How to Make the Exterior of Your House Look Victorian

Install decorative trim everywhere possible – along the eaves of the roof, at the top of porch posts, beneath windows and around doors. Victorian style uses these details to excess. If scrolling trimwork rambling around the home is too much for you, use thick, well-defined trim in a sleek, simple design.

Fill in any plain-looking spaces with decorative shingles. Victorian architecture makes use of shingles on the face of the house, rather than just the roof. Dress up the upper level, a single centerpiece tower or the entire home with a sweeping expanse of richly textured shingles.

Paint the home in a bold color scheme. Forget subdued hues that blend into the background of the neighborhood. Victorian homes are designed to stand out with a range of bright shades. The home itself should be a muted but cheerful shade while the trim, railings and other details provide ample pops of color. Try a sage green home with deep purple and bright blue accents, creamsicle orange with periwinkle and crimson or buttery yellow paired with forest green and rust red.

Install period-appropriate light fixtures, like wall lanterns, that look as though they could house a flickering flame as easily as a steadily glowing light bulb.

Furnish a wide, welcoming porch. Victorian homes typically feature a long porch spanning much of the house’s front. Install hanging baskets with delicate flowers spilling over. Place benches, rockers and tables around for a comfortable chat.