Architectural Style is constantly changing and whilst the look of our buildings does not change as frequently as our fashion sense there has been a distinctive transition from the Gothic style of the 18th century to the neoclassical style present in cities like Bath.
As with the neoclassical movement, we are now seeing the introduction of a ‘Neo-Victorian’ architectural trend popular with property developers in both renovations and new builds. The marrying of old styles with more moderns tastes is nothing new and most modern developments have taken inspiration for previous designs. Here are some interesting points regarding the hybrid style.
Modern Victorian Interiors
The traditional Victorian aesthetic is often viewed as too intricate and traditional; with a focus on ornate designs and over-complicated features. The more modern take on this traditional style has led to some changes. The busy patterns have been replaced with more minimalist Victorian designs and more neutral colours. This does not mean the whole house has to be minimalist; you can get more creative with different furnishings available.
The added character of Victorian homes is appealing and often found lacking in modern builds; however, the smaller dimensions typical of Victorian rooms can make modern tastes difficult to implement. Terraced houses often have taller rooms with longer windows, doors and fireplaces.
This often leads to the development of rooms into open plan areas to create a more modern feel not found in traditional Victorian interiors. The key point to remember is to avoid a harsh contrast between the old and modern styles. Including a Victorian fireplace in a modern colour will work better than for example including an original Victorian fireplace in a room of high contemporary design.
Modern Victorian Exteriors
When it comes to the exterior of your Victorian home, it’s best not to mess with it too much. Typically, the outside has a very strong design that doesn’t need changing a lot to look its best – maybe just some new lighting to highlight decorative features.
The problem comes when you discover that a past owner has tried to do some renovation work, but failed miserably. A Victorian house should not, for example, have PVC windows or doors. They are completely out of character and will detract from the original design, not to mention ripping out original wooden windows can significantly lower the value of the whole house. If the windows really do need replacing, opt for wooden replicas of the original.
Similarly, you might find that the roof tiles have been replaced with modern concrete. Originally, they will have been either slate or clay, so use these Milwaukee roofing contractors or a similar contractor where you live to restore the roof to its former glory. You’ll find that the original look is the best look, as that is the way it was designed to be.
Victorian Renovations
There are plenty of examples of successful Victorian home restorations that have taken different approaches to their respective projects. For restoring the house possessions and heirlooms, many house owners consult Contents restoration services. Such professionals work mainly on fire or flood damage content; however, they are experts in hand-cleaning and restoring the old fragile items with the help of the latest technologies. Other than home possession restoration, wall removal is often a first step to creating a more spacious feel in these often narrow designs.
The taller dimensions also give you more vertical space to be creative; offering the perfect opportunity to include your dream chandelier. Often choosing a lighter colour in your Victorian rooms can give you a modern canvas to include Victorian furnishings in.
One area that is challenging is the kitchen. The need for newer appliances often requires more space. A recommendation here is to pair modern kitchen gadgets with original furnishings. However, the larger spaces available when removing walls can create more room for different appliances; this can be a good option if a room in the house is very undersized.
Adopting the Style in Your Home
If you are undertaking your own renovation project then there is a wealth of information on the internet to guide you step by step. The merging of both the modern and traditional styles can help to give your house a unique feel. For stellar examples of how well a Victorian house restoration can go visit Urban Creation for some great completed projects.
