5 tips to merge Eastern and Victorian décor styles

While Victorian style is symbolised by a timeless elegance that manifests itself in rich fabrics and intricate wood carvings, Oriental or Southeast Asian design is all about impeccable detailing, natural elements and vivid imagery. When combined, especially when home interiors are concerned, the result is nothing short of magical—classy and quirky, bold and beautiful, vibrant and subtle, all at the same time.

Mixing colour schemes

A Victorian colour scheme is dominated by neutral tones like white, beige, cream, brown or pastel hues of blue, pink and green, and the vivid Eastern colour palette complements this subtlety of the Victorian style perfectly. Using Victorian colours as a base will not only allow you to mix and match different colours and styles, but will also make vivid accents stand out in just the way you’d like them to. Opt for achromatic walls in colours like white, grey and cream and then juxtapose them with vibrant Oriental hues like vivid red, cherry blossom pink, lush green, peacock blue and bright yellow through soft furnishings and artwork. The key to getting this right is to spread the foreground colour evenly for a balanced look.

Victorian theme with Eastern materials

The far East shares a close relationship with nature, which is why elements like wood and stone feature often in Oriental design. Traditional Oriental stone sculptures, such as those of mythical creatures, lend elegance to any style of décor and are known to bring about serenity to the surroundings in which they are placed. However, if you want to tone down the richness of your Victorian décor, incorporating simple Asian elements can help you create an ambience that is more fluid and relaxing. For instance, furniture made from bamboo is not only lightweight, but its natural texture pairs well with most colours from the Victorian palette. If your room appears too chunky, create interesting focal points by using bamboo curtains, blinds or partitions

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Victorian furniture with Eastern upholstery

Victorian furniture is characterised by its bulkiness and intricate carvings, lending a rich, luxurious and vintage feel to its surroundings. To soften the dominating aura of your Victorian-style sofa or armchair, opt for Asian-inspired upholstery. With its smooth texture, vivid colours and bold floral or geometric patterns, Oriental upholstery infuses the otherwise cumbersome appearance of Victorian furniture with a much-needed colour and artistic boost.

Asian art in Victorian settings

Characterised by bright colours and exquisite craftsmanship, Oriental art is perfect to enliven a space with a slice of culture. Set against a Victorian colour palette that oscillates between neutrals like cream and white and rich colours like crimson, maroon and dark brown, it strikes a pleasing contrast. For instance, place Eastern artefacts like porcelain dishes, stone statues, miniature boxes and vibrant figures of mythical creatures like dragons, etc. in a typical Victorian-style wooden cabinet; or set Oriental theme paintings, tapestries or scrolls against a statement wall in rich Victorian colours. Oriental fabrics with Victorian furniture This combination is worth trying out especially in the bedroom: if you have a bulky and ornate Victorian-style wooden bed, opt for a quilt, bed sheet or a statement pillow with a bold Oriental print and team it with a neutral bed linen set. You can also replicate this in the living room by teaming Victorian sofas and armchairs with a bold Oriental rug, cushion, runner or tapestry.

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