For those of us interested in decorating in the Victorian style, I've been doing a bit of research on the kinds of accents that were popular during that era. Here are some of the small touches that we can add to our own homes with notations beside those items that can be found at dollar stores:

white lace curtains and bed linens

crocheted table cloths  (have seen small lacey table toppers that would work for round decorative tables)

doilies on end tables (lots of doilies in the dollar store!)

maps and globes

hardcover book collections displayed in cabinets

candle holders, crystal lamps, porcelain figurines and dried flowers (with the exception of the crystal lamp, everything else could be found with careful selection, i.e. glass candle holders would probably work but not clown or teddy bear figurines. Choose figurines that have the look of porcelain.)

decorative plates (lots of decorator plates available, but you'd need to be choosy here, too)

gold or wooden frames (lots of frames to choose from)

I have often seen figurines of ladies garbed in the Victorian style of dress at various dollar stores. Those would be fantastic additions if placed strategically as accents.

 

Brandy:

I have often seen figurines of ladies garbed in the Victorian style of dress at various dollar stores. Those would be fantastic additions if placed strategically as accents.

 

Yes, that's the idea. I think bird figurines would be good, too.

I recently bought a victorian home in San Francisco. I LOVE the period details of the home; crown molding, wood floors, high baseboards, etc. But I don't like frilly things like doilies and figurines. Any suggestions on how to integrate minimalism and abstract artwork with the house details and my fabric crafts?

Marlene,

I am fond of feminine touches.  :)

I have a great interest in blending Victorian and Japanese pieces but I am not sure I will ever do so in reality except for a few accents.
 

 

lamuneca0325:

I recently bought a victorian home in San Francisco. I LOVE the period details of the home; crown molding, wood floors, high baseboards, etc. But I don't like frilly things like doilies and figurines. Any suggestions on how to integrate minimalism and abstract artwork with the house details and my fabric crafts?

Hmmm. I think you need to consult a pro about this. I kind of have a one-track mind. I'm sure it can be done, 'though - anything's possible.

 

Brandy:

I have a great interest in blending Victorian and Japanese pieces but I am not sure I will ever do so in reality except for a few accents.

As I wrote to lamuneca0325, I think these issues are best handled by an expert, perhaps one of the decorating websites would help.

Thanks anyway Marlene, frankly, I'm not sure the different sides of my personality will ever stop clashing. Between my eclectic tastes and my SO's absolute absence of decor skill or appreciation, my house will always be the style I refer to as "contemporary thrift store"

Try some glass glob things that work with an end table thrift has it or dollar store and glass flowers that have been pained or you can do it your self I collect alot of art and antques threw the vivtorian and before ww1 and ww2 eara because mom is from germany and the travels we all did in england france holland denmarc norway scotland, and the good old anticque places don't for get the thrift shop me I wait but doller store brings little touches that is great...

Marlene,

I don't need a designer, I need a husband convincer. LOL!

He isn't as fond of the Victorian pieces as I am. But it's ok since I am fond of other things that he likes.