Rustic earth tones

Vibrant, colorful patterns underlie this design style.

Feature tutorial.

The Parchment colorwash. Creating the impression of aged walls, the Parchment finish evokes a feeling of history and old world charm. The color density varies over the finished surface and creates appearances of lightly mottled parchment. A soft and airy finish, the Parchment glaze is an ideal way to create mood and character in any room. I’ve found it to be an ideal solution for finishing irregular or textured wall surfaces.

Bold colored walls

The use of rich, deep color tones on walls. like dark red and forest green, bacame popular with this style.

Feature tutorial. The 'Stenciling'. The Decorative effect Stenciling, traces its roots as far back as Egyptian times, and has surged in popularity during various periods of history. Henry III used stenciled patterns, often with gold powders, in star shapes. William Morris and William Burges often used stencils in interior designs schemes. Folk art techniques, both on furniture and walls, have taken stenciling from a simple pattern repeat, to sophisticated and colorful design elements, rich with story lines and decorative symbolism.

Ornamentation:

The interiors were rich and exciting. Entering into a home you could enjoy decorative plaster moldings or cornices. Intricately patterned friezes, ceiling medallions, even mirror frames were highly embellished. Wonderfully turned balusters to support your stair railing reminds us of the grand entrance.

Parquet floors might call for our attention as well as inlayed wood patterns or painted/stenciled borders. Rich carpets were freely used.

Tiles:

Tile was not overlooked and early linoleum found it’s start in this era. The decorative elements of the home might begin with color. With stronger, darker colors becoming more fashionable by the second half of the 19th century.

Decorative finishes

Decorative paint finishes can be seen liberally. Graining, marbling, gilding, distressed lacquer-red walls contrast marble fireplace. Influences from around the world become prevalent with animal prints being very popular in the Victorian home.

Textiles and prints:

Because of the new revolution in mass production methods the textile industry flourished with developments such as the power-loom weaving and machine-printing. Richly textured and colored, often finding elaborate floral designs. Heavier fabrics such as Velvet became more common. Wallpaper became a source of decorating.

William Morris and his studio became leading examples fro these new styles. Paisley prints abound. Asian/Indian influences in fabrics and furnishings mark a distinct style in the Victorian era known as Japonisme

Furniture:

Large Armoires. Styles varied greatly, often ‘reviving’ older styles. Couches and sofas become quite plump, with soft upholstery. A heavy pedestal mahogany dining table might be found, exemplifying a growing feeling that solid, weighty furniture reinforces the wealth and status of the home owner. Butler trays and side tables help fill unused spaces. Collections of all kinds become popular, from Straffordshire figurines to doll houses to china-ware.

Lighting:

Lighting fixtures, iron chandeliers and wonderfully shaped shades for the many table and standing lamps become a renewed source of interest, with artisans such as Tiffany and his workshop creating wonderful stained glass lamps and other decorative objects. China and dishware find a new resurgence, showing off wonderful patterns and intricate details.