17 Victorian Houses with the Decorative Details That Define the Era
17 Victorian Houses with the Decorative Details That Define the Era
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Victorian architecture is known for its ornate and intricate details, and nothing exemplifies this more than the decorative elements found on Victorian houses. From ornate trim work to colorful paint schemes, Victorian homes are a feast for the eyes and a window into the opulent style of the era.
Here are 17 Victorian houses with the decorative details that define the era:
1. Gingerbread trim: One of the most recognizable features of Victorian houses is the intricate scrollwork known as gingerbread trim. This ornate detailing, often found on porches, eaves, and gables, adds a whimsical touch to the exterior of a home.
2. Bay windows: Bay windows were a popular architectural feature in Victorian homes, adding depth and dimension to the facade. These oversized windows often featured stained glass or decorative woodwork.
3. Turrets: Turrets were a common design element in Victorian homes, adding a fairytale-like quality to the architecture. These towers were often adorned with intricate trim work and decorative shingling.
4. Spindlework: Victorian houses often featured decorative spindlework on porches, staircases, and balconies. These intricate patterns added a touch of elegance to the home’s exterior.
5. Stained glass: Stained glass was a popular decorative feature in Victorian homes, adding a pop of color and texture to windows, doors, and transoms.
6. Fishscale shingles: Fishscale shingles, named for their resemblance to the scales of a fish, were a common decorative element on Victorian houses. These textured shingles added visual interest to the exterior of the home.
7. Eastlake detailing: Eastlake detailing, named for the famed designer Charles Eastlake, was a popular decorative style in Victorian homes. This style featured intricate woodwork with geometric shapes, floral motifs, and other ornate patterns.
8. Scrollwork brackets: Scrollwork brackets were often seen on Victorian porches, supporting decorative trim work or providing architectural interest.
9. Jigsaw trim: Jigsaw trim, also known as fretwork or fretsawing, was a popular decorative element in Victorian homes. This intricate detailing featured geometric shapes, swirls, and other elaborate patterns.
10. Mansard roof: The Mansard roof, characterized by its steeply sloped sides and often punctuated by dormer windows, was a common feature in Victorian houses. This roof style added drama and elegance to the home’s exterior.
11. Lincrusta wallpaper: Lincrusta wallpaper, a type of embossed wall covering made from linseed oil and wood flour, was a popular decorative element in Victorian homes. This textured wallpaper added a touch of luxury to the interior of the home.
12. Oriel windows: Oriel windows, often found in Victorian homes, were projecting bay windows that extended from the wall of the house. These windows featured decorative trim work and ornate detailing.
13. Cornices: Elaborate cornices, often embellished with decorative trim work, were a common feature on Victorian houses. These decorative elements added a touch of grandeur to the home’s exterior.
14. Painted lady: The term “painted lady” refers to a Victorian house that is painted in multiple colors to highlight its decorative elements. These colorful homes, with their vibrant paint schemes, are a hallmark of Victorian architecture.
15. Ironwork: Victorian homes often featured decorative ironwork on fences, railings, and balconies. This ornate metalwork added a touch of sophistication to the home’s exterior.
16. Patterned brickwork: Victorian houses sometimes featured patterned brickwork on the exterior, adding visual interest and texture to the facade.
17. Gable trim: Decorative trim work on gables, such as scalloped edges or scrollwork, was a common feature in Victorian architecture. These ornate details added a touch of charm to the home’s exterior.
In conclusion, Victorian houses are known for their ornate and decorative elements, which define the era’s opulent style. From gingerbread trim to stained glass windows, these homes are a testament to the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined the Victorian era. The 17 houses mentioned above showcase some of the most iconic decorative details of Victorian architecture, making them a true delight for admirers of this unique and extravagant style.
