Victorian Home, Edwardian Home, Federation Homes, Melbourne, Sydney

Finished Period Homes

Victorian

The Victorian home has heavy ornamental features such as sweeping staircases and extensive use of filigree wrought iron on large verandas. Victorian homes are often quite dark and in danger of feeling cold and uninviting as you step through the door. This can be helped by installing skylights, but carefully considered decoration of rooms will achieve a very comfortable and cosy feel.

Colours and patterns are rich and often quite masculine in appearance. Victorian interiors dont really match in a modern sense. The colours and patterns are chosen to compliment and enhance each other. The Victorian interior is heavy with ornamentation, but pleasing and entertaining. Complimentary wallpapers, floor rugs, and extensive use of paintings and prints on walls add interest for the eye.

Bold ornamentation abounds wherever the eye is cast. Furniture-Walls-Decorative objects.

Faux marbelling is a popular effect used on columns and walls to transform them into splendid opulence. Social standing was of great importance during this era and consequently, the entrance hall should be grand and impressive.

Some Victorian rooms are decorated in a very pretty and feminine manner. Delicate wallpaper and feminine fabrics and prints create a soft and warming effect.

Delicate, feminine style is usually preferred in the bedrooms. This effect is created using pretty, soft printed fabrics.

Families living the Victorian era showed extensive displays of their wealth and their artistic and decorative talents. Consequently, Victorian homes are filled with displays of decorative items.

High ceiling are a feature of the Victorian home. Ornate ceilings and cornices are painted in colours to compliment each other. Wallpaper friezes are used extensively for ornate and opulent decoration, creating a dramatic effect.

Edwardian

Edwardian home style originated during the 1st decade of the 20th Century. The architecture is borrowed from many historic periods including classical, Romanesque, Queen Anne and with the influence of Gothic revivals. Heavy wooden fretwork adorns verandas and bay windows are a design feature. Extensive use of lead lighting in windows and doors inspires use of paintwork colour in rooms.

The Edwardian room is opulent and ostentatious. Gilt decoration abounds on chandeliers, mirrors and frames. Extensive use of marble in fireplaces is complimented by comfortable lounge furniture upholstered in opulent fabric choices such as brocades and silks.

Mahogany dining table and balloon back dining chairs are a classic Edwardian choice for the dining room. Wallpaper dado adds colour and pattern is reflected in fabric selection on balloon back dining chairs.

Mahogany furniture and highly decorative and carved Mahogany doors and cornice add warmth and character to the Edwardian home.

Federation

The Federation period covers the years between 1890 to 1920. Federation style reflects a sense of national pride with kangaroo silhouettes cut into timber fretwork and Australian wildflowers recreated in leadlight windows. Typically, the Federation home is asymmetrical with exposed red brickwork and high pitched terracotta tile or slate roofs. Large gables often feature of bay windows.

Decorative pressed metal or plaster ceilings feature in the Federation home and tend to carry images of native Flora and fauna. Ornate stenciled or wallpapered friezes are used throughout the Federation home while walls are kept relatively plain. Floors are of dark timber with carpet runner used.

California Bungalow

The style know as California Bungalow was popular in Australia from 1910-1940. The California bungalow is, as the name suggests, simple in style with few ornate features. The bungalow is cosy and charming, often with a spacious porch and brick pylons.

Timber fireplaces are often flanked by bookcases. Timber framed leadlight of mirror features on the overmantle.

Furniture styles are quite heavy and dark timber is used.

Art Deco

Art Deco design was embraced by Australians during the 1920's and 1930's. The Art Deco home is a bold look incorporating distinct geometric shapes and sleek lines.

Many Art Deco houses feature curved glass corner windows, portholes and chrome plated metals.

Art Deco style interiors are streamlined and functional. Bold splashes of colour used in the furnishings offset the neutral tones of the walls and frosted glass light fittings were popular. Curved corners featured on furniture and chrome trim was often used.

There was extensive use of decorative veneers and timbers with glass, bronze and ivory detail. Exotic flora and fauna also featured in Art Deco decorating style. Cocktail cabinets and coffee tables became a necessity for all Art Deco homes.

Rooms were often decorated with large mirrors; some round and some, jagged, triangular mirrors that have become an Art Deco classic.

Modernist

Modernist style is a loose reference to architectural period from Art Deco to present day. The philosophy Form follows function” is the basis of the Modernist style. Australian cities developed their own version of Modernist style. Roy Grounds and Robin Boyd were leaders in Modernist design in Melbourne while Sydney architects, Ancher and Arthur Baldwinson were making their mark.

Interior design for a Modernist home is flamboyant and striking while maintaining a functional style. Man made and natural materials combine in artistic and futuristic furniture design. Bright coloured furniture and decorative items are used with bold patterns and textures in fabrics.

Classicism

Classical revival architecture is a modern interpretation of the designs of ancient Greece and Rome. Symmetrical and well proportioned, the styles incorporate many features popular during the ancient times. Porticos supported by Corinthian columns, stucco facades and plaster urns and busts feature frequently.

Pastels, yellows and terra cottas are often used to decorate walls and columns. Walls are generally clear of structural ornamentation. Padded walls, upholstered in soft silk, may be used for a unique and stylized version of Classicism. Marble flooring is common although extensive use of a combination of carpet, tiles and wooden borders has prevailed over recent times. An eclectic collection of furniture styles can be used successfully in the classic revival home. Cabriole legs feature alongside Queen Anne-style bureau and armchairs, Chippendale style furniture and occasional tables. Soft furnishings are often damask fabrics and windows are dressed with opulent swags and tails. Tassels are a must have accessory! Heavy gilt framed mirrors and prints decorate walls. Decorative urns compliment the decor.