Soft pastels, muted pinks, or warm neutrals.
  

• Flooring: Wooden floors with Victorian-style rugs for warmth.
  

• Windows: Retain sash windows with heavy drapes or plantation shutters.
  

• Wardrobes: Built-in storage with panelled doors in keeping with Victorian aesthetics.
  

• Picture Rails: Use to elegantly display artwork or decorative elements.
  

Bathrooms

A Victorian style bathroom will be a classic, historical and luxurious addition.

• Colour Palette: Classic white with black accents, or soft blues and greys.
  

• Fixtures: Clawfoot baths, pedestal sinks, and high-level cistern toilets.
  

• Flooring & Tiles: Black and white checkered tiles or ornate ceramic patterns.
  

• Accessories: Traditional brass or chrome fixtures, vintage mirrors, and towel rails.
  

Conclusion

Renovating a Victorian home requires a thoughtful approach balancing restoration and updating the house to modern standards. Restoring period features and choosing sympathetic updates, you can enhance the timeless elegance of a Victorian property while ensuring it remains practical for contemporary living. Dado and picture rails are essential elements that contribute to the Victorian aesthetic, offering both functional and decorative appeal in almost every room. 

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