Umbrellas

Country Victorian – The Best of Two Styles

Country Victorian merges the elegance of Victorian decor with the relaxed ambiance of country style. Inviting interiors are created by blending gracious simplicity with the romance of the country cottage or rural retreat. The Victorians loved their country manors and retreats that took them away from the formalities and demands of city life. In that vein, Victorians decorated their country homes, lodges or “cottages” with comfortable furnishings, inviting color and a scaled-down presentation of the ornate formality of their city homes. Collections, memorabilia of travel excursions, hunting trophies, the love of the outdoors and English gardens are featured in these warm, welcoming interiors. In comparison to general Victorian style, in Country Victorian, colors are light and fresh, architectural embellishments are kept to a minimum and furnishings are often a medley of styles.

Here are some tips for decorating every room of your home with this casual, yet charmingly refined style.

Colorful, Welcoming Entries

Playful Victorian sensibilities are reflected in bright colors for the entry door, such as sunflower yellow or cerulean blue. Plants stands, flower boxes and hanging plants are standard equipment as are bird baths and feeders that invite feathered friends. Once inside, umbrella stands, oak hall trees or free standing wood or iron coat racks, a small bench or even a recycled church pew invite convenience and comfort. A small hall table, lamp and mirror are perfect touches if there is room and wrought iron candle wall sconces are an elegant touch. Be sure to include fresh flowers in the mix. An old crock can hold fresh flowers or a wreath can be hung on the door or entry wall.

Casually Elegant Parlors

Well-to-do Victorians called this the Drawing Room, but those of the middle-class referred to it as the parlor; today we call it the living room. This was the place where the family gathered nightly or to entertain guests. The room draws on a variety of patterns and colors: Think diamond patterned wall paper in pale blue with floral patterns on a pair of wing chairs, check pillows and floral drapes. Casual symmetry is important, with balanced accessories on the fireplace mantle and a pair of comfortable upholstered flanking the hearth. The key is to combine casual – the chairs do not have to match in style or fabric – with formal; two upholstered chairs of the same scale balance the space in front of the fireplace.

Romantic Bedrooms

This personal retreat will often feature gently used or mismatched boudoir pieces that may have been passed down from the city home. Painted furniture and natural finishes of various woods freely mix with brass, wicker and metal. Piles of pillows are tossed upon the bed, a tray and tea service stands at the ready on a side table, and a vase of fresh flowers is always on a dresser or night stand. Collectibles, family photographs, miniatures and heirlooms, a pair of baby shoes, repeated hues in fabrics of different pattern, wallpaper, floral area rugs and bric-a-brac fill the room with layers of interest and color. The whole intention is to create a very personal, highly detailed space.

Cheerful Kitchens

Cheery, oak or pine cabinets with moldings and vintage knobs will provide a nod to the past. Painted cabinetry in buttery yellows or soothing greens and blues are also great choices and contrast can be created with classic white subway tiles on backsplashes and countertops. Choose graceful curved faucets in rubbed bronze for vintage appeal. Open shelving, hanging pot racks, fabric valances around the sink and vintage style appliances will bring authenticity. Don’t forget to display collectibles like teapots, vintage tins and canisters, hang plates on the walls and stock shelves with plants, striped nested mixing bowls, spices and antique bottles.

About the Author

Additional free ideas are offered by senior staff writer and home decor specialist Aja Klenna at Metal-Wall-Art.com. The store also specializes in distinctive decorative iron wall art and metal wall plaque.

Antique English Victorian brass boot shaped umbrella stand

Photoflex Light and Umbrella Shoe Mount Clamp $21.99 The Versatiel Shoe Mount Multiclamp allows you to attach your on-camera flash to a lightstand and add an umbrella or softbox. The Multiclamp makes it possible to raise and tilt your light – something that is not possible when your flash is mounted directly to a lightstand. Your flash can also be mounted horizontally or vertically and, by using three clamps, two flashes can be mounted together for …

Antique Brass & Copper Identification & Value Guide $7.25 Brass and copper collectibles in demand in today’s market, and this book will help both the buyer and seller make accurate evaluations. Features over 500 full-color examples with complete descriptions and current values….

Price List Of Art Brass Goods: Hat Racks, Umbrella Stands, Tables … $11.02 This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continu…

Miniature Brass Umbrella Stand 1:12 Scale Brass Umbrella Stand with 2 umbrellas. Dollhouse Miniature by Dijon Miniatures of Great Britain. Measures: 1 1/2 in tall x 3/4 in wide at the base. With the umbrellas it is 2 1/4 in tall. The umbrellas are made of wood and brass and they remove from the Umbrella Stand. Very realistic!!!…

Antique Brass Hammered Umbrella Stand $235 Antique Brass Hammered Umbrella Stand

Umbrella Stand $257 This umbrella stand is made with mahogany and rattan and enhanced with brass hardware.

Antique Brass and Black Moroccan Umbrella Stand $271 Antique Brass and Black Moroccan Umbrella Stand

Antique Brass Umbrella Stand $247 Made of solid brass

Antique Brass and Silver Umbrella Stand $257 Made of solid brass

Portland Umbrella Stand $42.95 Portland Umbrella Stand

Antique Silver Umbrella Stand $271 Antique Silver Umbrella Stand

Brown Faux Leather Umbrella Stand $229 Made of brass

Dessau Home W655 Moroccan Umbrella Stand In Solid Antique Brass With $231.95 DESSAU HOME W655 This stunning Moroccan black umbrella stand makes a stylish first impression when people enter your home. Ditch the clutter of dripping umbrellas propped up against the wall. With this attractive stand, umbrellas are kept neat and orderly and allowed to properly drain so theyre ready to take out when you next have to brave the elements.Beautifully crafted from solid brass with antique brass and black accents, this holder is big enough to store a whole family of umbrellas. With an exotic finish that will add a decorative high note to any entry space, this black umbrella stand can be kept by the door year round without looking out of place.Never get caught short hunting for an umbrella again. This distinctive piece keeps them close at hand. Measuring 18 inches high and 9 inches in diameter this black umbrella stand also comes with elegantly detailed handles so it can be easily moved when the need arises.

Artists Originals Vanilla and Cream Umbrella Stand $269 This handy umbrella stand is perfect for any foyer or entryway. Crafted from hardwood solids, wood products and choice cherry veneers, it features a distressed hand painted finish with cherry veneer trim yielding a charm all its own. Holds up to eight umbrellas and has antique brass finished cups in bottom tray.

Free Standing Outdoor Umbrella Stand $29.99 Free Standing Outdoor Umbrella Stand

Rose Designed Umbrella Stand – Bronze $69 Rose Designed Umbrella Stand – Bronze

Antique Gold Bamboo Umbrella Stand $247 Antique Gold Bamboo Umbrella Stand

Slice Umbrella Stand $128 This stylish umbrella stand is made of stainless steel with a plastic insert. Its cutout design lends a wealth of appeal. The umbrella is not included.

Squaro Umbrella Stand $128 This stylish umbrella stand is made of stainless steel with a plastic insert. Its cutout design lends a wealth of appeal.The umbrella is not included.

Vido Umbrella Stand $149 This stylish umbrella stand is made of stainless steel with a plastic insert. Its cutout design lends a wealth of appeal. The umbrella is not included.

Aqua Blue Fish Umbrella Stand $60 -Metal umbrella stand decorated in schools of fish. -Please note umbrella is not included.

Bronze Rose Designed Umbrella Stand $77 -Resin umbrella stand -designed to work with umbrella poles with a diameter of 38mm.

Oakland Living Corporation 4101VGY Round Umbrella Stand $87.73 The Oakland Sling Collection combines style and modern designs giving you a rich addition to any outdoor setting. The Oakland Sling collection is perfect for any outdoor patio back yard or garden. Each piece is hand cast and finished for the highest quality possible. nbsp;. Our umbrella stands are the perfect edition to any setting. Adds beauty and style with functionality. Constructed of durable cast iron. Features a hardened powder coat finish for years of beauty. Can fit up to a 1 7/8 inch umbrella pole. Hardened Powder Coat Finish in Verdi Grey for Years of Beauty. Easy to Follow Assembly Instructions and Product Care Information. Stainless Steel or Brass Assembly Hardware

Symbolo Umbrella Stand $103 This stylish umbrella stand is made of stainless steel with a plastic insert. Its cutout design lends a wealth of appeal.

10-Foot Deluxe Umbrella-Blue $267 This 10′ deluxe umbrella features a double hoist and solid brass hardware. -Fabric is Teflon coated and rain and dirt repellent. -Comes with leather enforcement at all critical “wear and tear” points for extra durability. -2″ Pole. -Nyatoh frame. -Blue color. -Stand not included.

10-Foot Deluxe Umbrella-Green $267 This 10′ deluxe umbrella features a double hoist and solid brass hardware. -Fabric is Teflon coated and rain and dirt repellent. -Comes with leather enforcement at all critical “wear and tear” points for extra durability. -2″ Pole. -Nyatoh frame. -Green color. -Stand not included.