Classic Beauty – Victorian-Style Home Design
The Victorian style of architecture is a rich, diverse architectural marvel named after Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century. This style has been instrumental in influencing the creative abilities of homeowners, interior designers, architects, and historians. What sets Victorian-style home designs apart from others is the lavishness in interior decoration and set patterns of architecture. Homeowners should consider which interior design decor and items will have the largest impact on the visual appeal of the rooms.
Large and small decor placements will heavily influence the overall Vistorian theme of the home. One way to ensure you stick to the style is to choose Victorian internal doors that are synonymous with elegance and timeless beauty.
History of the Victorian style of Home Design
The Victorian style design was a blend of Tudor, Gothic, Asian, Middle-Eastern, and Romanesque elements, leading to a unique pattern or aesthetic with ornate detailing. The desire for pomp and admiration gave way to the defining characteristics of opulence and elegance in the Victorian style of home decor, which is still prevalent.
Most Victorian homes were designed for functionality, structure, and a strict sense of formality. Each space in the house had a singular purpose and was designed only to suit that purpose. These separate spaces in Victorian houses had physical and visual boundaries that were visible only with the help of internal doors.
Why are Internal Doors Crucial to the Aesthetic of Classic Victorian Homes?
Even today, doors are often the first thing you see when you’re entering a room. It is no different with Victorian architecture. Classic Victorian door designs often feature detailed carvings, high-quality materials, and elegant mouldings. The embellishments on these doors are the first sign of the interior decoration within, leading to an expectation that can only be matched by the elegance of Victorian furnishings and decor.
Victorian internal doors became a decorative feature of their own – one that was separate from the rest of the room. What started as transition points became a prominent feature of intricate detailing, quality materials, and design.
What are the Key Features of Victorian Internal Doors?
Ornate Carvings and Decorative Details
Majority of the Victorian internal doors have hand-crafted and carved details like scrollwork, flower motifs, and classic figures. If you look at these doors carefully, you will find the detailing along the edges of the doors and in the panelling. The skill and expertise of the craftsmen used in creating these doors are clearly visible. Many of the doors also feature pilasters, corbels, and capitals, which give off the impression of formality and elegance.
Inserts
Inserts play an important role in Victorian decor and architecture. The use of stained and etched glass is quite common, with vibrant colours, patterns, and artistry. Etched or stained glass allows privacy with a frosted effect – pretty florals and geometric designs.
Panels
Victorian internal doors often have four or more square or rectangular panels. These panels have decorative mouldings; some even have curved or arched panels to create depth and add visual interest.
Door Hardware
Door hardware in Victorian internal doors was as important as the design of the door. The hardware was ornate brass or cast iron – often used in door knobs, escutcheon plates, and keyholes. The patterns were usually inspired by Rococo and Classical styles with motifs.
Construction
The construction of Victorian doors is quite robust with high-quality wood used – mahogany, oak, and walnut. These doors have longevity because of the materials used in construction, lasting centuries. The rich appearance adds to the overall decor aesthetic.
How to Include Victorian Internal Doors in Today’s Architecture?
If you have a modern home, or a pseudo-Victorian home and want to include Victorian internal doors, here are a few ways you can achieve a classic look.
Bespoke Designs: Many interior decorators and door manufacturers in the UK offer Victorian-style doors with updated materials. If mahogany, oak, and walnut doors are too expensive, you can achieve a similar look with modern materials. Updated materials can also have soundproof features and heat and cold durability.
Salvaged Doors: There are quite a few places in the UK where you can find Victorian doors. These are mostly recovered from architectural salvage stores that get them from remodeled homes. You can refurbish and re-finish these doors to add a historical look and feel to your home.
Stained and Etched Glass: Add stained glass to your existing internal door with floral motifs to get a Victorian feel. You can customize the colours to match the overall theme of your house. You can add etched glass doors to complement your personal style.
