Best Blues for Leading Architectural Styles of the Southwest: Victorian Style Homes

Victorian Style Home Blues

During the Victorian era, several key moments in history helped support the use of blue in Victorian architecture. At this point in history, exploration and expansion were occurring on a mass scale, and global influences affected design and architecture throughout the nation. Charles Tiffany introduced robin’s egg blue to represent his jewelry company, Tiffany & Co. The color became a lasting symbol of elegance.

Victorian homes are known for the quintessential multi-color palettes, typically comprising at least three different hues. These traditional color palettes were usually made up of darker colors meant to enhance unique architectural details and lighter, timeless shades. Blues play a large role in Victorian architecture, creating a look that is at once spectacular and classic, honoring the home’s beauty and history.

Historic Victorian Blue Colors of the American West

These Victorian blue paint colors reflect the era’s appreciation for depth, richness, and refinement. In the American West, expanding trade and regional craftsmanship brought unique interpretations of Victorian style, with blue Victorian house colors often used to emphasize handcrafted details and symmetrical façades.

In the Southwest, Victorian blues took on distinct characteristics influenced by the region's intense sunlight and cultural diversity. San Francisco's 'Painted Ladies' often featured cerulean and navy accents that maintained vibrancy despite coastal fog, while Denver and Santa Fe Victorians incorporated turquoise-influenced blues reflecting Native American artistic traditions.

Mining towns throughout Colorado and Nevada developed their own blue variants, sometimes incorporating local mineral pigments that created uniquely weathered appearances. These regional adaptations demonstrated how Victorian architectural principles flexibly accommodated Western environmental conditions and cultural contexts.

Unlike the more muted schemes of Eastern cities, historic blue tones in Western Victorian homes were sometimes brighter or more experimental, blending European influences with local expression. This diversity in hue added individuality to neighborhoods while honoring the architectural principles of the period.

Here are the key historic blue colors representing the Victorian architecture of the American West:

Little Beaux Blue (DET549): A pale, blue-green hue noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Fox's Muralite No.67.

Heritage Blue (DET550): An aged, weathered blue noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue.

Bidwell Blue (DET551): Grayed and worn, this soft and aged blue was discovered on the interior of the historic Bidwell Mansion, a Victorian-Italianate building built in 1865 in Chico, Calif., as well as noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Fox's Muralite No.68.

Avalon (DET552): This powdered, midtone, watery blue was identified as one of the interior colors of the historic Fallon House, as well as noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Hygienic Kalsomine and Fresco Colors No.42.

Bell Blue (DET554): This stone blue was discovered on the interior of the historic Bell House, a Victorian-Stick style home built in 1883.

Aquamarine (DET555): This spa blue, tinted white, a whisper of a color, was discovered on the interior of the Alta Mira Club and the Fallon House, both fine examples of Italianate architecture.

Lake Reflection (DET556): A bright, clear pastel blue noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Piazza Blue.

Ragtime Blues (DET558): This deep, blackened blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as John W. Masury & Son's Pure Linseed Oil House Paints color Pure Blue.

Blue Velvet (DET559): This Prussian blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference, Harrison Bros & Co Town & Country color card.

San Miguel Blue (DET569): This wintry, storm-churning blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as John W. Masury & Son's Wagon Colors as the color Blue.

Jazz Age Blues (DET574): A classic, deep, rich blue noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Pure Blue.

MacKintosh Midnight (DET579): Dark and mysterious, this deep midnight blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as Ready Mixed Wagon Paint No.114 Dark Blue.

Country Air (DET581): This soft, celestial blue was discovered on the interior of the historic Meek Mansion, an Italianate mansion built in 1869 and located in Hayward, Calif.

Clematis Blue (DET587): This blackened, indigo blue is noted in the historic Victorian era paint reference Whittier Coburn Company catalogue as John W. Masury & Son's Gloss Carriage Colors as Deep Blue.

Maritime (DET588): A light, periwinkle blue discovered on the interior of the historic Fallon House and Meek Mansion, both wonderful examples of Italianate architecture.

Blue Color Palettes for Victorian Architecture

Here are seven mood boards to inspire your next Victorian style exterior color palette.

Victorian Classic

A simple, monochromatic color palette of clear blues with white accents sets a charming mood with lasting allure.

It’s All in the Details

Victorian homes have detailed trim, unique textures, and handcrafted charm. Ornate elements throughout, together with complex color palettes, create attention-drawing grandeur to this style.

Honoring History

Mid tones and gray-blues were popular during this time period, so why not honor history with this versatile range of blues?

Classic Elegance

When tradition matters, this genteel vision in blues sets a mood of tranquility and subtle elegance.

Brighter Side of Life

A brighter blue can give your home a fresh look and set it apart beautifully.

Muted Mood

Muted blues bring warmth while allowing the home’s details to stay in focus.

Dark and Dramatic

Chic and elegant, the deep blue color creates a monochromatic palette that still allows one to view the many architectural details.

Choosing the Right Blue for Your Victorian Home

Choose a shade of blue that works with your home’s features, the light it gets, and the atmosphere you want to create. Rich, dark blue Victorian house shades offer a dramatic contrast and enhance ornate features, while a light blue Victorian house creates a soft, airy presence that complements delicate trim and scrollwork.

Using more than one shade of blue adds character and highlights architectural features. Victorian blues let you honor tradition while making the design feel personal and fresh.

If you're embracing a traditional scheme or modernizing with color, the right Victorian blue can highlight craftsmanship, add character, and elevate curb appeal.

The range of blues that complement Victorian style architecture is expansive, spanning from historic to modern references. To learn more about the color blue and its influence, read on. And to see the range of blues trending, read more in-depth on our 2024 color + design trends report.