Elevate Your Victorian Terrace: Top Design Trends for a Stylish Update

Discover the latest interior design trends that are bringing contemporary style to century-old homes.

Bristol's cityscape is teaming with Victorian architecture and influence. During the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837-1901, rapid population growth saw the building of millions of homes, including an abundance of terraces. These recognisable properties adorn our suburbs and are have become more desirable than ever. With high ceilings, charming period features and bags of versatility, we have a particular soft spot for these terraced beauties.

In honour of this architectural icon, we’ve rounded up 5 interior design trends that lend themselves perfectly to the quintessential Victorian terrace.

1. Panelling

During the 50s and 60s, many homeowners committed the cardinal sin of ripping out original features, from ornate cornicing to feature fireplaces. While we're all for making your home work for you, we can't help but feel a little heartbroken by how many period features were lost through harsh attempts at modernisation. If your terrace was a victim of period feature-stripping, don't despair! 

These desirable features are again being treated with the care and respect they deserve, with designers restoring original details and recreating them in a sympathetic style. The rising popularity of DIY panelling is an example of this resurgence and is an easy way to add character to your home. 

A gorgeous example of bedroom panelling, @thehouseofwaffle uses a board and batten design to create a cosy, cottagecore-inspired room. For a more minimalist aesthetic, opt for decorative moulding which looks great running along hallways and staircases. With endless online tutorials and made-to-measure panelling kits available, this trend is a relatively simple and cost-effective way to decorate your Victorian home.

2. Painted woodwork

Painted woodwork and trims are on the rise and we're here for it. Gone are the days of painting every single skirting board brilliant white - colour is claiming its place. Previously overlooked, skirting boards, doors, and bannisters are brilliant places to inject some serious style. Dark colours create a contemporary look and contrast perfectly with pale or neutral walls. For a more understated approach, use a tonal palette and paint your trims a shade lighter or darker than your walls.

@lucywilliamshome hallway is a beautiful example of how painted woodwork can make a space feel larger, ideal for narrow Victorian entryways and landings. Colour is also a great way to highlight original features and bring attention to those beautiful Victorian details that we love.

3. Colour drenching

We can't mention paint without talking about the hottest trend of the moment, colour drenching. This refers to painting a room top-to-toe in one colour and is a clever way of making small spaces feel bigger. While this trend can be a little intimidating, it's worth taking the plunge! 

@archsirizanelli's stunning Victorian home has been completely transformed by her bold use of colour drenching and retro-inspired styling. The deep tangerine tones of the walls are reflected in the orange velvet sofa and wooden detailing, creating a cohesive and curated aesthetic.

4. Layered lighting

Whether your Victorian terrace has been renovated and extended, or it retains its original dimensions, you're likely to have a dark corner or two in need of illumination. Layered lighting sees a move away from a single, statement pendant light in favour of multiple lights of varying sizes. For example, a cluster light above your dining table paired with an oversized floor lamp and a small, warming table light.

It's well known that lighting can affect the mood and atmosphere of a home, but it can also help to designate different functions to different spaces. If you have a home office set up in the corner of your spare room, a carefully placed wall light can keep you focused during work hours, whilst a soft, diffused bedside lamp will create a calming ambience for any overnight guests.

@simshilditch's design for a Victorian townhouse includes the use of multiple pendant lights to separate the dining and kitchen spaces. Similarly, Jessi Roberts-Harris of Fern Interiors embraces layered lighting with an amber glass lamp placed beneath her alcove light, offering different lighting levels for different moods and seasons.

5. Crittal-style doors and windows

Undeniably stylish, Crittal-style doors and windows are inspired by the British steel window manufacturer that first introduced this iconic design. The industrial style, angular grid patterns, and sleek dark frames synonymous with Crittal are a perfect complement to Victorian interiors. 

There’s something beautiful about the contrast between a period property and the contemporary, almost brutalist quality of the Crittal style. Asides from aesthetics, the slim metal frames and floor-to-ceiling design of Crittal-style windows and doors can increase the flow of natural light and brighten up dark spaces.

Rider Stirland used Crittal windows in their Putney Pantry House project to open up the side-return extension to the garden. The shaker style kitchen provides a traditional style contrast to the impressive doors and windows, whilst the terracotta pavers extend into the garden, seamlessly connecting the indoors with out. 

Discover more with Boardwalk Insiders

Join us for a video tour of Jewellery designer Hannah's carefully curated Victorian home. From the impressive high ceilings to the unique layout (thanks partly to the property’s previous use as a pop-up restaurant), Hannah gives us her top tips for achieving her eclectic style.