Victorian Project
Design of a Victorian style property at: Stafford Terrace, South Kensington. The Victorian style lasted from 1830s- 1901. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837-1901. Key features of the period were balloon back chairs, gas lighting, dried taxidermy/ flowers, deep upholstery rich colours, upright piano, Chesterfield sofas and machine printed wallpaper. These were some elements that were incorporated in a typical Victorian home. The Arts and Crafts movement was popular amongst designers included William Morris, Edward Burne Jones and Philip Webb. This movement came a little after the Victorian period, but they intwine and connect in many different ways. Muted Colours, hanging metal pendants, standard lamps in copper brass, William Morris carpet+ fabric wall hangings, blue and white china, painted wooden panelling and simpler furniture styles. These were some of the characteristics of an arts and crafts home. This movement was a revival of traditional crafts with a rejection of many of the technological innovations.
This project is incorporating the period interior architectural details that will be installed as well as an incorporation of colours, furniture, finishes and patterns that reference the of the property. The property is 18 Stafford House which was constructed in 1868–74. The property was built by: Joseph Gordon Davis, a prosperous London builder who worked in both the Classical and Gothic Revival styles. When redesigning Stafford terrace, the architectural elements of the property came into play. By incorporating cornicing at the top followed by borders, picture rails, dado rails, wooden panelling and skirting. When entering the room, wooden flooring is located around the room with a chevron pattern. In the central reservation, lies a patterned rug with a William Morris design.
To incorporate elements of the Arts and crafts movement, William Morris decorative wall paper has bene added with the ‘Strawberry thief’ pattern. This is very bold and colourful with gentle accents of images. The double chairs face away from the fire place which will be re upholstered in ‘Oak’ pattern design. Across from this, sits a light coloured chesterfield sofa with plainer coloured and patterned pillows to tie in the details of the walls. Both the 2 chairs, the chesterfield and the slipper chair will have comforting cushions of a plain and light coloured pattern to give comfort and depth to the room.
As this project incorporated architectural details and period furniture, elements of modern furniture have been included to apply the design to now. This includes having lighting and underfloor heating in the design for the modern day. At the time, this would have not been possible as the source of heat would of only been the fire. The fireplace in itself, is a marble surround with a cast iron insert. This is surrounded by geometric black and white tiles that are suitable for the floor space to provide protection when ever wanting to use the fireplace. Above the fireplace, lies a large Oban mirror with a dark exterior and inner edge painted gold. Lighting is located around the room in the design to help it be well lit when desired. A series of aged brass and cream lamp shades are located around the room. Below the plaster ceiling rose, lies a Grande traditional ceiling light. Located around the room and single wall lights as well as adjustable floor stand lights.
The three-storey bay windows were commonly applied to various architectural styles at time. The bay windows contributed to the picturesque quality of the facade and offered added space and light inside. The large bay windows are comforted with the same pattern of the wallpaper: strawberry thief, but in a monotone light coloured fabric of dove. Tie backs would originally be used as well as lace blinds to help give privacy when desired. In front of these bay windows lies a comfortable slipper chair, upholstered in a Persian rug to tie into the theme of the arts and crafts movement. A tall wine table is located beside for either pottery or drinks/ books when desired. This project has kept the architectural features of Victorian style through research, but has included contemporary fittings for this day and age. This creates a combination of Victorian style and elements of modern pieces to give a desired look.
