Victorian interior design - shop the look

Wandering around Aigburth's Sudley House I was so inspired by the (completely unachievable) interiors I wrote an article on how to bring key Victorian features into modern pads. But how do you get the look with a quick shopping trip? After perusing the National Museums Liverpool online shop for my favourite items, here's my advice on how to style them.

When Spring has sprung and I'm looking for fresh inspiration for the house, the first thing I love to do is find a good spot in my home to get creative and start my plans. My ideal place is in my cosy bedroom reading nook with the sun flooding in, armed with a good reference book and a note pad for ideas. 

Liberty: The History Book is packed with inspiration from the legendary London shopping landmark known for its iconic prints and designs. This is a top read for lovers of art and design with chapters on interiors and furniture, glassware and ceramics and Art Nouveau. Perfect to get those creative juices flowing, when you've soaked it up cover-to-cover it also looks the part on your coffee table. 

Reading this book, I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in a vibrant world of print and pattern and the Strawberry Thief Journal comes in handy when interior ideas strike. Designer of the fruity print, William Morris, is one of the most influential figures of the Arts and Crafts Movement, whose designs were made into furniture, textiles, wallpaper and stained glass. These influences had a profound impact on Victorian interiors and so his prints are a natural fit for period properties like mine.

I've gone for the William Morris Orange Tree Cushion adding texture, detail and depth to what was a neutral bedroom palette, as well as this Strawberry Thief Print Vase. It’s no secret that I love ceramics and this vase is the stunning result of a collaboration between the renowned British ceramics geniuses, Beswick, and a Dutch art company, Parastone. The quality and craftsmanship really shine through in these two pieces which add a touch of luxury and hint of vintage charm to any home. Topped with fresh flowers this is the perfect sanctuary.

I also experimented with these items in my living room where the detailed patterns bring colour and warmth to the natural wood and rattan in the space. It's easy to see why Morris prints have stood the test of time and in a modern twist, I even added the print to my Frame TV, giving coherence to the overall scheme!

Working full time and exploring my passion for interiors on the side, a good self-care regime helps me balance a busy life. This beautiful velvet Painted Peony Pouch is a dressing table staple and a real treat in which to keep all my creams and relaxing scents. It's practical and roomy, whilst being elegant and on trend. With its opulent embroidery giving off serious boudoir vibes, it deserves to be out on display in pride of place. 

Wherever you choose to style these pieces in your home they are sure to look just as gorgeous. You can browse the collection online or in the shops at Walker Art Gallery, World Museum, Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool and Lady Lever Art Gallery.