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Front porch design ideas uk


Porch Ideas: Designs That Will Elevate Your Home's Entrance

(Image credit: Ollie Hammick)

Porch ideas come in all shapes and sizes, but what they have in common is helping to frame the entrance to your home, creating a sense of depth to a flat-faced house, as well as providing some protection from the elements. 

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While a simple open porch might help you stay dry while trying to open your front door, and enclosed porch extension can provide an 'airlock' to help prevent mud and dirt from being tracked into your home. 

Whether you're searching for porch ideas for a self build project as part of your external design, or are looking to add or replace a porch while renovating a house, there are plenty of designs available that can really enhance your home's kerb appeal.  

Take a look at our gallery of porch examples and how each could benefit your build or renovation. 

(MORE: Thinking about replacing your front door at the same time? Get a quote from one of our partners )

1. This Enclosed Porch Idea Shelters you From the Elements

(Image credit: Anglican Home Improvements)

This traditional-style porch from Anglican Home Improvements , with its tiled gable roof, is a great example of an enclosed porch. 

Where hallway space is limited, an enclosed porch like this acts almost like a small extension, where muddy boots and wet outerwear can be shed and stored. Including plenty of glazing in the design ensures the spaces beyond are not dark and gloomy. 

2. Create a Wind Shield for Your Porch on an Exposed Elevation 

(Image credit: Oak Designs Co)

While an open, roofed porch may be able to protect your front door from the rain, wind is a different story. This porch by Oak Designs Co features glazing on one side to protect the door from the wind, meaning you're less likely to get blown about when entering the house, but also saving your door furniture from rattling in strong gusts or the door blowing open.  

(MORE: Front Door Ideas to Set the Right Tone for Your Home)

3. Oak Frame Porches Aren't Only for Oak Frame Houses 

(Image credit: Border Oak)

Even those without an oak frame home can benefit from the warmth and character that a timber framed porch can add to a house. 

This design, from Border Oak , is self-supporting, like all their oak frame porches, meaning it stands against the house as opposed to being structurally integrated. 

Kits are prefabricated off site, ready to be assembled by your builder or even on a DIY basis. 

4. Create a Simple Overhang Porch 

(Image credit: Urban Front)

A simple overhang can be visually stunning. This design, seen with a striking textured bronze pivot door from Urban Front , has been planted on top with a green roof — a brilliant porch idea to steal.

Consider incorporating porch lighting ideas within your canopy (integrated spotlights work well) and security cameras. 

(Image credit: Ion Glass)

This jaw-dropping porch idea is from Ion Glass . The structural glass porch has been added to a heritage barn conversion, proving that traditional buildings can really benefit from a striking contemporary addition such as this. 

Fully frameless glass has been used in order not to detract from the traditional characteristics of the barn, whilst the steeply sloping roof of the porch follows the same line as the original barn roof.

(MORE: Love This Idea? Check out our Glass Box Extension Ideas)

6. Extend Your Porch Into a Useful Veranda

(Image credit: Border Oak/Jeremy Phillips)

A full-width porch, or veranda, is a staple design feature of many New England-style houses, but is also a practical and beautiful addition to any country home.

The veranda is definitely one porch idea worth considering, providing protection from the elements along with a practical space in which to store logs and house Wellies and boot racks.

A veranda can also provide the perfect spot to sit and watch the sun set (or rise), so include some kind of seating too.  

This oak framed veranda was designed by Border Oak . 

7. Use Glazing to Create a Sympathetic Porch for an Older Property 

(Image credit: IQ Glass)

Proving that owners of listed buildings need not give up on porch ideas that might be less than traditional in their appearance, this glazed porch from IQ Glass has been added to a Grade II listed building as part of its renovation. 

The design has not only extended the internal space, but the glazing also ticks all the boxes from a conservation point of view, in that it allows the original brick exterior to show through and clearly delineates the old from the new. 

(Image credit: Dan Welldon)

This imposing porch feels completely in proportion with the grand scale of this home, renovated by XUL Architecture . However, where the depth of the porch could have lead to a dark spot, also affecting the light in the hallway via the door fanlights, rooflights have been integrated into the porch, to ensure it's well-served with natural light.  

9. Use Structural Columns for a Grand Porch Idea

(Image credit: Haddonstone)

Those after porch ideas for a Georgian-style properties should most certainly be considering stone as a material for the structure. 

This design, made from cast stone, by Haddonstone , frames the grand entrance to this historic renovation project perfectly. 

Ensure the style of the columns and portico match the era of the house you working on. 

10. Go Minimalist With a Built-in Porch Idea

(Image credit: Urban Front)

As part of the overall design of this contemporary home, the porch has been incorporated into the façade. 

This has resulted in a generous covered space that really draws the eye towards the front door — an oversized iroko design from Urban Front . 

An front door that is built into the overall form of a house helps to create a seamless, unfussy design. 

11. Add Depth to a Flat House with a Canopy Porch

(Image credit: Border Oak)

Some new houses can suffer from a distinct lack of depth and appear a little 2D. Adding even a simple canopy-style porch can really elevate the exterior, injecting character and individuality. 

This small oak-framed canopy, from Border Oak , features characterful clay roof tiles to tie in with the main house — its dainty proportions ensure no light is blocked from the internal entrance beyond. 

12. Try a Timber Porch Kit

(Image credit: The English Porch Co.)

This elegant timber porch is from The English Porch Company . 

This particular design, The Ascot, can be specified to extend right the way across the front of a house, and can also be designed to incorporate glazing and a front door.

The porch is supplied in kit form, and it is estimated that it should take a competent DIYer around a day and a half to install, with a little assistance in areas. 

You get to choose sizes, the type of wood used and play around with the design until you are completely happy. 

13. Create a Reception Space with a Large Porch

(Image credit: Oak Designs Co)

When a porch gets to a certain size, you may consider it more of an extension than a porch, but it acts in the same way, framing the entrance to your home and providing extra usable space.  

This large glazed porch extension from Oak Designs Co offers a reception space to the house, including space to park a pram. 

14. This Porch Idea Retains Access to the Garden 

(Image credit: Ollie Hammick)

This small porch extension created by Brosh Architects creates a boot room for storage of shoes and coats, while retaining access to the garden with a front and rear door. 

The small porch uses exposed brick for the walls and floors in its interior, creating the feeling that it is somehow still external to the house, acting as a reception for muddy shoes before entering the main house. 

(MORE: A Gallery of the Best Small House Extension Ideas)

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Natasha is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Editor and has been a member of the team for over two decades. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she has written for a number of homes titles. She has renovated a terrace and is at the end of the DIY renovation and extension of her Edwardian cottage. She is now looking for her next project.

Front porch ideas: 13 ways to transform your space

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(Image credit: Unsplash/Francesca Tosolini)

The best front porch ideas will not only smarten up the entrance to your home, they'll also give you the perfect sheltered spot to sit and enjoy being outdoors. While many homeowners can often overlook their front porches, it’s one of the first parts of your house to make an impression on guests, not to mention provide you with extra living space. It's such a key feature of some of our favorite American homes, that if you're lucky enough to have one you shouldn't let it go to waste.  

Whether you’re interested in designing a cozy seating area for watching summer storms roll past or a perfect display for all your plants, we’ve rounded up the best ways you can spice up your front porch to let it shine.

Transforming your outside space? Check out our favorite garden design ideas.

1. Set up a rocking chair 

(Image credit: Unsplash/Avi Werde)

Is there anything better than sitting in a rocking chair on your front porch? Style your set-up with just one chair if you’re tight on space, or indulge in a few to accommodate the whole family. Rocking chairs can work well with all sorts of architectural styles, whether your home is a farmhouse, a Craftsman bungalow, or a colonial-type property.

2. Add a bench

(Image credit: Unsplash/Olivia Fleur)

Prefer a more stable seat? Add a garden bench to your front porch. While you can simply take a seat, relax, and soak in the view, you can also use a bench more practically, say, to take off your shoes before entering your home. If you already have another seating area on your porch, you can even use a bench like a display, arranging a vignette of plants, ceramic pieces, or anything else you fancy on top of it. 

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3. Install a simple hanging seat

(Image credit: Pixabay/BA Preston)

Another front porch seating classic, a swinging bench is an ideal place to relax all day long, whether you’re snuggling up to a loved one or sprawled out reading a book.   While you can keep your swing plain and simple, like the one shown here, we love the idea of peppering in some fun pillows and a throw blanket to make things a little cozier – perfect for when there's an extra chill in the air on cooler evenings. 

4. Jazz it up with a boho-style hanging pod 

(Image credit: Unsplash/Amjad Rana)

If you’re into the swinging bench idea but have more flamboyant style, opt for a bohemian-style hanging pod, providing a more unique architectural shape that’s sure to make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Use brightly colored cushions and pillows for a bold impact, or keep to neutrals for something a little more subtle. 

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5. Bring personality to the table through cushions

(Image credit: Unsplash/Francesca Tosolini)

Outdoor seating is always more comfortable when teamed with cushions, so don’t be afraid to load up your front porch’s benches and chairs with them. Use the same pattern throughout your porch to unify the look, as shown here, or mix-and-match them to keep things a little more playful. We love how the same color has been used on the walls and floor in this front porch to create a smart finish. 

Want more ideas for easy garden updates? Our simple garden ideas feature has plenty to inspire. 

6. Add string lights to brighten up a porch in the evening

(Image credit: Unsplash/Camylla Battani)

String lights are a whimsical detail that can create an atmospheric space at night. They pair particularly well with rustic-chic decor – just take a cue from this farmhouse-style front porch. Don’t forget to add details like a wooden bench and planters to round out the space. 

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7. Spruce things up with greenery

(Image credit: Pixabay/Ray Shrewsberry)

If you have plants that prefer indirect sunlight, a covered front porch is an ideal place to home them. Set up a number of small-to-medium-sized plants on a tiered shelf, or go big with some fronds in a giant planter. Opt for ferns or flowers like begonias in the shadiest part of your porch, and leave the sunnier spaces for light lovers like petunias or even potted citrus trees. 

(Image credit: Pixabay/Great Blankenship)

Sure, shutters are practical for keeping wind and rain out, but on a big front porch, they can also be used as decorative elements. (Actually, they can pull double duty!) Check out antique stores for more rustic shutters that have developed a patina, or install brand-new shutters for a more polished look. Shutters look best on more traditional homes, but savvy designers can certainly find a way to make them work on modern ones, too.

9. Keep things practical with storage

(Image credit: Unsplash/Calvin Jung)

Front porches don’t only have to be for sitting. If you don’t have space out back for a garden shed, consider setting up a little gardening space on your porch, like in the space shown here. A flat surface for trimming stems and some hooks to hang tools are a great place to start! You can also use baskets to store everything from umbrellas to firewood.

(Image credit: The Citizenry)

Why not put a sofa on your porch to create an outdoor living room? Just make sure the furniture is designed to weather the elements, otherwise it might not last as long as you’d hope! Don’t forget to jazz your new outdoor sofa up with accessories like the Siempre Lumbar Pillow from The Citizenry . Check out our outdoor living room feature for more great ideas. 

11. Throw a rug down

(Image credit: The Citizenry)

Add to your front porch’s outdoor living room vibes by throwing down an outdoor rug to tie a seating area together. Not only does it add some much needed comfort and warmth underfoot, it also makes for a more comfortable play space for kids – two-legged or four-legged ones! Choose one designed to be used outdoors for added practicality.  

12. Add a hanging planter

(Image credit: Ashley Mann)

If you have limited square footage on your front porch for decorating, take things to the walls – or the open air. Install hanging planters to add greenery without cluttering up the floor. Or even if you do have a large porch, save the space for furniture and keep the plants up in the air. Here, blogger Ashley Mann hangs English ivy and a spider plant on her porch.

13. Hang a hammock

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

If you’re not one for camping, but you still love to kick back in a hammock, why not install one on your front porch instead? We’re partial to highly stylized models, like this Fringed Macramé Hammock from Anthropologie , which oozes bohemian vibes. Lazy weekends on the front porch, here we come...

More garden ideas: 

Design features of a porch for a private house

A porch for a private house or cottage is a mandatory and functionally significant element of the entrance part of the building. This design gives the cottage a holistic and attractive appearance, and also favorably emphasizes its architecture.

Features of design and decoration

The construction of the porch extension is started last. To do this, take into account several tips and design recommendations:

Types of porches

Illustrative examples of the main types of porches.

Porch with a canopy for a private house

The canopy is most often an extension of the roof and serves as protection from snow, rain and other precipitation. According to the requirements of special authorities, the visor is placed at a height of at least 20 centimeters above the front door. nine0003

This element not only makes it possible to equip a comfortable entrance to the house, but also turns into a real decoration of the surrounding exterior due to the original design.

Large cottage assumes the presence of a spacious porch structure attached to the terrace, which is additionally equipped in the form of a recreation area.

The photo shows a private house with a large porch-terrace equipped with a canopy.

An excellent solution is a wrought iron canopy. If the design is supplemented with lanterns and hanging flowerpots, it will take on an even more sophisticated look. nine0003

The best material for finishing the canopy is metal, polycarbonate, corrugated board, soft tiles or slate.

Enclosed porch for the house

Represents a covered glazed extension protected from all sides. In order for a separate room in the form of a vestibule to be combined with the overall design of the cottage, the same roof is used for its decoration and windows of the same type are installed. It will be interesting to look at a wooden porch with a vestibule against the background of a stone or brick house with shutters, a balcony or other wood details. nine0003

The vestibule not only protects the entrance space from atmospheric precipitation, but also minimizes the heat loss that occurs when entering and leaving the premises. Insulation of the extension will help to achieve a greater effect.

Porch with covered porch is on the same foundation as the house. A similar design was originally incorporated in the project of the cottage. The veranda performs the same functions as the vestibule porch, but at the same time it has a large internal space that is used for different purposes. nine0003

The photo shows a closed porch-tambour in the exterior of a country house.

Open porch with steps for the house

The extension without a canopy is the fastest in terms of construction time. The main thing is the correct installation of steps.

The photo shows an open porch with curved steps.

Material

The future appearance of the porch is determined by the selected building material. The following decisions are considered the most relevant. nine0003

Metal porch in a private house

A very spectacular building that blends harmoniously with the house in almost any architectural style. The metal structure is very durable, resistant to external influences and aggressive influences.

The photo shows a wooden house equipped with a forged metal porch structure.

Beautiful wrought iron porch looks elegant and significantly transforms the exterior of the cottage, but has a rather expensive and complicated installation. nine0003

Wooden porch to the house

Porch structures can be made of wood, timber or logs. They are most often covered with a canopy or completely closed, as precipitation has a negative effect on the array. If an open extension is planned, to extend the service life, the structure must be treated with special impregnations.

The photo shows the exterior of a country house with a wooden porch.

Wooden flooring is the most common option for furnishing. The material is fixed on a pre-prepared concrete, brick or metal base. In the design, it is preferable to use solid pine, which has an inexpensive price and is great for painting and varnishing.

Brick porch

A brick structure is not strong enough, for example, compared to a stone structure. When using low-quality brick, freezing of the porch in winter and destruction due to the penetration of moisture into cracks is possible. nine0003

The photo shows a brick porch attached to the veranda of a private house.

The best option would be frost-resistant and refractory clinker bricks. Such a porch will look great both against the background of a brick cottage and outside the house, finished with siding.

Concrete porch

The low cost and versatility of concrete make this material widely used in construction. Due to the reliability and solidity, the concrete porch structure with a reinforcement frame is not subject to loosening. Such a design can be lined with any materials and have a wide variety of shapes. nine0003

The modern design of the houses involves a concrete porch without finishing. This extension organically complements the surrounding exterior and favorably emphasizes the texture and color of the cottage.

The photo shows a private cottage with a concrete porch with a canopy.

Forms of the porch

The platform and steps are classified into several varieties according to the form.

Round porch for a private house

The oval porch design makes the corners of the house smoother and gives the exterior a certain elegance. It is best if such a structure is made of stone or brick. nine0003

The photo shows a large round porch-terrace in the exterior of a country house.

Circular steps enveloping the outbuilding provide easy access from all three sides. This design for the house replaces the porch with several staircases.

Semi-circular porch to the house

Semi-circular porch extension has the same characteristics as the round structure, only on one side it is equipped with a parapet or complemented by a flower bed. The most difficult thing is to correctly organize the formwork of the desired configuration, the subsequent construction steps are standard. nine0003

Due to the soft semi-circular shape, the building has a harmonious appearance and is considered less traumatic. Such a porch can balance a house that has a complex shape or large dimensions.

The photo shows a house with a semicircular porch.

Corner porch

An original architectural solution that can have any configuration. The site is triangular, trapezoidal and even asymmetric. The main thing is that the porch design is not dissonant with the overall design idea of ​​the exterior of the house. nine0003

The photo shows a corner porch lined with dark clinker tiles.

Gable porch

A private cottage can have a porch structure on two sides, due to the location of the buildings in the yard and if there is very little space near the house. The layout of the gable design suggests a convenient descent in the right direction.

However, a two-sided porch is more complex in design and more expensive to build than a simple one-sided extension. nine0003

How to finish the porch?

Thanks to the huge variety of stones with different textures and shades, it is possible to realize any design of the porch for a private house. Natural stone is popular in the form of reliable granite, as well as marble and natural sandstone. For a cottage designed in a rustic style, an extension lined with rubble stone is perfect.

To make the finish look as aesthetically pleasing as possible with the help of natural stone, it is also desirable to lay out the plinth or the entire front wall of the cottage. nine0003

The photo shows a private house with a porch structure finished with masonry.

The porch structure lined with decking looks beautiful. It not only has high performance properties, but also has a pleasant aroma of natural wood.

Facing with paving slabs allows you to achieve an imperceptible transition from the street to the house and erase the boundary between the cottage and the landscape.

Which side of the house is best? nine0007

An important element of a country cottage is a porch with a main entrance. It can be located on the left, on the right side of the building, from the end or in the center. Basically, the structure is attached in the central part of the main facade.

The photo shows a porch-veranda located in the center of the main facade.

The porch extension is also placed on the side of the building or even on the back side. It is important to know that regulatory documents prohibit entry into the house directly from the street. nine0003

Lighting recommendations

For a porch with a simple canopy, installation of built-in lights is suitable, which will not spoil the overall composition. A classic extension can be decorated with small hanging chandeliers or universal wall sconces.

An unusual solution would be the presence of decorative neon lighting, spotlights or landscape lights.

To save electricity, it is advisable to choose appliances equipped with sensors that respond to movement and sound. nine0003

The photo shows a private house with a porch extension decorated with wall lamps.

How to decorate the porch: design and decor ideas

As a final accent, the porch structure is complemented with railings. This fence can be decorated with vertical balusters or horizontal crossbars. The gaps are filled with carved wooden or openwork elements. They are often supported by identical details that are present in the decoration of window frames, lanterns, a fence or a visor. nine0003

Columns are used for the overall extension. They endow the exterior of a private house with solidity and chic.

An arch that turns the porch into a gazebo looks unusual. To create such a romantic design, a brick cottage is suitable.

The photo shows a porch structure decorated with curtains and hanging planters with flowers.

Plants are a universal decoration. Flowerpots and hanging planters look beautiful on the porch platform. The railings can be braided with climbing plants, and flower beds will be perfectly located along the stairs. nine0003

Due to light curtains, you can ennoble the porch-veranda or terrace and turn the extension into a cozy place to relax and a summer cafe.

The photo shows the design idea of ​​a large porch with columns in a private house.

Photo gallery

Such an important part of the structure as the porch forms the first impression of the appearance of a country cottage or country house and allows you to show the individual delicate taste of the owner from the best side.

History of style: Design and architecture of the Victorian era

Design

We talk about interiors and architecture of one of the most controversial and interesting eras in the history of Great Britain.

The concept of “Victorian style” appeared when art historians tried to describe the dynamic eclectic era of the 19th century. At the same time, they thought in obsolete categories: indeed, if in the 18th century interior fashion changed with the coming to power of new rulers (primarily numerous Louis in France), then it was logical to assume that the art of the era of Queen Victoria would be just as characteristic. This reasoning gave rise to the myth of the "Victorian style" - a composite image of "typical" houses, interiors, and furniture for the second half of the 19th century. nine0003

Franz Xaver Winterhalter, portrait of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children.

Of course, there has never been a single Victorian style in the UK. The fact is that the reign of Queen Victoria was so long (63 years!), And the economic and technical development of the country was so active that it is absolutely impossible to imagine that from 1837 to 1901 the tastes of the British did not change at all. They were changing, and much faster than in previous pre-industrial eras, and this was facilitated by the emergence of many factories that mass-produced inexpensive household goods. nine0003

X-chair, 1840–45, England. Design: Lewis Nockalls Cottingham.

The Backgammon Players, 1861. Phillip Web.

If before the 1860s eclectic versions of the classics were at the peak of popularity in Great Britain, then in the second half of the 19th century they were opposed by the Arts and Crafts style, Liberty and early examples of Art Nouveau. At the same time, it was an era of endless "revivals" - revivals. In search of sources of inspiration, architects and craftsmen turned not only to the classical tradition, but also to the aesthetics of the Gothic and Renaissance, bringing back to life the “Elizabethan”, “Jacobite”, “Tudor” styles. The development of the colonies brought exotic elements to the “Victorian” interior. nine0003

Victorian mahogany sideboard inspired by Japanese design.

Vases, 1900, Royal Worcester manufacture, England.

In the first half of the 19th century, numerous ceramic, textile, wallpaper, furniture and glass manufactories began to appear like mushrooms, which could offer an unprecedented range of goods. New technical capabilities of enterprises made it possible to recreate paintings on penny jugs that were previously available only to wealthy people for solid money. Various catalogs and albums with ornaments fell into the hands of enthusiastic, but not always sufficiently educated factory owners, whose work gave rise to the first examples of eclecticism. Now even the middle class could afford items that were previously only available to aristocrats: richly embroidered fabrics, ornate classical furniture, gilded china and silverware. nine0003

Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, Queen Victoria's summer residence.

Interiors of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Main corridor. Designer Thomas Cubitt.

By the beginning of Victoria's reign, in the 1830s, there was already an active development of factory production - and, with it, an eclectic style that merged features of baroque, rococo, neoclassicism and empire. It is worth noting that many of the objects of this period were overloaded with decoration, tasteless and gaudy. However, eclecticism as an approach began to be practiced not only by small manufacturers, but also by decorators and cabinetmakers with good taste. One of the best examples of “mature Victorian” interiors is Osborne House, built by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the Isle of Wight in 1845–51. nine0003

Interiors of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Office of the Prince Consort. Designer Thomas Cubitt.

Interiors of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Dressing room of Queen Victoria. Designer Thomas Cubitt.

Queen Victoria's bedroom at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

The summer residence of the royal family was designed by architect Thomas Cubitt under the strict guidance of Prince Albert himself, who was an ardent admirer of the classical style. His sources of inspiration were Italian Renaissance architecture and its interpretations by the German Romantic architects Karl Schinkel and Ludwig Persius. The strict and stylistically verified appearance of the palace was combined with an eclectic setting: neoclassical frames and mirrors were side by side with baroque paintings, characteristic rococo patterns were used in the decoration of the cornices along with sculptural decor in the Empire style. nine0003

Interiors of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Living room.

Like other state interiors of the 19th century, the halls of Osborne House are richly decorated with textiles with upholstery and curtains of the same color and contrasting carpets. Unlike the palace rooms of previous eras, the furniture here was arranged in zones, including in the center of the room, instead of the old custom of grouping objects along the walls.

Interiors of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Fragment of a living room designed by Thomas Cubitt. nine0003

Queen Victoria's bedroom at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

Another landmark building of the mid-19th century is the Palace of Westminster, the building of the British Parliament, which embodied the patriotic dream of the British about the return of medieval Gothic. The competition to build the building was won by Charles Barry, and the interiors and furniture were designed by architect and designer Augustus Pugin. This serious building for serious business, made in a strict Gothic style, seems to oppose the festive and frivolous aesthetics of classicism. nine0003

The Great Hall of the Palace of Westminster.

Palace of Westminster, Norman Porch.

The Palace of Westminster and other examples of Gothic Revival revived in the memory of the Victorians the motifs that will long remain in the memory of decorators as traditionally British: wood paneling, dark carved furniture, stained glass windows, tapestries and wrought iron lamps.

Palace of Westminster, House of Lords.

Palace of Westminster, House of Lords.

King's throne in the House of Lords, 1847. nine0003

Sir Henry Cole, an inventor and public figure, head of the National School of Design and first director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, played a huge role in the development of design and decorative art in Great Britain in the 19th century. In 1847, Cole persuaded Prince Albert to support his idea of ​​holding a large-scale industrial exhibition in London. The “Great Exhibition of the Industrial Works of All Nations” of 1851 was a major event that demonstrated both the engineering and scientific advances and the stylistic confusion of the mid-nineteenth century. Many art historians and critics noted the decline of production culture, sense of form, material and construction, and for the young William Morris, visiting the exhibition was the impetus for the search for a new, functional, honest and modern style. nine0003

Victoria and Albert Museum, 1852. It is the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design, with a collection of more than 2.27 million objects and works.

Victoria and Albert Museum, 1852. It is the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design, with a collection of more than 2.27 million objects and works.

Aware of the need for education in the field of design and Henry Cole. Thanks to his activities, most of the proceeds from the World's Fair went to the founding of the South Kensington Museum (from 1899 years - the Victoria and Albert Museum), and part of its exhibits formed the first collection of the museum. In the "good" Victorian style, the museum building was also built, on which the architect Francis Fowke worked for more than ten years. It looked like a palace with luxurious galleries and rectangular courtyards and was made in the style of the Italian Renaissance.

The Paul and Jill Ruddock Gallery, Renaissance art.

Fowke recruited young architects, designers, artists and craftsmen. Thus, British majolica, first demonstrated at the World Exhibition, was used in the decoration of the building. The first museum cafe in history was also an innovation - three grandiose halls, one of which was designed by then little-known William Morris. nine0003

The Paul and Jill Ruddock Gallery, Renaissance art.

For Morris, his collaboration with the South Kensington Museum was a chance to draw public attention to his work on a new interior style. The Arts and Crafts Movement he founded discarded the eclectic aesthetic popular among mid-19th-century Victorians.

William Morris House, Red House, Kent.

Instead of excessively bright, saturated colors, Morris suggested using natural and muted tones, he replaced the color cacophony of wallpaper and floral fabrics with dense ornaments reminiscent of medieval tapestries, gilded furniture - with wooden painted objects. The designer managed to create a homely, cozy version of the gothic, in which there were a lot of natural materials and meaningful ornaments. By the 1880s, the Art & Crafts style had made its way into most Victorian homes, making interiors darker, more reserved, and more romantic. nine0003

Strawberry Thief, 1883, William Morris.

Another source that greatly influenced the appearance of Victorian homes in the second half of the 19th century was exotic colonial goods, which were once luxury items. The British Empire continued to expand, and by the 1820s had annexed over a quarter of the land. In 1858, control of India passed into the hands of the British government, colonies continued to grow in Australia, New Zealand and Africa, the economy of China and Argentina was subordinated. Indian woven carpets and skins of tigers killed by oneself, Chinese porcelain and bronze figurines, carved tables made of exotic woods eventually appeared in every second British house and became as integral elements of a traditional interior as a tea set and a fireplace chair. nine0003

Porcelain vase, 1875-1910, 34 cm high. Japan, 19th-20th century.

Double vase, glaze painted in red and gold, Edo period (1600-1868), restored okoko 1830-1840. Porcelain, glaze, glazing.

Fireplace in the Durbar room at Queen Victoria's summer residence, Osborne House.

One of the galleries in the Durbar room, Osborne House.

The mixture of decorative traditions and the economic boom of Great Britain made the life of the Victorians rich and varied.

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