Victorian Home Renovation: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Renovating a Victorian home requires a delicate balance between preserving its historic charm and incorporating modern conveniences.

Victorian homes were originally designed with intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and ornate plaster ceilings, which can be costly to replicate today.

To stay within budget, homeowners can consider restoring original features and repurposing them in creative ways.

By doing so, you can maintain the home's character while also making it more functional and energy-efficient.

Incorporating modern materials and technologies can also help to update the home's systems, such as installing new insulation and windows that reduce heat loss and energy consumption.

With careful planning and execution, a Victorian home renovation can result in a beautiful and functional space that honors the home's heritage while meeting the needs of modern living.

You've got a Victorian home that you want to renovate, and now it's time to start planning your project.

Traditional Victorian houses are full of character and period features, so you'll want to preserve as much of the original charm as possible.

Before diving into the renovation process, take a good look at your property and make a list of the things you want to keep, update, or replace.

Hopefully, you've gained some ideas on what to do during your renovation project, and now it's time to start thinking about the logistics of your project.

Let the creative juices flow and turn your property into your dream home by carefully planning every step of the way.

Traditional features are a big part of what makes a Victorian house so charming.

A Victorian house that has not already been renovated will most likely still have its traditional features, which can be fantastic if you're able to keep them within your renovation plans.

These features can add a lot of character to your home, making it feel more unique and special.

Tall Decorative Skirting Boards are a staple of traditional Victorian properties. They can reach heights of 195mm and 220mm, which is equivalent to 8 inches and 9 inches respectively.

Fancy woodwork was all the rage over 100 years ago, and it's no surprise that these skirting boards are so decorative. They often feature many curves similar to our Ogee style designs.

The designs on these skirting boards are indeed large, similar to our Period design or Antique 3 design. To keep costs down, you can consider keeping the original skirting in place, especially if it's in fairly good condition.

Painting over the top of the original skirting can be a viable option, and it's a much quicker process than sanding the surface back to the original wood.

Check this out: Home Renovation Interior Design

In older houses, large windows, like bay windows, were a common feature. They added a touch of character to the home.

Using a window surround, a decorative moulding around the outside of the window, could add even more character from the inside. This design element can really make a window stand out.

Customers often choose to use architrave around windows to replicate this effect. Architrave can tie the room together when paired with the same design as the skirting and architrave.

Most Victorian properties still have their original windows, which are usually single-glazed. If the window frames are in good condition, it's possible to keep them and just replace the single glazing with double glazing.

Completely replacing the windows for double-glazed ones is the best-case scenario, increasing the energy efficiency of the home while preserving its traditional character.

To give your Victorian home a modern twist, consider updating the interior with modern lighting fixtures. This can include installing LED bulbs or pendant lights to create a sleek, contemporary look.

You can also modernize your home's architecture by installing large windows or skylights to bring in more natural light. This will not only brighten up the space but also make it feel more open and airy.

Adding a modern kitchen or bathroom can completely transform the look and feel of your Victorian home. You can update the fixtures, appliances, and even the layout to create a more functional and stylish space.

Updating the flooring in your Victorian home is another great way to give it a modern twist. Consider installing hardwood or tile flooring to create a sleek, modern look that's easy to clean and maintain.

Installing a window can flood a dark hallway with light, removing the gloomy aesthetic almost immediately.

Using glazed doors or partially glazed doors can allow light to find its way to the hallway, making a big impact.

Rooflights are a popular solution to dark hallways, allowing for glorious views of the sky.

In some Victorian homes, the original chandelier can be a beautiful feature, especially when paired with a double-height ceiling.

Staircases and hallways are a crucial part of a Victorian home renovation. They can greatly impact the overall feel and functionality of the space.

In many Victorian properties, the staircase runs along the left or right-hand side of the property. Consider removing the wall to the side of the stairs to open up the space and highlight the staircase.

Removing a wall can also reveal hidden storage space underneath the stairs. This can be a game-changer for a Victorian home renovation, providing additional usable space or even a cozy room.

You might be surprised at what you can create in the space underneath the stairs. Think Harry Potter-style hidden rooms or even a downstairs toilet.

Renovating a Victorian home can be a thrilling experience, but it requires careful consideration of the unique features and challenges that come with these traditional properties.

The floors in Victorian homes are often a beautiful period feature, but they can also be hidden under ugly carpet. In our experience, removing the carpet and refinishing the floors can make a huge impact on the overall look and feel of the space.

For example, we refinished the floor in the Lemon Room by sanding it down and applying a new finish, which brought out the natural beauty of the wood. We also laid new flooring in the master bedroom, using the original species of wood used in the house to match the rest of the space.

Fireplaces are another key feature in Victorian homes, but they often require restoration to get them looking their best. We demo'd the crumbling fireplaces in both bedrooms and replaced them with new subway tile, which added a touch of elegance to the space.

Open plan extensions are a fantastic way to modernize your home, especially if you're working with a Victorian property. These homes often had 2 reception rooms and a kitchen downstairs.

Removing non-loadbearing walls is a common approach to create an open plan space, which can include combining the kitchen and rear reception rooms. This can also help to separate the living space without physical walls.

An island is a popular choice in the kitchen area, which can serve as a functional and stylish divider. Using bifold doors leading to the garden can bring in plenty of daylight, making the space feel bright and airy.

We ripped out the ugly carpet covering the floors in both bedrooms the day we closed on the Vic in August 2012.

Gary Parnham, a local flooring professional, refinished the floor in the Lemon Room, which had been painted red. He used the original species of wood, tulip poplar, for the master bedroom floor, which will age over time to match the rest of the house.

Both bedrooms had crumbling fireplaces, so we demo'd them and added subway tile from a tile company out of Nashville.

The Downstairs Bedroom is a unique space that's been used for various purposes. It was outfitted with twin beds for when cousins' kids came to stay or when we had large groups of friends.

We didn't do much to the room other than sealing up a doorway and a closet entrance that had stained glass. This room has the best mantle in the entire house.

The mantle is a standout feature, and it's one of the few original fireplaces that still has the original tile.

The pantry is a great place to start your renovation journey. I removed the fake bead board and found ghost lines for pantry shelves, which was a great discovery.

These ghost lines gave me a clear idea of how the pantry looked back in the 1940s. I contacted the residents of the house from that era and got their input on how to re-construct the shelves.

The restored pantry now has shelves lined up to the original ghost marks, giving it a beautiful retro touch. The floor is still bare unfinished wood, just like it was found.

I'm excited to store all sorts of goodies on the new pantry shelves, and I'm sure you will be too.

Renovating the exterior of a Victorian home can be a significant investment, but it's essential to consider the costs involved. Exterior expenditures can add up quickly, with windows costing $16,000 on average.

You'll also need to factor in the cost of a new roof, which can range from $8,000. Siding can be a significant expense as well, with prices starting at $18,000. Adding a fresh coat of paint can also be a worthwhile investment, with a cost of $2,500.

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Landscaping and lift rental costs are also worth considering, at $2,000 each. A new fence can add to the overall cost, with prices starting at $3,500. Don't forget about custom details like a finial, which can cost around $800. Finally, miscellaneous expenses can add up to $1,000.

Here's a breakdown of the exterior expenditures:

Exterior expenditures can add up quickly, and it's essential to have a clear understanding of what to expect. The cost of exterior renovations can vary widely depending on the materials and features you choose.

Windows, for example, can cost around $16,000. This is a significant investment, but it's worth considering the long-term benefits of energy-efficient windows.

A new roof can also be a substantial expense, with costs ranging from $8,000 to over $20,000, depending on the type and quality of materials used.

Some exterior features, like landscaping, can be more affordable, with costs starting at around $2,000. However, this cost can add up quickly if you're looking to create a comprehensive outdoor space.

Here's a breakdown of some common exterior expenditures:

Renovating an 1800s house can be a costly endeavor, with prices ranging from $50 to $200 per square foot, depending on the scope of the project and the materials used. This can add up quickly, especially if you're working with a smaller space.

The cost of replacing old windows, for example, can be around $1,000 to $3,000 per window, depending on the type and quality of the new ones. This is because old windows often require custom framing and installation.

In some cases, the cost of renovation can be as low as $30 to $50 per square foot, if you're only making minor repairs and updates. This can be a more affordable option if you're not looking to make major changes.

Replacing old doors, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the type and quality of the new doors. This is because old doors often require custom installation and may need to be matched to the existing door hardware.

The cost of renovating an 1800s house can also be affected by the need for lead paint removal, which can add an additional $2 to $5 per square foot to the overall cost. This is because lead paint requires special handling and disposal procedures.

A fresh viewpoint: Old Home Renovation before and after

Traditional features are often still intact in Victorian houses that haven't been renovated. Keeping these features in your renovation plans can be fantastic.

Renovating a Victorian house requires patience, especially when it comes to stripping paint from woodwork. It can take just an afternoon to strip wood with a heat gun, but chemical stripper is often a necessary next step.

Stripping paint from woodwork can be a messy process, but it's worth it to reveal the original grain and patina. In one instance, a homeowner used three Minwax stains to achieve a warm, inviting tone on their woodwork.

Restoring a Victorian house is all about preserving its character and charm. This includes preserving original features like cornices, joinery, and sash windows, as seen in one homeowner's London residence.

Restoring an old home's entrance hall can be a fantastic opportunity to keep its traditional features. This is especially true for Victorian houses that have not been renovated yet.

A crucial step in entrance hall restoration is stripping the wall-to-wall carpeting and multiple coats of paint from the woodwork. I've done this myself, and it's a process that requires caution, especially when using a heat gun at home.

Chemical stripper is often necessary after using a heat gun, but be warned, it's not the most pleasant part of the process. I hated it, but it's a necessary evil to reveal the original wood beneath.

Stripping the woodwork can be a time-consuming process, but it's worth it to achieve the desired tone. In my experience, using three Minwax stains can help achieve a beautiful, warm tone that makes the grain visible.

Once the woodwork is stripped and stained, it's essential to consider the overall aesthetic of the entrance hall. I opted for faux-painted walls in green, which creates a softer contrast with the woodwork and makes the space feel warmer.

Adding a ceiling light fixture that's been converted from gas to electric can be a desecration, as I've learned from experience. If I had known this, I would have never purchased it, and I hope to convert it back to its original state someday.

Worth a look: Home Renovation Plans

As I restored the mudroom, I discovered that bead board can be a treasure trove of hidden surprises.

The bead board was in bad condition, with two large spots that needed attention. Removing the shelves revealed a pleasant surprise - bead board behind it! This was a great find, as it allowed me to work with the original material.

The original bead board was only on one wall, and it had been grained with a faux finish to match the wood. The white spots were cleverly hidden, even when viewed up close.

I decided to install new bead board, which was a bit thinner, and stained it to match the original. This gave the space a cohesive look.

Hannah Cecil Gurney's family has a long history with glorious hand-painted wallpaper, thanks to her father's company De Gournay.

Her three-year-old son George's first word was "Turtle", which is no coincidence, given his crib is decorated with De Gournay sea creatures.

The family's London home, a Victorian residence in Battersea, had fallen victim to a modern renovation, but Hannah saw its potential and spent two years restoring it to its original charm.

Hannah's husband Eddie owns and manages Nanhoron, a Welsh estate where his family has lived for over 700 years.

The couple's London home, with its period-appropriate cornices, joinery, and sash windows, is now a beautiful reflection of their family's history and tradition.