Published in Caledon Living, Winter 2007:
     Caledon and indeed, all of southern Ontario, is dotted with fine examples of residential Victorian architecture. They were built everywhere, in villages, hamlets and the countryside. Throughout the long reign of Queen Victoria, lasting from 1837 to 1901, Upper Canada experienced a boom in settlement, and the successful growth of local industry led to the construction of large brick houses that were meant to signal wealth and permanence.
     They are easily recognized by their exterior characteristics. Multi-textured or multi-coloured walls, asymmetrical facades and steeply pitched roofs are common elements. Tall chimney stacks, bay and oriel windows, gables, cupolas, shutters, wrought-iron railings, towers, turrets and even widows’ walks were all popular. Verandahs of all shapes and sizes were often wrapped around part of the exterior, bridging the indoors and outdoors.
Substantial Interior Décor
     Inside, more was definitely considered to be more. “The display of wealth was proof of worth,” writes Spiro Kostof in A History of Architecture. “The absence of restraint was exalted as individuality. Victorians liked their rooms densely thrown together, full of ornate furniture and bric-a-brac, framed maxims, and prints of uplifting or sentimental subjects.”
     Bare rooms were thought to be in bad taste or a sign of poverty. Ornamentation was valued, right down to the claw feet of tables, chairs and bathtubs. Abundance was key.
Wall Coverings
     Wood panelling and wainscoting was at first popular, gradually giving way to wallpaper. Geometric and architectural shapes were often used, sometimes even to simulate panelling. Elaborate scrolled floral patterns with backgrounds of red, blue or green, overprinted with cream or tan, were favourite treatments. Late in the 19^th century, Gothic-shaped trellises coloured in dark brown shades and featuring stylized leaves and flowers were thought suitable for any room of the house.
Texture
     Applying paint in layers to achieve the look of various textures became an important technique. Walls and ceilings were sometimes stencilled. Decorative painting was valued.
Faux marble, stone or wood looks were also popular. Ordinary surfaces might be marbleized or grained to give the desired appearance of expensive marble or wood.
Fabrics
     Adding to texture and colour was the lavish use of a variety of fabrics. From Oriental, floral or geometric carpets on the floor, to curtains and valences, to upholstery, pillows, throws, shawls and doilies, the abundant use of fabric helped provide a look of opulence. Velvets, brocades, embroidery, fringes, beads, bows, lace and ribbons appeared frequently.

[box] Elements of Victorian design:
·         High ceilings with crown mouldings
·         Wood floors with baseboards
·         Posts, pillars, balusters and wainscoting
·         Bay windows with etched, stained or bevelled glass
·         Screens, footstools and bell pulls
·         Chairs upholstered with embroidery and beads
·         Artificial flowers, stuffed birds and animals
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[box] Victorian Style Tips
If you’re renovating a Victorian house or want to create the look, keep in mind that reclaimed building materials centres or reuse stores might carry original lumber, moulding, trim, shutters or even mantelpieces torn out by people wanting to update their Victorians.
Accessorize rooms with fringed lampshades, curio cabinets, and heavily layered window treatments. Vintage photos, paintings and framed cards can add interest to your richly painted walls.
Decorate with porcelain dolls, carved wooden clocks, candle holders, hanging plates with painted pictures, crystal vases filled with flowers, and ornate mirrors.
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By Gloria Hildebrandt