A Craftsman Victorian Farmhouse

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.




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.




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.




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.”






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.


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!
Autumn Krause is a writer and young adult author from Orange County, California. Her debut novel, A DRESS FOR THE WICKED, is out now from HarperTeen Autumn also has another book coming out in Fall 2025 that will soon be formally announced. Her social account is dedicated to the craft of writing and connecting with other authors. She loves gothic romance and spending time with her husband and two children. Most often, she can be found wearing a black lace dress and boots. Other times, she can be found with lanterns in the tradition of Emily Dickinson, searching for herself and stories.