When you think of a Victorian home, you probably envision an ornate house with high ceilings, grand architecture, and contrasting colors. A Victorian-style house, however, is much more than just beautiful architecture. It has its own distinct and timeless characteristics, such as wrought iron works, designed to impress the occupants and the neighbors.
Victorian homes are among the most classic and eye-catching home designs. While its distinct style does not need a major architectural overhaul, with a few key improvements, including an installation of decorative wrought iron works, you can transform your home into a classical, refined experience.
In this article, we’ll look at what a Victorian home is, some of its defining features, and how you can complement your residence’s design with stunning exterior elements such as wrought iron works.
Continue reading below to learn more about how to compliment your Victorian home design with Orange County iron works.
What is Victorian Home Design?
A Victorian home is not so much a style of architecture as it is a representation of a specific era. Despite being named after Queen Victoria, the style is much more influenced by the Industrial Revolution.
Manufacturing and transportation advancements enabled builders to access higher-quality materials, realize more complex, decorative designs, and use colored paints on buildings for the first time.
Although Victorian houses were first built in England during Queen Victoria’s reign over the United Kingdom and its colonies from 1837 to 1901, the British Empire’s vast reach at the time allowed the architectural style to flourish throughout the world. As British architects traveled to the colonies to capitalize on business opportunities, they brought the Victorian style with them.
However, as building materials and preferences changed, the architectural style began to evolve. Although strong examples of the Victorian style can be found today in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the houses are all quite different from one another.
What are the Design Features of a Victorian Home?
For over two centuries, Victorian homes have captured the hearts of architecture lovers. Behind those dollhouse-like exteriors, however, there is much more than meets the eye. This architectural style has several distinct variations, all of which deserve careful consideration.
While the Victorian style is best known for its colorful, ornate facades, there are a few defining features that unite this architectural style.
Here are some of the distinguishing characteristics of a Victorian home design:
Sash Windows
Victorian homes are known for their distinctively designed windows, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In the first and second stories, they are frequently sash or bay windows with arches and decorative panels. Eyebrow windows with curved shapes are common in Victorian homes. Stained glass is also used as a design feature in some.
Grand Architecture
The majority of Victorian-style houses are built in close proximity to other properties and on small plots of land. Despite their narrow width, these houses are often three stories tall and imposing, with textured wall surfaces that make them stand out. The massive, wraparound porch is one of the most distinguishing elements of Victorian architecture.
Unique Layout
High ceilings, carved woodwork, archways, and, of course, chandeliers are common features of Victorian homes. The dining room is always decorated in a formal theme, the library is stacked with books, and the living room has a large fireplace in the center. Not to mention the massive tasseled draperies that hang from ceiling to floor.
How to Compliment Your Victorian Home Design with Wrought Iron
If you’ve decided that a Victorian home is right for you, you may wonder how to highlight these homes’ unique features. Luckily, with a few of these Orange County ironworks features, you can add variety to your Victorian home.
Victorian Style Door
The entrance to your home sends a strong message. It can not only convey an air of elegance or comfort, but it can also inspire guests with its beauty and vibrancy. Choosing a wrought iron door is a great way to adorn your doorway while also improving the overall look of your home. Adding a wrought iron door also significantly improves its aesthetic appeal while also adding beauty and value.
Victorian Style Porch
Victorian homes are distinguished by a deep front entry porch, ideally with an overhang and wrought iron railings. This greatly enhances the grandiose nature of your home.
Victorian Style Iron Gate
Wrought iron gates are well-known for their durability. The great thing about wrought iron gates is that they do not require a lot of care or upkeep to keep them looking beautiful for many years. You can be confident that your wrought iron gates will be in good condition for many years to come if you follow the steps outlined in this article.
Victorian Style Staircase
If you want to improve the decor and overall ambiance of your Victorian home, consider thinking outside the box, being a little unconventional, and installing a wrought iron spiral staircase. The advantages are numerous in terms of space, efficiency, and aesthetics, but if you truly want to replace or add to an existing staircase in your home, a wrought iron staircase should be one of your options.
Update Your Home Design with Wrought Iron Works From Naddour’s Custom Metal Works
The Victorian style is as diverse as any other type of design, but there is no denying the classic themes that run through all of them. Most notably, Victorian homes can be spectacular if you know what you’re looking for.
Do you want to renovate the exterior of your home? Look no further than Naddour’s Custom Metalworks, the number one choice for iron works in Orange County CA.
At Naddour’s Custom Metalworks, we believe that every home should have a personal touch. Our wrought iron works are a perfect style, size, and shape to complement your home and add to its opulence for years to come.
We design, fabricate and install wrought iron features that create a one-of-a-kind visual appearance and atmosphere that will provide years of use and unrivaled durability to your home.
To learn more about our decorative wrought iron works and set up a free consultation to learn how we can help renovate the exterior of your home, contact us at 714-546-3003 at Naddour’s Custom Metal Works today!