A Victorian style home is warm, elegant and a touch romantic.  The look is nostalgic, with floral themes, warm colors and vintage fabrics throughout.  If you’re ready to update the look of your home and are leaning toward a Victorian theme, the ideas in this article will help you create a look that is authentic and welcoming to all who enter.

Take colors from nature

The floral theme is dominant in Victorian decorating, so it’s natural that the colors used come from those often found in a floral arrangement.  Dark green, deep pink, mauve, purple, and deep reds are often utilized in this mode of design.  These colors can be used in accents, furnishings, walls, floors or anywhere you like.

Gold and brown shades work with this style as well.  Hang pictures on the walls framed with intricate wood or gold frames to add depth and interest.

Decorate the walls

A century ago, those with Victorian style homes commonly used floral patterned wallpaper to accent the walls.  While the look is beautiful and rich, it can be a little overwhelming.  If you want to calm down the floral aspect of the decorating theme a bit, paint the walls a solid color such as light mauve or gold, then use a floral wallpaper border around the top edge of the wall, next to the ceiling.

Alternately, you may wish to wallpaper one wall in the room leaving the remaining walls a solid color.  An elaborate wall tapestry is a great addition in this decorating style.  Look for tapestries with Victorian themes; the texture is rich and elegant.

Furnishings

While velvet was the fabric of choice during the prime of the Victorian decorating era, few people today have velvet furniture.  If you cannot find furniture upholstered in velvet or cannot afford it, you can reupholster your furniture in velvet yourself or have someone do it for you.

If you would rather do away with the velvet altogether, elegant wood furniture works well.  Choose solid fabrics that are richly textured and add a Victorian touch with floral throw pillows.

Accents

Anything with a worn or vintage look is perfect in the Victorian home.  Dried roses and other wildflowers are a nice touch when arranged in an old-fashioned vase.  A clear glass container filled with dried flowers or potpourri is a nice addition to the coffee table.  Randomly stack old books on a shelf or fireplace mantle, use Victorian style filigree picture frames to hold old photos, or even newer ones printed in black and white.

Doilies are ideal for this style of decorating, so if you crochet you can craft some beautiful additions for your home.  Drape a large doily casually from the fireplace mantle; use one on the end and coffee tables as placemats for candles, vases and magazines.

Creating a Victorian styled home is easy; the look is relaxed yet elegant, romantic and inviting.  Done right, your home will bring to mind those days of long ago when life moved at a slower pace.