Taking Modern to the Victorian Age: Mixing Modern Style with Classic Architecture

A Victorian-inspired living room with modern touches and hardwood floors.

If you live in or are considering buying a Victorian home and want to blend your modern taste with classic architecture, here is some inspiration to set you on your way.  Don’t let your home’s architecture dictate how it should be furnished.  In fact, decorating a Victorian or otherwise older home in a modern style sets the stage for a stylish contrast.

A yellow victorian house blending modern style and classic architecture.
Just because your home looks like this on the outside, doesn’t mean you have to follow suit on the inside (Mansion on Main, Smithfield, Virginia USA. Photo by Kelly Nichols)
A living room with blue and red furniture, mixing modern style with classic architecture.
Blending modern with classic architecture (imgkid)
Mixing modern style with classic architecture in a living room with couches and a fireplace.
Fresh color helps blend modern with classic (Houzz)
A modern living room with a black couch and yellow ottoman, blending classic architecture.
Modern taste mixes with classic architecture (locationpartnership)

Crown moldings, high ornate ceilings, heavily carved mantelpieces, wainscoting and hardwood floors are the epitome of Victorian architectural style.  You don’t have to get rid of this quality craftsmanship to achieve a modern look.  Simply use paint to update.

A living room with modern furniture and a large mirror, incorporating Victorian elements.
Quality craftsmanship of classic architecture doesn’t have to be destroyed to enjoy a modern space (Pinterest)
A living room with a fireplace taking modern to the Victorian age.
Modern furniture blends with the classic architecture of this home (creatf)
A living room with blue chair and bookshelves blending modern style and classic architecture.
A modern style meets classic architecture (anitabrowndesignstudio)

To keep the space on a more modern keel, paint the walls and trim all one color or stick to neutral shades.  Victorians loved their dark colors.  Lighten things up with softer, brighter colors for a more modern appeal.

Mixing Modern Style with Classic Architecture in a Victorian-inspired living room.
A light gray paint opens up the space and helps the moldings blend (homedit)
Mixing Modern Style with Classic Architecture: A living room with white furniture and a chandelier.
A seamless melding of old and new (freshome)
A Victorian-inspired living room featuring blue furniture and a chandelier, blending modern style with classic architecture.
A blending of modern with classic architecture (betterdeco.BlogSpot)

Refresh and update the space with modern furniture for a truly unique and inspired look.  To blend in a few antique pieces with more modern, reupholster them in contemporary painterly fabrics or geometrics, or paint them in fresh colors.  Top off antique chests and tables with modern sculpture, accessories and lamps.  Hang modern mirrors or artwork on the wall behind an antique chest.  Pair an antique table with acrylic chairs.

An upholstered chaise lounge in front of a painted wall, combining modern style with classic architecture.
Update a classic with modern painterly fabric (telegraph.co.uk, John Lewis Armchair)
A living room with a fireplace and pictures on the wall, blending modern style with classic architecture.
Modern furniture and artwork enhance this traditional space (decoist)
A living room with modern furniture.
Modern fabrics bring antique furniture up to date (futurehomedecorating)
A living room blending modern style with classic architecture.
A modern vibe accents this classic home (en-paperblog)

Bringing together modern style with classic architectural elements is eclectic, edgy and chic.  Never let the style of a home dictate your taste.  Adapt and enjoy the space.  Bring a modern vibe to the Victorian age by seamlessly blending the styles.

 

 

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