Design by Style

This is a guide to the main design styles of the Victorian and Edwardian periods. The Victorian era matches the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901. The Edwardian period was from 1901 to 1910, the reign of King Edward VII, although in architectural style, it effectively means through to 1918.

This section covers Classical, Georgian, Italianate, Gothic, Aesthetic, Arts and Crafts, Eclectic, Queen Anne, Art Nouveau and Edwardian styles. It gives an overview of the influences on architecture and interior design.

For the design of particular elements, such as windows, see Design by Element. For an overview of the different styles by room, see the Design by Room section.

Note that it is rare in Victorian houses, in particular, to be able to label them as being of a single style. The typical middle or working class home was built by a small builder who would buy a plot of land, build one or two houses and immediately sell them freehold or leasehold to a landlord. This speculative builder built what he liked, was familiar with and could sell easily and profitably. These houses were influenced by contemporary fashions but were no more 'designer houses' than the typical house of today.