Natwerk Designs

Renovating a victorian house?

Im in the design process of renovating a victorian house. My question is should I introduce old elements into the house such as a traditional bathroom and kitchen or go all modern? My husband and I love an all white scheme, as the house is quite small and we feel will open it up and modernize a traditional look. We love claw baths and old fireplaces... We are worried we will spend all this money and in 5 years when we plan to sell, no one will want to buy it as its quite traditional.. Thanks for your thoughts in advance guys!!

Public Comments

1. i just don't understand the attraction of makin g a home and filling it with old dusty dull things,i would bin the lot if i moved into such a home and decorate in bright new fashionable design,it wouldn't feel clean otherwise
2. Let the rooms speak for themselves. Old homes, especially Victorians' have beautiful features. Go with the flow of the room. If the room says "rustic" go with it, if it says "modern", have at it. (you'll get the feel of what each room should be from stairways, molding etc) I would stray from all modern though. It is after all a Victorian, so when you sell it, people will want to see it based on the fact that is Victorian, don't take all that charm and beauty away.. I say the claw tubs is a perfect touch! And you can get modern claws too btw. So it won't be creepy like walking into an old haunted house lol, but just enough of that old touch to compliment the home. And yes, definitely bright walls, no need to restrict yourself to all white though, there are lots of beautiful colors that will open a room just as white would, beige, yellow, cream, soft blues etc.. good luck, enjoy your designing project, sounds like fun!!
3. I believe you can have the best of both worlds. Mixing some modern materials with a traditional Victorian design can be done and look cohesive all at the same time. I think people who love a Victorian home want and expect to see some Victorian elements. Go ahead with the claw foot tub, a Victorian style toilet and a porcelain pedestal sink in the bathroom along with wainscoting if you wish. With a tile floor, you are good to go. Yes, these are modern day fixtures, but they will be Victorian in design and be NEW. Can't get better than that! As far as your kitchen. Kitchens are expected to be updated, so do go with the updates without stripping the Victorian mood from the home. You can get the tall, to the ceiling cabinets, some with glass fronts. A Victorian inspired porcelain sink and Victorian style plumbing fixtures. Google: Victorian Kitchens and you will come up with so many ideas it will make your head spin. But, the common thread in it all is that you can get modern materials to make a Victorian kitchen. Of course there were no granite counter tops or modern appliances in the Victorian era, but, if you want them, go for it. People who look at Victorian homes WANT a Victorian home, not some hack job where once inside, there is no sign of design from days gone by. Personally, I would not do it any other way. Be a steward of your home and bring it back to it's glory, I say.