24 January 2022

Victorian Maximalism

Victorian vintage is a classic maximalist design, a concept making a reappearance after many years of minimalist design dominating (remember Kim and Kanye's house?). If you're into tasteful use of colour, pattern, and materials, maximalism is for you, find out more about achieving the look here. Take key elements of Victorian Maximalism to create a modern version of the classic design theme, or go all out and make your home a Victorian Vintage delight!

A Brief History of Victorian Vintage 

During the industrial revolution, the middle classes were able to increase their prosperity and for the first time invest in the decor of their homes. During the 64 years of Victorian rule, the Industrial Revolution and related increase in the mass production of household goods meant that by 1901 the entire social landscape of Britain had changed. Decorative items becoming widely available to a brand new middle class eager to prove their status meant that Victorian Maximalism became the norm for decoration. 

More is More = Maximalism

This Victorian style attempted to emulate the aristocracy, the new middle class filled their homes to the brim with accessories, furnishings, and fabrics. This was done to showcase their new wealth and social status in their homes.  

At this time, a bare room was considered to show a lack of taste. Because of this, Victorian maximalist interiors appeared to be cluttered compared to modern minimalist interior design. 

Modern Country Kitchens & Vintage Design 

We can’t talk about vintage design without taking a little look at modern country kitchens and where they fit in with vintage and Victorian design. This classic kitchen look is popular in many homes, it works in everything from modern to very traditional homes, using classic design elements such as cup handles and open wooden shelving. Visit our previous blog on Country Kitchens for more ideas!

Victorian Front Door Furniture 

Perhaps the most iconic home decor feature from the period is the grand front entranceway, talk about making an impression! Imagine, decorative iron railings guiding you up stone steps to a large front door fitted with brass or antique hardware inviting you into a mosaic tile hallway with stained glass features.

Our From the Anvil collection is perfect for final entranceway touches, from centre door knobs & knockers to letterplates like this luxurious Traditional Letterbox or Solid Ring Door Knocker. 

Taking inspiration from this era, we look at ways to bring touches of Victorian nostalgia to your home without the need for a costly remodel. 

Vintage Industrial Lighting Vibes 

The Industville Brooklyn collection would be an excellent choice to create an industrial Victorian maximalist interior theme. Its mechanical style and hints of wire caging and ridged glass are synonymous with the period, with a handmade finish, these lights are known for being luxurious statement pieces. 

Victorian Chandeliers in Your Home 

A staple feature of Victorian Maximalism would be to incorporate a chandelier with many embellishments. For the main feature, the Minisun Gothica Eight Bulb Chandelier would create a central talking point. Or you could incorporate the Minisun Wallace Steampunk Wall Light With Amber Glass Shade, scattered throughout the walls of your home to create a streamlined modern style that takes inspiration from materials and tones from the era. This will showcase a clear Victorian maximalist style running throughout. 

Vintage Style Decor 

Modern Maximalism has its roots in Victorian designs, so why not play with rich colour, panelling, framing and upholstery to mix modern and vintage styles.

A subtle reminder of your home’s period charm, think about looking for vintage style accents to add to your decor theme, like these Alexander & Wilks Solid Brass Keswick Rim Locks or the Traditional Hat and Coat hooks from the same collection. 

Should You Mix Modern and Vintage Home Decor? 

Mixing modern and vintage maximalist home decor looks amazing when done right! Try mixing modern colours and backgrounds with hardware, metalwork and lighting with a vintage feel to create the ultimate modern vintage design.  

Victorian Cabinet Aesthetic   

More handles also have rustic-styled cabinet handles in a Black or Pewter finish like these Gothic D Handles, or why not try simple brass with the classic Ball Cabinet Knob, and the classic Regency Concealed Drawer Pull.

The subtle details on the hardware make a typical ordinary handle, extraordinary!  

Don’t forget while searching for your Victorian Maximalist Vintage decor on the More Handles website, you can use the filters the narrow down your style easily! 

It’s important to remember that when designing your interior and exterior - the smallest details can make the biggest difference! 

For more information on the perfect embellishments for your Victorian interior, contact our expert sales team on 01228 516516 today!