Reproducing Victorian details, either as a renovation or new build, can be extraordinarily difficult in modern times. The requisite materials and labor-intensive designs make many projects cost prohibitive. “One of the reasons why Victorians look cheap when they’re built new,” explains Hull, “is because we’ve forgotten how expensive a lot of that material is now, which used to be so readily available, and the cost to get it right.”
Getting it right is about paying attention to the details, according to Hull. “House ornamentation is a really strong part” of replicating the look and feel of a Victorian. Over the years, JLC contributors have grappled with the complexities of Victorian authenticity – documenting efforts to match original door casings (https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/interiors/victorian-style-door-casing_o , mimicking the correct proportions and combination of profiles for Victorian moldings (https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/interiors/detail-two-classic-trim-styles_o), selecting the most appropriate wood species for exterior finishes (https://www.jlconline.com/projects/design-build/a-victorian-cupola_o ) , or restoring the look and feel of a Victorian front porch (https://www.jlconline.com/deck-builder/front-porch-revival_o). Hull’s series of social media reels also showcases the craft of replicating or restoring architectural details in a period homes (https://www.instagram.com/hullmillwork_hullhomes/).
In their 1992 book America’s Painted Ladies: The Ultimate Celebration of Our Victorians, which catalogues distinguished Victorians across America, Pomada and Larsen labeled renditions from the late-20th Century as “Neos.” Rather than criticizing the pervasive mashup of traditional and contemporary architecture among the Neo-Victorian homes featured in their book, the authors seem to relish the enduring affinity for Victorian design, citing successful companies such as W.F. Norman Corp. (https://wfnorman.com/) that have sold building ornamentations in the Victorian style for over 100 years.
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