Editors’ Picks: A Variety of Victorians

Our editors highlight new and classic articles as they explore the many faces of Victorian houses.

The homes of the Victorian era (which spanned the later years of Queen Victoria’s reign) came in a dazzling array of shapes and sizes, from grand Queen Annes to quaint Folk Victorian cottages. But all these Victorian variations had one thing in common: a fondness for elaborate ornamentation. From the late 18th century onward, the Industrial Revolution made it possible to embellish houses like never before, and the homes of the Victorian era wore its by-products proudly: gingerbread trim, spindled porches, fancy shingle patterns. Delve into the era’s many offerings with these three articles, which explore the origins of some of the period’s most popular styles.

A Queen Anne restored to its original luster.

Amy Heavilin

Queen Anne Neglected No Longer
The exterior is done, but we’ve got years to go restoring our Queen Anne.

The galley kitchen was turned into an Aesthetic jewel box with custom cherry paneling and cabinets, and pressed glass in the Queen Anne door.

William Wright

A Cottage All Grown Up
Beautifully imagined and carefully edited, the 1886 house is a Victorian Revival jewel box, all in 1700 square feet (and that includes the basement).

A renovated Victorian bathroom.

Halkin Mason Photography

Victorian Beauty
Spence Kass offers a 19th-century aesthetic to a Philadelphia manse.

The homeowner worked with the local historical commission to determine the original paint colors.

Randy O'Rourke

Award-winning Queen Anne Restoration
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, Frank Shirley Architects transforms an old house with an award-winning restoration and update.

The Queen Anne/Shingle Style façade was restored after an unfortunate 1980s redo.

Jon Miller/Hedrich Blessing

Renovating a Victorian?
Do no harm, of course. But when it comes to decorating decisions, especially those that prove ephemeral, personal preference is your guide. Let’s look at some approaches.


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