Beautiful high ceilings and period features are key elements of the grand Victorian terrace. The light and airy rooms can be decorated in almost any style, making them fun and creative projects to work on. Here are some tips for making the most out of your period property.
Victorian terraces are versatile for decorating the walls, mainly thanks to the large rooms and high ceilings.
Places like the living room and bedrooms will be able to take on bold patterns and dark colours without overwhelming the decor, and lighter colours will look particularly lovely thanks to the extra light. Hallways and staircases in terraces tend to be darker due to a lack of windows, so stick to pale colours and light patterns here. Thanks to period features in Victorian terraces, they lend themselves well to an eclectic mix of traditional and modern. Try pairing vintage wallpaper with perspex furniture, or combine bold paint with ornate ornaments to give your home a stylish and fresh feel.
Whether it’s a fireplace, cornicing, flooring or staircase bannisters, Victorian terraces are blessed with beautiful original features. Not only do these add to the character of the house, but they make statement features that are the envy of other homeowners. Keep as many as you can, often these original features have been hidden rather than removed, and don’t take much time to be rediscovered.
Victorian terraces lend themselves to almost any interior design style despite being a period home. Modern minimalism and vintage looks work well in this space, thanks to the regularly shaped rooms and high ceilings. As a general rule, choose furniture that won’t get lost in the space, and accessorise with large pictures and mirrors on the walls. Tall floor lamps and house plants also look great in the corners of rooms, bringing depth to the vertical space.
One of the most striking parts of a Victorian terrace is the original flooring you may find. Wooden parquet and geometric tiles often hide beneath carpets and rugs and are a treasure you should keep. Companies try and replicate these designs, but nothing compares to the beautiful originals. Dark floors also work wonders in Victorian terraces, thanks to the high, bright ceilings that can provide a striking contrast. This works best with wooden or laminate floors, which will still reflect a little light and prevent the room from becoming oppressive. For kitchens and conservatories, slate-style floors bring an authentic, stylish, and practical touch.
