The Rest of the Victorian Era...

A reader asked me in yesterday’s post on Queen Anne architecture, what other types of architecture fall under the Victorian Era. I thought I’d quickly answer for her.

1. Carpenter Gothic: This style is identified by its steep gables with bargeboard or vergeboard (shaped wooden edging) under the gables. This style, to me- is the quintessential gingerbread house. When you go to decorate yours this year- you can tell people that you've used the Carpenter Gothic influence in your high pitched gables and bargeboard, and whimsical colonettes and detailing. I am sure people would be very impressed.... :)
2. The Italianate Style: Generally speaking, these are usually cube shaped houses with a square tower, called a cupola, or observatory on the top. You will also find Italian arches and columns used.
3. The Mansard style is one of my favorite. I absolutely love Mansard roofs. These are generally rectangular buildings with tall French windows and quoining. The roof is frequently topped with iron cresting and finials. This is sometimes called the Second Empire or General Grant style.
4. The least common of the Victorian styles is the octagonal style. In fact, there are only a few hundred remaining homes standing. As the name suggests, it is characterized by its eight sides. It is frequently topped with a cupola, a low-hipped roof, and decorative features found on other Victorian styles.

So- there you go- there is more than just Queen Anne to the Victorian period in architecture. Notice the commonalities of the intricacies in the architecture. I would describe all of the styles as feminine- with great attention to small detail. Anyone have a favorite style of the group? I would have to say that the Mansard is my favorite.

Movie Review: Our Family Wedding

My husband and I saw a movie last night- Our Family Wedding. The movie itself had some funny parts- but overall wasn't that great- it was all right.

With that said- the interior design was an interesting juxtaposition, no doubt as an extension of the juxtaposition of the two families in the movie. America Ferrera's family home was a Victorian home with a traditional, cluttery welcoming mix-match decor. I was unable to find pictures for you of that place- but you can get a glimpse on this trailer.. The kitchen had the open shelf with colorful dishes and painted mixed with wood finish cabinets look. Architecturally it is really a beautiful home. They had carrara marble on the kitchen counters- which I love every time I see it, and yet it is so un-practical from a staining standpoint- that I would never suggest it.

Forest Whitaker's place was the opposite of the "homey family" feel. In contrast, it was full of expensive vases, high end everything, the latest technology, and a clean modern look. I loved his kitchen as well- you can see a peak above. The asymmetric combination of open shelves with smoked glass is really cool. This home had more of a sense of a place for everything, and everything in its place. There was no clutter, and nothing around that didn't absolutely belong.

Should you spend $21 plus babysitter to see it???? Yeah--- maybe not- but the interiors were great. Have you seen it? I am sure everyone else saw Alice in Wonderland this weekend- and maybe I should have... but Tim Burton is a little creepy to me. Anyway- if you saw it- what did you think?