Cecilie Starin’s cheat sheet

Opposites attract: Using art from other periods creates excitement in a Victorian-era home. “Juxtapose the historic architecture with modern or contemporary art or photography, and mix in decor pieces from various design styles,” she says. She made a statement in the showcase house by collaborating with street artist Ian Ross to create a mural that wraps around the dining room. High contrast: Starin acknowledges that street art isn’t for everyone. For another way to add graphic punch, she suggests big, bold, black-and-white paintings or contemporary blackand-white photography. “This look can be purchased at fine galleries or online at sites like Etsy for reasonable prices,” she says. Affordable art: “Anything can be art — even an array of colorful recycled spraypaint cans made into a wall sculpture,” Starin says. “There are lots of ways to create wall art that is inventive and tasteful, but not expensive. It doesn’t have to be square, rectangular, flat or framed. Think outside of the box.” What to keep: Starin likes many of the iconic details in Victorian homes — ceiling medallions, for example, which she says leave a nice hint of the past, even when painted over. Wainscoting, moldings, deep baseboards and wide door trim are signatures that can add graceful notes, and coved ceilings add elegance. What to toss: “Don’t hang on to anything outdated that presents a hazard,” Starin cautions. “Kitchens almost always need updates, and fireplaces can be tricky as they were often meant for burning coal and were smaller than current fireplaces. They can be retrofitted to house gasburning units — just look for the models that are clean and simple.” Balancing act: Starin suggests keeping the look current by mixing various styles. “In the showcase, the Louis XVI-style straight-back dining chairs are made modern with black patent leather, and create a perfect contrast with the galvanized tabletop with a natural tree-trunk base,” she says. Classically inspired, Asian, midcentury and contemporary furniture with simple, clean lines can all freshen up a Victorian interior.