Choosing the Right Colors for Your Victorian Home

The Victorian period, which spanned from 1837 to 1901, was a time of great change and innovation in architecture. Characterized by intricate details and ornamental features, homes built during this era are unmistakable by their grandeur and splendor. If you’re lucky enough to own a Victorian home, you may be wondering how to update the exterior while still honoring the roots of its design. This article will explore the traditional color schemes used in Victorian homes and provide tips on how to modernize them while keeping their original charm.

History of Victorian Homes

The Victorian era was so-named after the British monarch, Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901. During this period, a number of architectural styles were popular, including the Gothic Revival, Second Empire, and Queen Anne. These homes featured ornamental features such as terraces, porches, and bays. They were often constructed from brick, stone, or wood and featured elaborate detailing, such as moldings and trims.

Traditional Victorian House Colors

The traditional Victorian house colors were usually dark and saturated, such as olives, browns, greens, dark reds, and maroons. These colors were used to create a three-color palette, with lighter shades of yellow, green, and tan providing contrast. Black windows were also a popular feature, as they were meant to create a “hole” in the facade.

Bringing Your Home Up to Date

If you’re looking to update the exterior of your Victorian home, there are a few things you can do to modernize the look while still honoring its history. Increasing contrast is a great way to give your home a more contemporary feel. Choose a main color from the traditional palette and then use lighter and brighter colors to make it pop. Bold and saturated accents, such as navy blue or dark green, can also be used to add depth and dimension.

When selecting new colors for your home, it’s important to choose shades that are in the same family as the traditional style but lighter. This will help to create a more subtle and cohesive look. You can also choose to add a few modern touches, such as a light gray trim or a muted pastel door.

Conclusion

Updating the exterior of a Victorian home can be a daunting task, but done right, it can be an effective way to bring the house into the modern era while still honoring its roots. By understanding the traditional color schemes used in Victorian homes and incorporating modern touches such as bold and saturated accents, you can create a look that is both timeless and unique.