Exuberant Victorian House adorned with an array of vibrant patterns and hues.
In the heart of a bustling city, Becky Rossetto embarked on a slow yet meticulous renovation of her Victorian home, starting in 2019. With one room left to complete, the property—built in the 1890s—has been beautifully revitalised, blending the charm of the past with modern comforts.
The renovation process was a labour of love for Becky, who carefully considered every decision to ensure the character of the house was preserved while being updated thoughtfully. One key aspect of her approach was the deliberate selection of wallpaper, interior decoration, and furniture that honoured the era's love of pattern and detail.
When it came to wallpaper, floral or damask patterns in rich, muted colours such as deep reds, greens, or golds were chosen to complement the Victorian style. Textured wallpapers like flocked or embossed designs added depth and period authenticity. Wallpaper was used as an accent in formal rooms or hallways to avoid overwhelming the space during a gradual renovation.
In the living room, Morris & Co's classic Pure Honeysuckle and Tulip wallpaper was chosen, with new wall panelling painted in a tonal colour. The room, which was part of a 1960s extension, was transformed to fit well with the Victorian aesthetic.
Victorian interiors often feature ornate moldings, ceiling roses, and picture rails, which Becky preserved or restored to anchor the design in the period. Layer upon layer of luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk was added for curtains and upholstery, and antique or vintage-inspired lighting like chandeliers or sconces with warm bulbs were used for atmospheric lighting.
Furniture choices were heavy, solid wood pieces (mahogany or oak) with elaborate carving, typical of Victorian style. Upholstered pieces with button tufting or rich fabrics were mixed in, and period-appropriate shapes were allowed some adaptation for modern comfort. Original built-in furniture was salvaged or restored where possible to maintain authenticity.
One of the joys of this renovation for Becky was discovering more about Victorian design and bringing in strong vibrant colours. The living room, for example, was upholstered in a robust, pale blue fabric and vibrant colours, while the dining area featured a soft leafy design mural by artist Francess Mullan.
In the kitchen, good-quality joinery and a classic painted style were used to create a new open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space. The house felt dark, old-fashioned, and ready for a new look before the renovation, but it has now been transformed into Becky's dream house.
The renovation included creating a new open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space. Framed vintage Indian and Afghan textiles brought even more warmth and colour to the living room, and a delicate paint shade—Edward Bulmer's Sky Blue—was used to enhance the bespoke kitchen cabinetry.
In this house full of boys, Becky indulged herself with pattern and flowers in every room, and they do not seem to mind or even notice! In the green bedroom, the walls and wardrobe were painted in Sanderson's Botanical Green, and a shell design bathroom wallpaper added a pastel glow to the en suite, complemented by tongue-and-groove panelling painted in a tonal blue.
Renovating slowly allowed a flexible timeline for Becky to wait for the right materials and pieces, which was vital given delays typical in historic property renovations. She kept in mind that Victorian homes often require complex updates (plumbing, electrics) before decoration could fully proceed. Staggered deliveries and purchases helped avoid clutter and accommodate storage limitations, and good communication with contractors and builders ensured the desired outcome was achieved.
With her thoughtful approach to renovation, Becky has managed to restore her Victorian home's beauty while adapting to a slow, measured renovation process. The result is a stunning blend of period charm and modern comfort, making her house the perfect family home.
In the process of meticulously renovating her Victorian home, Becky Rossetto intentionally selected houseplants that would harmonize with the interior design and enhance the lifestyle of her family, bringing the warmth of nature into each room. ( lifestyle, houseplants )
As the final touch to her home-and-garden revitalization, Becky decorated the exterior walls of her house with intricate floral wallpaper reminiscent of Victorian patterns, integrating the trend of period-associated exterior designs. ( houseplants, home-and-garden, interior-design, exterior-design )
