AT:SF, I'm moving into a beautiful Victorian and am (shockingly) allowed to paint! We'd like to narrow down the swatches before move-in day and think about which furniture (all roommates have some) to scavenge and remix. We love all the architectural detail: high wainscoting, black and white tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, all the medallions, molding, chandeliers; but want to lighten the space (you know how Victorians are sometimes... dark?)...

...The problems include finding a color for the stair well / entry: the railings are all oak brown (not a touch of honey, cherry, or black). Its time consuming to paint railings and I don't want to have to sand and refinish if the owner doesn't like it (walls are easy)- so I have to work with it. The carpet there is light cream, but in the entry and hall it's burgundy. We also need color inspiration for the living, dining, and kitchen.

Along with paint color we're working with three sets of furniture. Are there any good visual resources for modern mixing with Victorian? We want to highlight the details, not do everything in a monochromatic palate. Want to get some furniture fix up / re-purpose ideas too! Books, websites, old posts- anything we can look at would help!

Thanks AT:SF!

GinaBee

GinaBee,

What first came to mind for inspiration were the British magazine Livingetc and Anna's house.

Anyone else have suggestions for GinaBee?

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