A Craftsman Victorian Farmhouse

farmhouse living room with landscape paintings, leather side chairs and black marble fireplace surround

Written by Autumn Krause

Photography by Stephani Buchman

A generational Craftsman gets a Victorian farmhouse twist along with contemporary accents, making it a truly one-of-a-kind escape full of rich tones, decadent wallpapers and stunning woodwork.

Victorian romance meets Craftsman style in a 1914 generational farmhouse in Burford, Canada. The eleven-room Craftsman Victorian farmhouse is an heirloom itself—the client was raised there and went on to purchase it from his mother fifteen years ago. With all that family history built right into the home, it was important to approach the renovations thoughtfully. Enter Carolyn Wilbrink of CW Design & Co. She was just the designer to blend the clients’ desired aesthetics while caring for the home’s past. “The goal for this renovation was to create a beautiful blend of the existing craftsman farmhouse with the timeless elegance of a Victorian farmhouse,” Carolyn says. Under her expertise, the home has taken on new life while still holding all the beauty and memories from its previous one. When you enter it, you feel like you’re in a different time, one where Old-World charm meets modern luxury.

exterior of renovated Craftsman Victorian farmhouse — Carolyn isn’t into making residences look flashy for a minute. Instead, she’s all about turning them into cherished homes where her clients can make lasting memories and find peace, no matter what’s in style. “I’m just a modern traditionalist at heart,” she says.

fiddle leaf fig by entryway bench and herringbone tile floor

coffered staircase with traditional bannister and damask wallpaper in Craftsman Victorian farmhouse — The entryway is the epitome of sophistication. Aqua damask wallpaper pairs with the original craftsman paneling while a black mini-herringbone floor pattern is chic and understated. An antique brass chandelier complements the overall aesthetic. “All these elements create a harmonious and inviting space rich in texture and historical elegance,” Carolyn says.

Old Home, New Style

“The primary focus of the renovation was the kitchen, main floor and en-suite bathrooms,” Carolyn says. A particularly ambitious aspect involved the family room, an addition from the 1970s. Carolyn and her team elevated the ceiling, exposed the original exterior wall and painted the brick for a beautiful textured effect. The ’70s-style brick fireplace gives way to a soapstone surround, aligning with the timeless design of a bygone era. “Overall, dismantling and updating fireplaces throughout the home further complemented the overall aesthetic,” Carolyn says. When it came to challenges, selecting wall and flooring colors to strike a balance took quite a bit of expertise. Carolyn worked to allow the original craftsman style to shine while infusing a sense of lightness and brightness into each room.

black and white photo as wall art with sectional sofa, leather ottoman and fireplace — The heart of the living room is a beautiful soapstone fireplace surround, while a large window dressed in plaid wool drapes offers a view of the lush outdoors. “There’s so much depth and texture in this rustic yet refined living space,” Carolyn says.

side view of renovated black and white kitchen in Craftsman Victorian — In the kitchen, the backsplash and island countertop are made from Statuario marble. The island is walnut, which brings a rustic warmth emphasized by studded leather stools. “I wanted this space to have a crafted, welcoming atmosphere,” Carolyn says. “The natural finishes do just that.” Carolyn is also an expert at blending styles, as seen in the detailed mini-herringbone floor and opal pendant lighting. “The two create a harmonious balance between the home’s historical roots and modern functionality,” Carolyn says.

turquoise cabinetry and framed botanical prints in Craftsman Victorian farmhouse

dining room with Victorian and contemporary farmhouse touches — The dining room features custom trim work and is painted in a rich dark teal that provides a tasteful backdrop to the furnishings. The original, refinished inlaid hardwood flooring contributes a sense of history to the space while a large crystal chandelier highlights the newly detailed ceiling trim.

Ornate Elements

The home predominately features wood sourced from the farm, so Carolyn was careful to preserve the original dark-wood trim and beautiful original wood floors, which were the foundation of the project. She added architectural elements like trim, ornate wall moldings and intricate tilework to imbue the rooms with a Victorian sensibility. “I also incorporated statement wallpaper patterns, plush upholstered furniture and vintage-inspired plumbing and light fixtures to tie together the entire look,” she says. Stunning moments were created throughout the home by mixing antiques belonging to the clients and new elements along with breathtaking wall treatments.

view to living room with leather reading chairs and antique roller coffee table

dark gray sitting room with brown leather sidechairs and fireplace

chandelier and dried hydrangeas in renovated Craftsman Victorian farmhouse

renovated black and white kitchen in Craftsman Victorian farmhouse — The bold, dramatic lighting trimmed in black above the kitchen island makes a gorgeous statement. Carolyn grounds the space with black in the range hood, island seating and accessories.

For example, in the family room, a rustic wood media cabinet holds the TV, which blends the grit of old wood with sleek modern media. And, in the front hall, an aqua damask wallpaper brings a classic and elegant feel while pairing beautifully with the dark, rich tones of the original Craftsman wall paneling. The kitchen also seamlessly melds Victorian sophistication with Craftsman charm, defined by classic in-set cabinetry with antique brass hardware, which contrasts beautifully against the stately range hood and soapstone countertops.

“I dug into each room’s unique features, incorporating the elements that bring warmth and nostalgia.”
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gray grasscloth wallpaper in neutral bedroom with oak headboard and dresser — “The primary bedroom has traditional elements and contemporary comfort,” Carolyn says. “It serenely draws you in.” A bespoke solid wood bed and matching nightstands set a classic tone, while the subtle linen texture of the wallpaper provides a calming backdrop for the overall space.

floral wallpaper in bathroom with built-in vanity station

stripped blue-gray wallpaper and framed bird print in Victorian farmhouse bedroom

grasscloth wallpaper and coffered blue-gray wall in Craftsman Victorian farmhouse

floral wallpaper in bedroom with white dresser with built-in mirror — A delicate floral wallpaper brings soft, romantic charm to the bathroom that ties in the original wood baseboards and window casing. “This gorgeous floral motif complements the Victorian-inspired design elements,” Carolyn says. “It reflects a period known for its appreciation of intricate patterns and nature-inspired themes.” Ornate and naturalistic elements of Victorian style are artfully paired with modern finishes and materials.

navy blue diamond wallpaper in bathroom — Navy geometric-patterned wallpaper is a bold choice that lends a masculine effect to the main floor bathroom. It pairs well with the cool tones of the Carrara marble sink countertop that is elegantly accented by a polished-nickel faucet. “The curved arch mirror is a standout piece,” Carolyn says. “It offers a gentle visual break from the geometric shapes and is beautifully highlighted by the antique brass wall sconces on either side.”

For Carolyn, it was a rewarding and inspiring project. “I dug into each room’s unique features, incorporating the elements that bring warmth and nostalgia,” she says. The generational home will continue to shelter its family and tell their story for years to come.

living room with white painted brick and black farmhouse chandelier

dining room with cream and sheer curtains, chandelier and dried hydrangeas

If you love this Craftsman Victorian farmhouse, you may also love A Victorian Farmhouse in Pasadena and This Victorian Home Gets a Farmhouse Refresh. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!