Country Victorian homes were vacation homes with a relaxing atmosphere.
Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1910. Victorian style was lush and elegant, featuring ornate accessories and heavy materials. However, when Victorian citizens went on vacation or retreated to the countryside, their tastes changed a bit. This style, called Country Victorian, is similar to Victorian but is more light and airy in its presentation. Country Victorian is a popular choice for bedroom decoration due the relaxing, laid-back feel it emanates.
Instructions
1. Decide on a color palette that suits the Country Victorian look. First, understand that this look is inspired by Victorians' seaside vacation homes and cottages, so whimsical, sea-inspired shades are the way to go. Begin with pastel shades such as pinks, sky blue, sea foam or mint green, peach or canary yellow. Pair these pastels with a darker, natural shade like forest green, mauve and indigo, but keep darker colors sparse in your decorating.
2. Decorate the walls. Bright white or pastel walls work perfectly in order to capture sunlight in the room. If you are looking for something more dramatic, you can also opt for wallpaper, which was always in style for Victorians. If you do decide on wallpaper, avoid a dark shade. Instead, find a wallpaper with a pastel or white background and a complimentary light foreground.
3. Purchase linens, or buy fabrics to make your own. If selecting patterns, choose rich, heavy, ornate patterns featuring stripes or scalloped designs in the classic Victorian style that keep with your color palette Floral patterns were also popular. Fabric printed with whimsical scenes will preserve the vacation home look you're trying to achieve. If purchasing nonpatterned materials, avoid typical Victorian fabrics such as velvet or silk. Since Country Victorian homes were in the country or served as vacation homes, the fabrics were much lighter and airy. Lace, chintz, cotton and gauze are all suitable substitutes. Lace and gauze are especially good for window treatments because of how freely they let sunlight pour in. A simple white quilt can work as a bedspread.
4. Decorate with rustic furniture typical of the period. Armoires, bedside tables and dressers with a grained wood finish, and seating upholstered with a light embroidered fabric, overstuffed and plump, would work perfectly. Wicker furniture is another option.
5. Find accessories to tie the room together. Country Victorian is all about comfort and a slight clutter, so throws, pillows and rugs embellished with embroidery would add an cozy feel. Antique pieces, knickknacks and Victorian prints throughout the room will create an authentic feel. If you want to keep with the seaside theme, pebbles and seashells can work nicely as accessories. When choosing lamps, consider glass oil lamps that fit your color scheme.
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