Restoring A Victorian
To be the owner of a Victorian is to be a caretaker of an amazing legacy of a very unique architecture. in the beautiful book, “A Gift to the Street”, Carol Olwells photos showcase the amazing details and intricacies of Victorian architecture. In the book, clem Labine of The Old-House journal describes Victorian architecture as “delights for the eye and spirit”. https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Street-Judith-Lynch-Waldhorn/dp/0917946014
Restoring a Victorian house can be a complex, exciting and rewarding process. Here are some general steps to consider when embarking on a Victorian home restoration.
1) Research and planning: Before starting any restoration work, it is important to do your research and plan accordingly. Research the history and design of your Victorian home. Many Victorian have been improperly remodeled. City records may contain some original photos which may show some original features. Identify any original features that should be preserved or restored and establish a budget and timeline for the restoration project.
2) Focus on the exterior: The exterior of your Victorian home is its protective shell. It may be important to address the exterior first, especially if there is current water intrusion, to protect the interior details. This may include the roof, porch and stair repairs, exterior wood repair, and paint. Victorian architecture often features intricate details and decorations. Restoring and/or adding these elements can help bring back the original character of the house. 
Focus on repairing or reinstalling original features such as gingerbread trim, decorative brackets, and ornate window frames. In this photo, the Gable space is decorated with a flower cartouche sourced from Aurora Mills Architectural Salvage in Aurora, Oregon. https://auroramills.com/ Finally, choose a color scheme for your Victorian that will highlight the period details as well as express your personal style. A qualified color consultant experienced with the details of Victorians is a great investment.
3) Work on the interior: The interior of the house is just as important as the exterior. Confirming the original interior architecture such as moldings and door casings, as well as period correct choices in hardware, and plumbing and lighting fixtures, can ensure a pleasing restoration result.
4) Improve energy efficiency: While restoring the house, consider upgrading insulation, windows, and heating and cooling systems to improve energy efficiency without compromising the integrity of the house.
5). Maintain the landscaping: The landscaping around a Victorian home can greatly enhance its overall appearance. Consider using native plants and landscaping designs to complement the architecture of the house. 
In this particular project, the front garden was transformed using native plants, organic materials and a beautiful old decorative iron fence originally from Paris, sourced from the late, great Ohmega Salvage in Berkeley. http://www.ohmegasalvage.com
Restoring a Victorian house can be a rewarding process, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. It is important to work with professionals who have experience and a passion for historic home restoration to ensure that the project is successful. With the guidance of a restoration/design professional you can not only focus on restoring original details but you can also add ornament to match the original style and create a color scheme to make the home your own. Good luck!!
