Bedroom

There is a lot to say about Victorian properties. Their elegant architecture, proportions and intricate detailing. They have passed the test of time and were meant to be loved and admired.

During Queen Victoria’s reign, Britain saw a boom in new builds. In less than 75 years, 6 million houses were built, and a majority of them still stand today.

Renovating and maintaining a Victorian home requires imagination and work. If you have fallen in love with a Victorian property, nothing can be more satisfying than transforming it back to it’s original splendor.

Plasterwork. Cornicing and plaster ceiling roses were the norm for Victorian homes, and the level of detail depended on the status of the room, so a reception room would feature much more than a bedroom.

Windows. Ideally sash windows will set your Victorian home apart from the rest. Try to find a specialist glazier who can install double glazed sash windows.

Fireplaces. Back during the Victorian time, fireplaces were found in every room. Some homes still have them today, but sadly, most were removed by later occupants.

Flooring. Victorian houses generally combine pine floor boards throughout the house with tiles in hallways. Both carpets and lino were introduced in the 1850’s. Floor boards are key for an authentic look.

Kitchens. This part of a house has come a long way since the days of the scullery and overcrowded homes, so a faithful recreation of a Victorian kitchen would not suit the demands of modern living. However, it is possible to have modern appliances that compliment the style of a Victorian era.

Bathroom. Victorian homes were not built with bathrooms in mind. A tin bath in the scullery once a week was a normal family bath night. Today, the bathroom has not been sidelined when it comes to style. Victorian elegance can be found on the high street showcasing roll top baths of many designs.

Doors, Skirting Boards, Picture Rails & Dado Rails. These small details can pull your renovation work together. The more attention to detail that you research, the more authentic the result.

Wall Paper, Paint, Fabric. Soft furnishings are key to pulling off the end result. When a production company films a film series in which the action takes place during that time, everything in the scene has been researched. This is what makes a show believable. The library is a great place to start.

Enjoy your home! And get renovating!

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When it comes to home decor, 2016 was the year of everything from woven wall hangings to Scandinavian-inspired interiors. And as the year winds down, soon enough your thoughts will most likely wander to a home refresh. So it’s worth exploring the top decorating trends that will likely be on repeat in homes across the country—and possibly in your own abode.

We checked in with three interior designers—Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, Young Huh, and Beth Diana Smith—for their 2017 decorating forecast and some easy pointers on how to make them your own. These trends are chic, inspiring, and (fortunately) don’t require a complete room overhaul.

Green
According to celebrity interior designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, who counts Kendall Jenner among his list of clients, green is “strong again.” From lime green to emerald, the hue works throughout the home—whether it’s as a wall color or a room-filling rug. If you’re not too keen on the idea of using green in large doses, Lawrence-Bullard has a suggestion: “Add really fun emerald glasses to your regular white plates and suddenly you’ve got that up-to-the minute look.”

Tropical Prints
It’s no secret that interior design takes cues from the runways, and this year, we’ve seen the likes of Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Emanuel Ungaro experiment with all things tropical. The print will continue to appear in wallpaper and designer fabrics, according to Lawrence-Bullard. But don’t worry if such in-your-face prints are out of character for you. He suggests throw pillows boasting the trendy pattern: “Always buy a plain sofa and change it up with new pillows,” Lawrence-Bullard advises. “It’s just like buying a great piece of classic clothing. You can certainly refresh it with a new bag and shoes.”

Texture
Weaving texture into an interior makes it more inviting and the idea of mixing fabrics and materials will be on the rise. “Texture is really important,” says Lawrence-Bullard. “We are seeing more and more texture in every form, from brushed brass tables to light fixtures to fabrics and wallpapers.” A quick way to test the trend: Drape a nubby wool throw over a leather chair or mix fabrics used for decorative pillows.

Marble and Brass Combinations
Young Huh, who was named one of Vogue’s five young interior designers on the rise in 2015, promises marble and brass will continue to dominate in 2017. “We’re going to see this trend in both kitchens and baths,” Huh explains. “It’s that combination of something very natural and clean, like white marble, and something industrial, hard, and a little bit glamorous with the brass.”

Muted Colors
Does the thought of bold colors anywhere in your home make you feel a tinge of anxiety? Don’t fret—it’s all about neutrals in the year ahead. “Whites, beiges, pale grays, camel, and blush pink are super on-trend,” Huh says.

Geometrics
Your goal should always be to create a home that feels curated, and an easy way to accomplish this is through pattern. “We’ll see inventive geometrics that speak to ancient cultures, whether it is African or Asian patterns, but they’ll be modernized,” Huh says. Think simple lines, geometric designs, and triangles, Huh explains.

Quirky Lighting
Think of lighting as an accessory for your home—it’s the perfect way to show off your unique design sensibility. “A quirky lighting fixture looks great in a dining room,” Huh says. “It’s a great space to go for it and do something unusual.” Also consider sprucing up your bedside lamps with something truly memorable.

Artisan-Crafted Furniture
For New Jersey–based interior designer Beth Diana Smith, the new year will include an emphasis on uniquely crafted furniture. “People will be going back to furniture that is more of an investment—furniture that is very well-made,” Smith says. She recommends antique shopping for pieces that will add character to your home and browsing sites like Chairish.

Gray
Gray was a prominent color in 2016 interiors and it will continue to reign in 2017. “We will see different tones of gray, a lot of gray and white, and gray in deeper colors,” Smith says. It’s the sort of color that complements a full spectrum of shades, from bold red to mellow ivory.

Bronze
Smith promises that 2017 will bring loads of bronze—a metal that warms up any space. “It’s a lot more classic in a sense,” she says, as it complements a myriad of decorating styles. “I like it in lighting and accessories, whether it be vases, lamps, or decorative bowls for the kitchen,” Smith says.

Source: http://www.vogue.com/article/home-decor-decorating-trends-2017 

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