What Defines a Victorian Style Home?

Bold. Historical. Grand. Gothic. If asked to make a list of words that come to mind when describing Victorian architecture, these fit the bill. But why does Victorian architecture invoke such strong feelings? Perhaps it is the rich history behind the style, or the flamboyant designs themselves. Regardless of the reason, there is no doubt that Victorian style homes stand out and make an impression. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Victorian designs, highlight the key exterior and interior characteristics of Victorian homes, offer examples of the different variations of Victorian homes, and give advice for buying or renovating them.

The History of Victorian Architecture

One of the intriguing aspects of Victorian style architecture is that it took influence from several other styles. It began in the mid 1800’s during Queen Victoria’s reign, which is how the name came about. Initially, the architecture of that period was inspired by the Gothic Revival – a resurgence in medieval-themed buildings which showcased steep sloping roofs, vertical lines, and plenty of arches. This style brought a sense of grandeur to the buildings and was the epitome of luxury during that era.

Victorian architecture is diverse, because it soaked up influence from other styles and regions along the way. For example, some Victorian structures incorporated Italian-influenced features such as low-pitched roofs. This seems in direct contrast to the steeply sloped roofs of the initial Victorian designs, but it added a twist to the style. A few years later, French influence could be seen in Victorian designs by way of extra attic space and extravagant ironwork. This influence became very popular for Victorian homes in urban areas due to the extra storage space. When Queen Anne came into power in the 1870s, even more influence was added. Victorian home porch design began to incorporate very large, wrap-around porches and bolder, vibrant colors were used in the design. It was the Queen Anne era that ultimately became the most iconic in the Victorian period.

The cornerstone of the popularity of Victorian architecture was the ability to mass produce the various components that went into the structures. While the designs were beautiful and intricate, without mass production there would have been no way to build such structures at scale. Fortunately, the industrial revolution coincided with the Victorian period, allowing builders to have access to materials in high quantities and at a rate never seen before. This surge in the availability of materials, especially intricately designed materials, allowed Victorian buildings to spread like wildfire and gain popularity.

The history of Victorian architecture can be defined by a broad array of influences from multiple regions and time periods and a rise in technology that allowed for intricate designs in mass production. Without those two ingredients, we may not still be talking about Victorian style homes today.

Design Characteristics of Victorian Homes

When you see a Victorian style house, it stands out. There is nothing quite like a Victorian home, with all its grandiosity and unique architecture. In contrast to modern design, Victorian designs embrace bold colors and extravagant features, making them the opposite of minimalism.

Exterior Features

There are several key features of exterior Victorian architecture that define its style.

1. Asymmetrical Shapes: Rather than producing a symmetrical box, Victorian architects opted for peaks of differing heights across the structures. From pointed towers to arched doorways and windows, these differing peak heights change the eye level of the on-looker and almost force you to take your time when observing the structure.

2. Steeply Sloped Roofs: In addition to the arches and towers, Victorian designs often feature steeply sloped roofs in varying sections. These roof styles add to the asymmetrical effect but also have the functional benefit of promoting excellent rainwater runoff.

3. Bay Windows: Unlike modern designs that achieve a flat look, Victorian homes have bulges, nooks, and crannies everywhere. One of the aspects of the designs that help create this effect is the bay window. Often seen as part of a large turret or tower that spans multiple levels, bay windows in Victorian homes expand the interior and make the exterior pop out.

4. Wrap-Around Porches and Balconies: Perhaps the most popular and widely accepted feature of Victorian architecture is the wrap-around porch or balcony. While these porches originated in Victorian design, they are seen today in many different, non-Victorian style homes simply because they are a beautiful addition to any home.

5. Bold, Vibrant Colors: The color schemes used in the Victorian period vary, with neutral schemes dominating the early period and bold schemes dominating the later period. However, it was during this later period that Victorian architecture had hit its peak in popularity, so the bold schemes in use during that time are widely recognized as the defining colors of the period. Thus, in modern Victorian homes, we see the use of these bold colors more often than the neutral earth tones of the early period.

Interior Features

The grandeur of Victorian architecture is not dedicated solely to the exterior. Not to be outdone, Victorian home interiors boast intricate designs and extravagance.

1. Intricate Woodwork and Moldings: One of the hallmarks of the Victorian period was the ability to produce intricate woodwork at scale, thanks to the rise in machine technology during the industrial revolution. Architects certainly did not take this for granted, instead, they over-indulged in fancy trim and moldings with unique carvings that could only be mass produced through advanced machinery at the time. This led to an abundance of woodwork on the interior of Victorian homes and buildings and offered a level of luxury to the public that was once reserved for the super wealthy.

2. Bold Wallpapers: The wall décor of Victorian homes is a classic design feature that instantly invokes a sense of history and charm. These wallpapers featured bold colors and designs that were anything but subtle, often incorporating floral patterns or complex geometric designs.

3. Grand Staircases: Another classic Victorian feature, the grand staircase added a luxurious feel to any room. These staircases featured intricate woodwork in the posts and railings, and in the most luxurious homes, sometimes included stained glass windows and decorative nooks to enhance the grandeur. Prior to the Victorian period, large staircases had been reserved for the exterior of buildings, such as those seen in Roman times. But the Victorian period brought grand staircases to the interior, immediately raising the luxury appeal of the home or building.

4. Decorative Ceilings and Chandeliers: Just about every aspect of a Victorian structure could be classified as being “over-designed”, or in other words, extravagant. Ceilings during this era were no exception. After all, why waste space with a boring flat ceiling when the rest of the structure is bold? Architects certainly did not do such a thing, opting for ceilings decorated with textured plaster, tiles, and medallions. Chandeliers featured elaborate metalwork, drawing the eye upward and giving rooms a sense of elegance from the floor to the ceiling.

Types of Victorian Style Homes

Because the Victorian period lasted for nearly 100 years and was inspired by influences from various regions, there are many types of Victorian homes that can be classified by their original influence.

1. Gothic Style Victorian Homes: These homes took influence from the gothic revolution and mimic the architecture of gothic churches and castles. They feature pointed arches, towers, and arched windows. They’re often dark in color and lighting, giving them a true castle-like ambiance.

2. Italian Style Victorian Homes: The Italian influence on the Victorian period blended flatter roofs with the rest of the pointed features of gothic Victorian design. These homes would still feature arches and curves in abundance, but instead of peaked towers and steep rooflines they incorporate a flatter roof with more of a Mediterranean feel.

3. Shingle Style Victorian Homes: These homes feature a more simplified look than the traditional Victorian designs, utilizing wood shingles to cover almost the entire structure. These wood shingles are meant to age over time and create a rustic, natural look which differs from the heavily machined look of traditional Victorian design. While these homes stray from tradition, they still incorporate many of the features of the Victorian period, such as arches, steeped roofs, and wrap-around porches.

4. Queen Anne Style Victorian Homes: By far the most popular style of Victorian architecture and the one that had the most lasting impact, the Queen Anne Victorian era took influence from the gothic Victorian style and incorporated bold colors and lighting. This addition propelled the style to widespread popularity due to its light and airy feel. Wrap-around porches became a staple in the designs and beautiful interior wallpaper and curtains livened up the spaces that were once darker in tone during the gothic period.

How to Build a Victorian Home

When it comes Victorian home construction, extra attention to detail must be considered. These home styles are rich in history and culture, so it is important to work with a contractor who understands Victorian architecture. Working with an experienced Victorian custom home builder is essential to getting the desired visual aesthetic out of your home. The builder needs to understand the history of Victorian design in order to achieve the desired look.

Material selection is imperative to achieve the correct look. The builder should opt for materials such as reclaimed wood, vintage fixtures, and period-appropriate color schemes. Additionally, the builder should be well-versed in energy efficiency since Victorian designs are often difficult to heat and cool due to their high interior ceilings and large windows. A few tips to improve energy efficiency in Victorian homes are to use zoned heating, radiant floor heating, or mini-split air conditioning systems. And even though Victorian architecture dates back to the 1800s, your home’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems should be modern. Make sure your builder understands how to weave modern necessities into a traditional design without throwing off the aesthetics.

Lastly, make sure you thoroughly review all the different Victorian style home plans and choose the one that best suits your taste. Start by reviewing a large catalog of Victorian floorplans to determine features of each style that you like. Perhaps you will find a pre-built plan that gives you everything you’re looking for. However, if you tend to like bits and pieces of several styles, a custom Victorian home may be best for you. Building custom allows you to mix and match features from various pre-built plans to tailor your new home exactly to your desires.

Conclusion

Victorian homes offer a sense of timeless luxury, history, and culture. With influences from many different time periods and regions, Victorian architecture has a lot to offer. For those looking for something different than the sleek modern look, Victorian homes stand out for their bold curves and peaks and intricate features.