Use a mix of patterns and textures to create a modern look
If you're looking to modernise your Victorian living room, try mixing up the patterns and textures to stand out and stimulate. This year, there’s a growing trend for boldly expressive designs with bright walls, patterned wallpaper and colour-clashing textiles. Confirming the shift towards brighter hues, Head of Design at My Bespoke Room Lucy Henderson says, ‘Expect to see more paprika and terracotta walls compared to cold blues and greys that have been so popular up to now.’ Refreshing your colour palette and introducing print can breathe new life into your space without losing any character.
Opt for modern furniture in Victorian homes
Victorian homes are adored for their distinctive spaciousness, height and windows – features which, despite maintenance issues, still draw people to them. While these elements are huge draws, it’s not necessary to create a Victorian scene in your own living room in order to do the property’s structure justice. If you’d like to pay homage to the heritage of your home but don’t want to be stuck in the past, scour antique markets, Ebay and beyond for one-of-a-kind pieces to upcycle. If you’re ready for a big change, embrace the beauty of contrast and select contemporary pieces that draw your attention – they don’t have to match or fit in with your space, they just have to feel right. We love the simplicity, freshness and elegance of Cox & Cox’s new season range.
Play with monochrome
Monochrome is a key colour for traditional Victorian living room design. The classic look of this era is all about black, white or grey furniture and accessories that blend together to create one cohesive look. To embrace this tradition while stepping into the future, we recommend introducing small touches that integrate this colour scheme without committing to it entirely. For example, choose a mirror with black framing to draw on the theme and enhance the sense of natural light and space in the room.
Use wooden tiles to add warmth to your design
Instead of opting for traditional carpeting, try using hardwood or wood floor tiles. This will create a warm atmosphere and make your room feel like home and create a sense of comfortability without breaking the bank. To find out more about wooden tiles and how to select them for your living room, read Porcelain Superstore's deep dive on how to select wood effect tiles.
Open up your living area
If you’re looking for a more dramatic renovation plan to modernise your Victorian property, knocking down a wall and opening up your kitchen and living area can be a fantastic option. What’s more, removing an internal wall to create an open plan kitchen and living space is an almost guaranteed way to add value to your home. Book a free advice call with us to talk through your ideas and see what’s possible with your home and budget.
Add indoor plants to your Victorian home
Adding indoor plants to your home is a great way to add natural elements and inject some life into your living room. Plants can also help improve air quality, reduce stress, and make you feel happier. It’s also a great opportunity to add some character to the room and choose plant pots that reflect your personal sense of style.
If you want to take your decorating skills even further, explore our portfolio and get ideas for how we can help make your home feel fresh and new without losing its heritage charm.
