Historical Overview:

Coinciding with the Industrial Revolution, this style was named after Queen Victoria of England. The Queen was an enthusiastic amateur artist and decorator. She personally designed her palace at Balmoral using light wood tones with pale blue and green accents. She was also sure to use plenty of glass to let natural light in. This may not sound Victorian because the interiors that are typically seen today have been dominated by machine-made wood workings that are dark and somber in color tones with heavy graining. More popular themes for the Victorian era include medieval motifs such as stylized floral patterns, filigree; lancet arched windows and leaded glass panes.

Cabinetry/Millwork:

Heavy dark woods are commonly used such as mahogany, blackened oak, walnut, satinwood or rosewood. Raised panel doors, multiple panel doors, heavily stacked moldings and hand-carved appliqués or inlays would be appropriate.

Hardware:

While ceramic or marble can be used, you will typically see ornate polished brass.

Countertops:

Ceramic tile, granite, and wood are all appropriate.

Colors:

Golden tones along with olive green, black and burgundy can be used. Very dark, low intensity colors are key.

Surfaces:

• Floors:
  Limestone, terrazzo and vinyl with patterns help to recreate this style.
• Walls:
  Wall coverings of heavy materials with historical or exotic themes would be appropriate.
• Ceilings:
  You would typically see the ceilings painted down the walls a ways to a molding that was used to hang pictures so as not to damage the walls.

Accents:

Elaborate curved cabinet styling with intricately detailed furniture and heavy fabric window treatments can all be used.