Century homes are known for their rich architectural details, handcrafted materials, and timeless charm. While their exteriors often follow distinct historical styles, their interiors have evolved over time, reflecting different design trends and cultural influences.
From the ornate and decorative to the simple and functional, many interior styles have defined century homes across different eras. Understanding these styles can help homeowners preserve, restore, or update their interiors while maintaining historical integrity.
Popular Interior Design Styles in Century Homes
Victorian Elegance and Ornamentation
Victorian-era interiors were characterized by rich colors, intricate details, and luxurious materials. Heavy draperies, floral wallpapers, and dark wood paneling were commonly used to create a sense of opulence. Furniture featured elaborate carvings, velvet or brocade upholstery, and curved silhouettes. Fireplaces served as focal points, often framed by marble mantels or intricate tilework. The overall aesthetic emphasized drama and layering, with decorative molding, stained glass accents, and chandeliers adding to the grandeur.
Craftsman Simplicity and Functionality
Craftsman-style interiors emerged in response to the excess of the Victorian period, favoring clean lines, natural materials, and handcrafted details. Built-in cabinetry, exposed wood beams, and stained oak trim were key features, creating a warm and organic feel. Walls were often finished with wainscoting or paneling, and fireplaces were framed with simple brick or stone. This style emphasized craftsmanship, making every element both functional and beautiful, with an appreciation for artisanal woodworking and simple geometric patterns.
Colonial Revival Tradition and Symmetry
Colonial Revival interiors drew inspiration from early American homes, emphasizing symmetry, classic proportions, and refined elegance. Walls were painted in muted colors like cream, soft blue, or sage green, often paired with traditional wainscoting or chair rails. Furnishings included Windsor chairs, cherry wood tables, and brass lighting fixtures. Fireplaces were often the centerpiece of living rooms, framed by wood mantels with simple decorative molding. The emphasis was on creating a timeless and orderly space that felt both formal and inviting.
Art Deco Glamour and Geometric Patterns
During the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco interiors brought a bold and modern aesthetic to century homes, featuring geometric patterns, metallic finishes, and sleek materials. Rooms were often decorated with mirrored surfaces, glass light fixtures, and stylized floral or sunburst motifs. Black, gold, and jewel-toned colors were commonly used to create contrast, while furniture had streamlined silhouettes with lacquered or chrome accents. This style reflected the era’s fascination with luxury and innovation, making it a striking choice for interiors in early 20th-century homes.
Mid-Century Modern Simplicity and Open Spaces
By the mid-20th century, interior design shifted toward minimalism, open floor plans, and functional furnishings. Century homes that were updated during this period often featured sleek wooden furniture, neutral color palettes, and large windows to enhance natural light. Mid-century modern design emphasized uncluttered spaces, incorporating materials like teak, leather, and molded plastic. Built-in shelving, sliding doors, and modular seating arrangements were common, reflecting a new approach to flexible and efficient living.
Final Thoughts
Century homes have housed a variety of interior design styles, each reflecting the trends and values of its time. From the elaborate details of Victorian interiors to the streamlined look of mid-century modern homes, these styles have shaped how homeowners experience their living spaces. Whether preserving an original design or blending historical charm with modern updates, understanding these styles can help create interiors that feel both authentic and timeless.