The beautiful architecture and intricate details of Victorian houses are well recognized, however their narrow plans often make them appear overcrowded as well as uncomfortable.

It can be quite daunting trying to achieve flow in a Victorian house. With tight spaces and narrow corridors and rooms, people often feel claustrophobic. However, there is nothing to worry about!

There are some ways of enhancing flow within your Victorian house thereby giving it an appealing look of space and comfort. So, let’s take a glance at a few techniques that can be employed to accomplish flow.

What do we mean by ‘flow’?

There are many factors that you should consider while designing a house, including the paint and floor type. However, you may not think about one important thing concerning the structure of the house- the flow. So what exactly is “flow” when we talk about design?

The manner in which various rooms and spaces follow through and are arranged in a house forms the flow in house design. Flow is basically the connectivity of space in relation to the house and how you readily move and interact in every room. A satisfyingly connected feel between rooms follows from good flow as it facilitates easy movement around in your living space.

We can attain a good flow by arranging furniture properly in rooms so that it does not block your way or lead to congested areas. Conversely, bad flow may arise from an unnatural, cramped, or messy layout. Such a situation could lead to discomfort and prevent smooth undertaking of day-to-day chores within your home.

Flow in traditional Victorian layouts

Even though we admire Victorian houses for their beauty, one common problem that almost every person living in such kind of houses complains about is “flow”. Moving freely within a conventional Victorian house is extremely difficult due to the blocked plans. So, let’s look at a few characteristics found in authentic Victorian houses and their potential influence on the general flow of your house.

Front and back parlors

The presence of front and back parlors is one key element that stands out in a typical Victorian house design. These rooms were meant for showing off what one owned and they usually contained very expensive furniture and fittings. The front parlor was used for formal meetings while the back parlor was more of a dining and lounging space.

However, in the present day, most homeowners see these separate rooms as blocking rather than facilitating. Firstly, it can be argued that allocating distinct areas for particular tasks helps keep discipline at home. However, it also implies that there can only be a certain amount of traffic between these spaces and it might not be easy to entertain visitors or simply walk from one room into another.

So how to improve the flow?

In case you think about solutions for enhancing the flow in your Victorian house, why not demolish the wall amid the front and back parlor? By doing so, there will be wider space whereby the natural light from the bay windows at the front will flow through to the back of your house.

Next, consider enlarging both chambers which will help facilitating free entry and movement. This alternative is also best suited for families that prefer inclusive rooms which can serve multiple functions apart from being a dining room space.

Interested in changing your Victorian living room’s flow while still maintaining the overall aesthetic? Our professionals at Architect7 are available to assist you! Kindly book a free advice call with us so that we can talk about your options and provide ideas on how you can give your living room a contemporary look without losing its classic appeal.

Kitchen and scullery

During the Victorian era, the kitchen was considered the heart of every home. It was a room dedicated to practicality and functionality rather than aesthetics. There was also an additional space at the back of the house which was referred to as the scullery, and it was found even in smaller kitchens.

This space was primarily used by servants (a common practice at the time that is not seen as much in modern times) and was solely for practical purposes such as washing clothes and cleaning.

So how to improve the flow?

Our recent research has revealed that kitchens still hold a special place in our homes. When asked, a demographically representative sample stated that if they were given £10k to spend on any area of their home, they would choose to invest it in their kitchen.

This shift is further supported by the rising trend for open-plan designs, which allow for more practicality in cooking, family dining time, and entertaining guests. Compared to Victorian times when kitchens were considered purely functional spaces, our evolving relationship with them calls for a change in how we approach the flow of our homes.

One effective way to enhance the flow and functionality of your kitchen is by opting for a rear extension. It is particularly beneficial if you don’t have any available space on the side of your home for an extension. The major advantage of a rear extension is that it offers the opportunity to completely transform what was once a simple and cramped kitchen and scullery into an open, inviting, and well-lit space.

Rear extensions are a great way of turning a small, dark kitchen and scullery into large, airy and well illuminated spaces that can be used for various activities including socializing and spending time with loved ones.

Other ways to improve the flow

Living in a small house can make one feel choked up with no breathing space. However, what if there is an alternative that could create extra room and flow within your house? Side infill extensions– the best solution for the dead space on the sides of your plot.

These are the kinds of extensions which project into the space that lies between two adjoining houses; most especially when not much is made use of it. Apart from providing additional floor space, such extensions enhance natural lighting while allowing property owners to update their house plans better.

There is no limit to what can be achieved through side infill extensions. Maybe you want to have a large kitchen with an island inside or a brighter living space that’s great for socializing. Such dreams could easily come true through this form of extension.

So, if you are planning to renovate your Victorian house, it is advisable to consult professionals first. We specialize in providing expert design solutions to homeowners so that they maximize their living spaces. Get in touch with us today!