Open-plan living and dining spaces have become incredibly popular, particularly in renovated Victorian terrace homes. Blending the charm of original architecture with modern functionality presents a unique design challenge. However, the reward is a bright, airy space perfect for contemporary living. This article explores 26 design ideas to inspire your open-plan Victorian terrace renovation, focusing on color palettes, design styles, and the latest trends in the US and EU.
Embrace the Victorian Era with Rich Jewel Tones
Lean into the history of your Victorian terrace by using a palette of rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple. These colors can be incorporated through velvet upholstery, patterned wallpaper featuring classic Victorian motifs like damask or paisley, and ornate accessories such as brass candlesticks and antique mirrors. Pair these rich colors with dark wood flooring and trim to maintain the traditional aesthetic. For a modern twist, consider incorporating contemporary lighting fixtures and abstract artwork.
Modern Minimalism Meets Victorian Bones
Contrast the ornate details of your Victorian architecture with a minimalist approach to furnishings and décor. Opt for clean lines, neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, and simple, functional furniture. Incorporate natural materials like wood and stone to add warmth and texture. Consider a monochrome palette with pops of color introduced through artwork or carefully chosen accessories. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic space that honors the past while embracing contemporary living.
Industrial Chic with Exposed Brick
Expose original brick walls, if possible, and pair them with industrial-style lighting, metal accents, and raw wood furniture. This creates a trendy, urban feel that contrasts beautifully with the Victorian architecture. A neutral color palette of grays, blacks, and whites allows the exposed brick to take center stage. Incorporate leather furniture and vintage-inspired rugs to complete the look. This style is particularly popular in urban areas of both the US and EU.
Scandinavian Simplicity with Natural Light
Maximize natural light with sheer curtains or blinds and embrace a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. White walls, light wood floors, and minimalist furniture create a bright and airy space. Incorporate hygge elements like cozy textiles, candles, and plants to add warmth and personality. This style emphasizes functionality and simplicity, making it a perfect fit for open-plan living.
Bohemian Rhapsody with Pattern and Texture
Embrace a bohemian spirit with layered rugs, patterned textiles, and an eclectic mix of furniture and décor. Incorporate warm colors like terracotta, ochre, and mustard yellow, and introduce natural elements like plants and macrame wall hangings. This style celebrates individuality and creativity, allowing for a unique and personalized space.
Mid-Century Modern Revival
Introduce iconic mid-century modern furniture pieces, like Eames chairs and a Noguchi coffee table, to create a retro-inspired living space. Pair these pieces with geometric patterns, bold colors like orange and teal, and brass accents. This style is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in both the US and EU.
Rustic Farmhouse Charm
Incorporate rustic elements like reclaimed wood furniture, exposed beams, and vintage-inspired lighting fixtures. A neutral color palette with warm accents like beige, cream, and brown creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This style emphasizes natural materials and textures, bringing a touch of the countryside into your Victorian terrace.
Coastal Cool with Blue and White
Create a serene and refreshing atmosphere with a coastal-inspired color palette of blues and whites. Incorporate natural textures like jute rugs, wicker baskets, and driftwood accents. This style evokes a sense of calm and relaxation, perfect for creating a peaceful living space.
Art Deco Elegance with Geometric Patterns
Embrace the glamour of the Art Deco era with geometric patterns, luxurious materials like velvet and marble, and metallic accents like gold and silver. This style is characterized by its bold lines, symmetrical designs, and opulent details.
French Country Chic with Pastels and Florals
Create a romantic and charming space with pastel colors like lavender, mint green, and pale pink. Incorporate floral patterns, distressed furniture, and wrought iron accents. This style evokes the beauty of the French countryside.
Monochromatic Modernity
Embrace a sophisticated and streamlined look with a monochromatic color palette. Choose shades of gray, black, or white and incorporate varying textures to add visual interest. This style is sleek and contemporary.
Global Fusion with Ethnic Textiles
Incorporate textiles and décor from around the world to create a vibrant and eclectic space. Mix and match patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique and personalized look.
Hollywood Regency Glamour
Embrace old Hollywood glamour with luxurious materials like velvet, silk, and mirrored furniture. Incorporate dramatic lighting fixtures, bold patterns, and metallic accents.
Urban Jungle with Greenery
Bring the outdoors in with an abundance of plants. Create a lush and vibrant living space with a variety of greenery, from small succulents to large leafy plants.
Contemporary with Clean Lines
Embrace a contemporary aesthetic with clean lines, simple furniture, and a neutral color palette. This style is characterized by its minimalist approach and focus on functionality.
Eclectic Mix and Match
Combine different styles and eras to create a unique and personalized space. Mix and match furniture, décor, and patterns to create an eclectic look.
Maximalist More is More
Embrace a maximalist approach with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and an abundance of décor. This style is all about celebrating excess and individuality.
Japanese Zen Minimalism
Create a serene and tranquil space with a Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Incorporate natural materials like bamboo and wood, minimalist furniture, and a neutral color palette.
Mediterranean Warmth with Terracotta and Blue
Embrace the warmth of the Mediterranean with terracotta tiles, blue accents, and natural materials like wood and stone. This style evokes a sense of relaxation and warmth.
Color Blocking with Bold Hues
Create a visually striking space with color blocking. Use bold and contrasting colors to define different areas of the open plan living and dining room. This contemporary technique adds a dynamic and modern touch to the Victorian architecture.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design
Focus on sustainable materials and practices when designing your open plan living space. Choose reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and energy-efficient appliances. Opt for natural fabrics like linen and organic cotton for upholstery and curtains. This design approach is gaining popularity in both the US and EU as homeowners become more environmentally conscious.
Open Shelving and Display Areas
Maximize space and showcase your personality with open shelving in both the living and dining areas. Use the shelves to display books, artwork, plants, and decorative objects. This creates a sense of visual interest and allows you to personalize your space. Incorporate a mix of open and closed storage to maintain a sense of balance and avoid a cluttered look. This trend is particularly popular in smaller Victorian terraces where maximizing space is crucial.
Statement Lighting as a Focal Point
Incorporate statement lighting fixtures to create a focal point in your open plan living and dining area. A large chandelier, a series of pendant lights, or a sculptural floor lamp can add drama and personality to the space. Choose lighting that complements your chosen design style, whether it be Victorian, industrial, or contemporary. Consider using different types of lighting to create different moods and highlight specific areas of the room.
Zone with Rugs and Furniture Arrangement
Define distinct zones within your open plan space using rugs and furniture arrangement. A large rug in the living area can anchor the seating group, while a smaller rug under the dining table can delineate the dining zone. Arrange furniture to create natural pathways and conversation areas. This helps to create a sense of order and purpose within the open plan layout, while maintaining a cohesive flow between the living and dining areas.
Multifunctional Furniture for Flexibility
Choose furniture that serves multiple purposes to maximize space and flexibility. A sofa bed can provide extra sleeping space for guests, while a storage ottoman can double as a coffee table. Consider using nesting tables or a drop-leaf dining table that can be expanded when needed. This approach is particularly relevant in smaller Victorian terraces where space is at a premium.
Embrace the Bay Window
Victorian terraces often feature beautiful bay windows. Make this architectural feature a focal point of your open plan living area. Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable armchair and a small table, or use the bay window as a dining area with a banquette or window seat. Maximize natural light with sheer curtains or blinds. This will enhance the sense of space and light in your open plan living and dining room.
