Summary of Style

The term "Victorian Architecture" refers to numerous architectural styles used from the middle to the end of the nineteenth century, coinciding with Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901. There are at least eight distinct styles, along with numerous secondary styles, all of which are now incorporated under the category of Victorian. To add further complication, many structures are built in a combination of these styles. Although Victorian architecture can be considered an "anything goes" movement drawing inspiration from early centuries, nearly all of the structures are "topped off with a flourish." Broadly speaking, Victorian buildings have several distinctive features, including gables, steeply pitched roofs, dormers, turrets, wide columned porches, mixed sidings, elaborate trims, fanciful colors, and geometric adornments. Victorian homes are sometimes called "gingerbread houses" because of the elaborate trim or "painted ladies" due to the vibrant exterior and interior color.