Tag Archives: design

Blending Timeless Victorian Fashion with Modern Trends

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It’s hard to escape the considerable influence of the Victorian era in fashion. Its enduring popularity is visible at Steampunk Festivals around the country where people of all ages enjoy dressing up in full Victorian attire. Fashion has always been inviting to trends from the past and the Victorian age with its depth and range of styles is welcomed more than other eras, not just for elaborate dressing up costumes but as a classic everyday look. Victorian fashion is still popular today and with the basics woven into new modern designs, you can create a timeless look which can be adapted, updated and re-invented to suit any situation.

Updating Victorian Style

Re-invention is what fashion is all about and hints of Victorian style crop up in modern design time and again. If you are looking for dressy wear that makes you look classy and elegant, the combination of modern trends with classic styles is never out of fashion. Victorian fashion lends itself particularly well to the style of older women. Fitted blouses with long sleeves and high necks will flatter your figure while at the same time covering your neck and upper arms. The joy of blending fashion styles from different eras is that in this case you can drop the matching bustle. Instead, you can indulge in Victorian style but with a contemporary twist and wear an embroidered or lace trimmed shirt with a pair of classic straight leg trousers for an elegant and yet modern look..

Cut From the Same Cloth

Victorian clothes were limiting with tight corsets, bustles and cage crinolines. The voluminous skirts, although popular and striking, were uncomfortable, impractical and very restrictive. Thankfully, with the invention of lycra and less rigid ideas of the ideal figure, corsets are no longer necessary (unless you love the Steampunk look, of course!). However, there is no doubt that Victorian fashion still inspires our style today and some of if its most enduring elements, the luxurious materials and intricate decoration, are easily added to a modern wardrobe. A tailored velvet jacket in rich tones will give an ordinary outfit a dramatic Victorian look and even the simple addition of a black lace choker can add an element of Gothic 19th century style.

Inspired by Victorian Classics

At the recent Fashion Weeks in London and Paris, fitted blazers combined masculine and feminine aspects of Victorian fashion and John Galliano’s designs were inspired by the 1900s set novel Picnic at Hanging Rock. The white pinafore dresses decorated with pearl, similar in style to the recently revived prairie dress, are perfect for a hot summer but with the winter approaching, now might be a better time to invest in a long dress coat, soft leather gloves and lace up ankle boots, an enduring, classic Victorian style and perfect for a long country walk in the snow.

Combining Victorian influences with today’s fashion creates classic, timeless style for all ages. The echoes of the past are threaded throughout every era of fashion so by combining them with up to date style and practicality, you can pay tribute to the style of the Victorian era without compromise.

Incorporating Smart Tech Into That Classic Victorian Design

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The overall theme for a Victorian home is ornate and lavish with a desire for decorations, some dating back to the 1800s. Since then, builders have worked tirelessly to design fancier ways to add ornamentation and decor that is relevant to changing times. The introduction of information technology towards the end of the 20th century opened possibilities for exchanging information between people, appliances and systems, possibilities that are still under exploration.

The smart home is the latest trend in innovative home technology, and it puts the safety and control of your entire home at your fingertips. With the internet of things (IoT) concept becoming a more visible and accessible option, you can transform your house and still keep that Victorian design and theme intact. Upon installation, you would be able to remotely control common aspects such as security, lighting, doors and temperature. Making your home smart could also raise the value of your Victorian house considerably.

Wireless or wired?

“When transforming your Victorian home, it is advisable to use wireless technology,” Andy Stanford-Clark, head of IoT department at IBM told the Guardian. By so doing, you will be causing minimal disturbance and damage to your decorations. In case you encounter problems with signals, you can opt for mesh controllers such as ZigBee because they offer better coverage. In addition, smart lighting systems for the home can be mounted on the wall plates, which can then be customised to look like a traditional switch that matches the exact theme of your interior. If you have to install a wired system, it is advised that you do it when other renovations are done, such as an energy retrofit. You can also snake a wire through the floor joists, though it could be more expensive.

Old heating and smart locks

The difficulty with older homes is that rooms tend to vary in temperature, but you can overshadow that by having smart heating sensors monitoring each room’s temperature and comparing it to external weather from a weather website or an outside sensor. If your home uses storage heaters, purchase a disguise adaptor that sits between the wall socket and the plug of your appliance. When it comes to smart locks, you do not have to destroy your doors and windows. “We had a gorgeous antique door that we did not want to cut into to install the new smart locks. We got a keyless entry system that sits on the top and replaced the deadbolt on the interior, and it works perfectly.,” said Christian Roehl, owner of Incommand Systems.

That 100-year-old house with stunning decor, high ceilings and ornate chandeliers is beautiful, but if it does not feature technology that makes your life easier, then it needs some adjustments. The goal is to install smart technology while maintaining the overall Victorian look. “The good news is that everyday technology is becoming more wireless and devices are getting smaller,” claimed Dan Diclerico, a smart home strategist for HomeAdvisor. He says that internet signals, with the help of WIFI boosters, are overcoming barriers, making installation of smart devices less invasive.

Plants And Fish That Bring Life To Victorian Homes

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If you own a Victorian style home, you likely want a decor that matches the period design of your home. When it comes to decorations that bring life to a home, you may wonder what clashes with the time period your home represents, and what matches. Aquariums are a classic addition to Victorian homes and match the upholstery just as much today. Wisteria and jasmine, classic climbing plant life, are also classic imagery around Victorian homes both new and old.

Cradle graves for interior design

Cradle graves, a name for potted or container-held plants, are a classic staple of Victorian design. Victorian design reached many points across the world, and in colonial America in particular, cradle graves were said to be especially numerous around Victorian styled homes. The fact that these plants are meant for planters means they’re easy to add to the interior of your home, brightening up rooms and adding new colors with a variety of different plant life.

Add vines and climbing plants to the exterior

If you’re thinking about the outside of your home, climbing plants like spreading wisteria are classic Victorian design elements. Wisteria tends to support itself with the walls and fences of Victorian homes and can be a great way to cover an otherwise bland side of your home’s exterior. Another popular vine that can match a Victorian home’s exterior is jasmine. A combination of the two can bring colorful purples and standout whites to a garden around your home.

Aquariums and Victorian design

If you’re more interested in the wildlife you can bring into your home, know that aquariums and Victorian homes have a long and storied history. Many Victorian homes had and have elaborate aquariums to show off exotic fish and aquatic pets. William Alford Lloyd was the first professional aquarist and popularized the idea of aquariums in Victorian homes across England. To him, oysters, lobsters, and exotic fish were all worthy additions to a Victorian home.

Victorian homes are rich with history, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be bustling with a variety of living things as well. Vines and climbing plants like wisteria and jasmine are classic additions to any Victorian home. Aquariums are also an idea that Victorian era noblemen made their own, and match the storied design of these homes.  And cradle graves, or potted plants, have been used to add color to Victorian home interiors for more than two centuries now.

Interior Design Tips: How to Make Your Home Welcoming and Cozy

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Regardless of whether you are trying to make your guests feel welcome, or you wish to create space where you can curl up after a busy day, interior design is the key. Find out what you need to change and where you need to look for comfort and coziness.

First things first – start with the entrance

With an inviting entrance, you will set the mood for those coming to your home. An entryway clear of clutter and debris is a good start. Colorful door with a stylish knob, a handle, and a knocker will make a good start. Some of the most widespread colors, apart from natural wood color, are blue, green, and red. Floral wreath, flower planters, seasonal garden décor, or fun welcoming signs are a nice addition.

Meet expectations for your hallway

A nice entrance will raise the bar and set high expectations for the hallway. Even though it is often overlooked, the hallway deserves some of your attention. Carefully select the furniture, minding the size of the room. Narrow tall furniture is the best choice for smaller spaces. Perhaps shoe cabinets have some advantage over shoe racks as they look tidier. If you have a staircase in the hallway, utilize the space underneath it. Add a comfortable sitting area, an armchair or a bench. Accentuate one of the walls with a mural, colorful wallpaper, or selection of your family photos and paintings.

Select the right materials

Once you are in the house, your first impression is created by the materials, namely what walls and floors are made of. Wood is your best choice for creating a warm atmosphere. It is also favored by the current trends. Speaking of trends and warmth, all-natural materials are an excellent choice. Try using leather, fur, wool, and cotton. Choose soft fabrics for the upholstery and fluffy throws to make straight lines smooth.

Pay attention to the layout

The furniture in your home should be arranged in such manner to allow enough space for maneuvering. If your home is small, leave only essential pieces and create minimalistic space, rather than using every inch of it. Focus on curves and soft edges. If you prefer modern furniture with strict lines, use rugs, throws, cushions, and mats to soften them. While there should be traffic space, you still need to keep your furniture close enough to encourage conversation and the sense of togetherness.

Set up the lighting

Each time of the day requires specific lighting. Stay energized throughout the day by allowing as much natural light as possible. In addition to your windows, you can add light tubes, roof windows, and skylights. Use window treatments to change the color of the light coming in and make it look warm even on a gloomy day. Light orange curtains can create this effect for you. Nightfall calls for mood lights. Several lamps, candles, or a fire space can do wonders.

Don’t paint it black

Without a doubt, warm color pallets are the right choice for a snug home. This does not mean that you should paint your entire home yellow and orange. In fact, professionals from ASAP Sydney Painters will tell you to choose warm neutrals such as beige, light peach, light brown etc. You can use different hues of the neutral color of your choice throughout the entire house. Make it more exciting with accent colors used on certain architectural, as well as decorative pieces.

Little things that matter

Paying attention to detail will make all the difference. First of all, make sure you keep your home tidy and clutter-free. Indoor plants filter the air and evoke serenity. Add greenery and floral patterns to your home. Be careful with florals as they can get too much and be tacky. Perhaps, adding dried flowers and some pine cones can do the trick. Personalize space and use quirky accents and centerpieces. We will again emphasize the importance of using cushions, throws, and blankets on coziness.

Make sure that if you use these tips, you also incorporate yourself into them. Don’t follow design trends blindly but ask yourself how you feel about them. Essentially, you and the members of your family, are the ones creating the atmosphere in your home. No interior designer can change the effect you have on your home.

Nursery Design Help

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Your baby is on the way and you still haven’t finished designing a nursery? There’s no reason for panic, you can have a comfortable and stylish nursery in no time. With just a few trendy and practical ideas, you’ll design a stimulating and chic environment for your new family member.

In with the crib

When designing a nursery, you’ll have a lot of opportunities for DIY projects, improvisation and more affordable details, but the crib should definitely be an investment piece. Don’t hesitate to spend a bit more on a high-quality crib because your little one will be using it for the years to come. You can even find a crib that converts to a toddler bed, which is quite practical solution. You need to ensure that the crib you picked meets all the safety requirements and standards. Additionally, make sure to get a high-quality mattress that will provide your baby’s back with the right support. Afterwards, you can experiment with bedding and design that will fit the general style of the room.

The changing table is next in line

Since you’ll be changing your baby quite frequently, having a changing table will save you a lot of trouble. If you’re buying a freestanding changing table, find a multifunctional one that can be used for storing toys later on. For a small nursery, a changing top is a great solution because it can be attached to any dresser. Once you’ve found a changing table that meets your needs, make sure to equip it with all the essentials like diapers, wipes, lotions, changing pad covers, etc.

Storage to the rescue

Despite their tininess, you’ll realise soon enough that your little person needs lots of stuff. So, unless you want to trip every time you enter the nursery, you need to add plenty of storage. Depending on the size of the room, you have a range of different options, from wall shelves, to closets, to bins and baskets. The most practical solution is opting for multifunctional furniture. For example, you can buy a crib with drawers at the bottom, or a window seat with a storage compartment.

Don’t forget to treat yourself

Since you’ll spend a lot of sleepless nights and days in the nursery, then it’s only fair that you get something for yourself – a comfortable nursery chair. However, you don’t have to stick to a plain design, but choose a chair that will reflect your personal style. For example, Coco Republic offers a lot of comfortable and trendy options, ranging from lounge and reading chairs, to comfy chaise lounges.

Stylish décor

There’s no reason why your baby’s nursery can’t be stylish. There are a lot of nursery trends that all interior design enthusiasts are introducing into their own homes. Nature-inspired décor is extremely popular because it brings a sense of serenity and tranquillity, so you can decorate your nursery with big florals, mountains, cacti, leaves and animals. The hot hues are Greenery, Pantone’s colour of the year, gold rose and a neutral palette of muted tones, while bolder hues can be used for accent details.

When it comes to ideas for using these trends in your nursery, just follow your imagination. You can use these designs for decorative details, introduce them through art, add both style and depth by using soft fabrics, or transform one wall into a work of art.

DIY artwork

Your child’s environment can greatly influence their development, so why not surround them with beautiful and stimulating artwork. And what’s better way to spark your child’s creativity than being creative yourself? Do you want to pass your love for music to your child? Just frame vintage sheet music of your favourite song. You can also transform fabric leftovers into letters and then decorate your kid’s room with alphabet.

In just a few steps, you’ll design a perfect nursery for your baby. All you need to do is pick quality furniture, and use décor trends and imagination to add style to a comfortable room.