A Grand Victorian Gem Meets Modern Classic
- Susan Van Meter
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
When a stately Victorian property undergoes a sensitive transformation, the results can be nothing short of magical. Our latest Susan Van Meter design journey takes us into the lounge, bar, and library of a grand 19th-century home — now reimagined as a timeless yet modern sanctuary for family and friends. The vision? To honour its historic bones while infusing it with a sleek sophistication, guided by a striking palette of teal, black, white and grey, the clients' preferred colours, a grand Victorian gem meets modern classic.
Formal lounge - Where Opulence Meets Comfort
The Victorian lounge was once a formal parlor, designed for show rather than relaxation. Now, it strikes the perfect balance between grandeur, functionality, and livability, with open-plan areas for living, entertaining and lounging.
Furniture: Much of the furniture has been specified from Poliform to create classic, contemporary opulence. The circular sofa is custom-made using a Pierre Frey fabric, in black, white and beige tones. Black Nero Marquina marble coffee tables feature in both lounges to complement the design theme in each room.
Window Dressing: The tall, dramatic windows are draped in a light voile fabric to complement the colour-drenched walls.
Flooring: Light oak oiled chevron wood plank floors feature throughout the two reception areas with custom-made rugs by Roger Oats.
Walls: Ceilings and woodwork are colour-drenched in Little Green Loft White, to create a contemporary feel in architectural Victorian grandeur, and a grasscloth paper by Philip Jeffries behind the Poliform display shelving to balance the teal, leading the eye through the rooms.
Art Work: The clients have a preference for modern art, which will adorn the soft, pale wall tone, adding texture and dashes of vibrant colour.
Bar & Library - Quiet Sophistication and Dark Glamour
The library preserves the intellectual heart of the home, yet feels refreshingly contemporary.
The opening to the impressive bar and library area continues with the teal walls by Little Green, to suggest a unique and luxurious area. The library incorporates a bar-cocktail lounge, a double function, an area for entertaining guests and an atmospheric retreat.
Shelving & Accents: Floor-to-ceiling black elm shelving frames the room dramatically, lined with well-loved books and interspersed with white leather-bound volumes for texture.
Cabinetry: Sleek black cabinetry with back-lit panels of Amberlite, Cracked Ice marble display crystal decanters and curated spirits.
Countertop: Polished white marble offers a luxurious contrast, its veining echoing the property’s historic marble fireplaces.
Ambience: Low, warm lighting casts an inviting glow, creating a space that feels both exclusive and intimate — perfect for a late-night cocktail.
Formal Lounge 2 - Cool, Contemporary and Chilled
Walls & Furnishings: White colour-drenched walls and elegant original moldings throughout the lounge areas.
Seating: Contemporary 'Brera' luxurious teal leather sofas accented with scatter cushions in complementary shades.
Furniture: Black and white veined Nero Marquina marble coffee tables to complement the colour palette and add texture and sheen, accompanied by black oak Poliform display shelving.
Lighting: A custom-made statement chandelier by CTO lighting, made of alabaster and bronze, hangs overhead, nodding to Victorian wrought iron while embracing a modern geometric form.
Floors: Luxurious wool rugs using pattern and texture supplied by Roger Oates
The Palette at Work
The interplay of teal, black, white, and grey is what makes these spaces cohesive. Teal offers depth and character, black and grey lend structure and sophistication, and white introduces freshness to the overall scheme. Together, they transform Victorian formality into a modern classic that feels at once historic and relevant.
In the end, this grand home’s lounge, bar, and library are not simply rooms — they are chapters in a story of heritage, design, and the art of timeless living.
If you're looking to create a Modern Classic from a Grand Victorian Gem, contact Susan below for a free consultation.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Susan Van Meter Team - Going Beyond Design
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