Modern Victorian Design

My design style is ever evolving. Something I’ve been obsessed with lately is what I can only call “Modern Victorian.” Elements of this style are becoming increasingly popular as of late and I’m regularly seeing them pop up all over the internet, especially on Pinterest.

What is Modern Victorian? While I don’t think there is yet, or will ever be, a set definition, I believe it to be the bold drama of traditional Victorian interiors, mixed with modern touches. This could mean bold colors, heavy drapes, ornate molding, tufted furniture, elaborate chandeliers–each of these elements–mixed with something lighter and more modern. The modern side may be lighter colors, whimsical wallpaper, industrial furniture, abstract light fixtures or wall art, mid-century patterns, or boho accent pieces–modern details that would not have existed during Victorian times; Victorian stripped down & dressed up again.

This space boasts dark, daring walls, a regal & dramatic gold mirror, & Victorian-style light fixtures. On the lighter side sits this English yellow tufted sofa with a modern edge design, a crisp white ceiling & fireplace, & two modern-look tables.

This foyer encompasses all the spunk that modern Victorian design can be. Funky, heavily detailed turquoise columns, an abstract light fixture, and black & white marbled diamond tile, all sharing space with a traditional Victorian staircase, antique crystal knob-embellished front door, & true-to-the-time stained glass windows.

This space–more Modern than Victorian–the dramatic pink fireplace surround jumps out of the contrasted midnight walls. Several gold-rimmed frames sit shelved to the right, and a mid-century-modern cow-print chair rests below. Modern metal pieces such as the brass pineapples & wall décor, as well as cactus plant & light fixtures make this space a boho-chic dream.

A teal wall featuring antique photos in ornate gold frames.

These bright bubblegum pink walls modernize this obviously Victorian space. A Victorian era tufted chair & ornate, dramatic molding throughout ground this room to its Victorian roots. Overall, a shabby chic style has emerged through light colors, antique & distressed pieces, and lost of fancy, Victorian flare.

A lavish tablescape , overflowing with dramatic black taper candles propped up onto antique silver candlesticks, surrounded by roses and hints of gold, set on a shabby & rustic farmhouse table.

Ornate crown molding, an authentic brick fireplace, & emerald green, velvety Victorian-style chairs are the most obvious features of this room. With a closer look, one notices a whimsical wrought-iron canopy bed, heavy-duty drapes, & a French mirrored armoire–all elements of a Modern Victorian space.