Thursday, April 28, 2011

Living Like A Queen In Your Own Home

By Neil Wenk


Victorian interior design represents a period in time when the middle class prospered in large part due to the Industrial Revolution. The decision to use architecture and fancy furniture as design elements in homes showed ones increase in stature and wealth. Anything less would have portrayed them as unfashionable and poor. Adopting Victorian interior has become increasingly popular in the United States, specifically in the New England area. The infusion of new techniques into this type of dcor has made it increasingly difficult to determine its authenticity. By understanding the origins of the period you will be able to ascertain the significant components that are found in the designs of today.

This era covered the years 1837 to 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria in England. Hers was the longest rule in the history of the British monarchy. It was a time of peace and prosperity brought about by the success of the Industrial Revolution. An upbeat atmosphere permeated through the country and is so momentous that people like to relive that time. Structural designs were majestic and full of activity then that it would be considered as clutter in today's interiors. It is preferred by those who want to feel and live like nobility.

Wallpaper was an important part of the interior design of this period. Though it traces its roots to the Roman Empire, it was developed into an art form during this era and used as a status symbol. Artistically, it was a good method of bringing texture to a room aside from stenciling and different paint finishes.

If you are looking to employ a Victorian interior design to your home, you will have to consider using wallpaper. Backgrounds of red, blue or green prints with complex cylindrical floral patterns of tan and cream are ideal examples. Complimenting this was embossed paper on ceilings to balance out the busy wall patterns.

Hard wood floors are also reminiscent of the Victorian age. Decorative throw rugs were also a big thing back then. Knickknacks such as round ornamental picture frames were a craze though has already been in existence for centuries. Dining rooms used graceful embellishments and drapes were made of heavy velvets and were kept in place by gold tassels. Lighting fixtures consisted of chandeliers, candles and wall scones.

The image of a lady dressed in a boned bodice and holding a frilly umbrella sitting in a rowboat as a gentleman softly paddles through a lake is iconic of the Victorian era and is replicated today as a romantic scene in many motion pictures. The emotion that is stirred by this picture is something that many people would like to carry on until today. That feeling transcends as well to the homes of many people who want to experience how to live like a queen.




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