Read Text Two again and match headings a- g with paragraphs 1-7

a. Linens; b. Wicker; c. Jewel tones; d. Boxes; e. Ornate frames; f. Tables; g. Rose china

Text Two

Ornate, expensive and rich are the words which are usually used to describe Victorian decor. But you will decorate a Victorian room for less if you use some things that you already have, and a few inexpensive items from the thrift stores. This style looks great in any space: a living room, a kitchen or a powder room.

1. __________

Among the most important ingredients in Victorian decor are linens combined with lace, embroidery and ribbons in white or natural. You can use old or vintage linens on pillows, tablecloths, curtains, or upholstery for small chairs.

2.__________

The walls painted in deep, jewel tones like emerald green, ruby, or sapphire can add richness to your decor and serve as a good background for the linens.

3.__________

Heavily-carved Victorian antiques can cost a lot. However, wicker is less expensive and painted white and combined with lacy pillows it can look really elegant in your Victorian style room.

4.__________

You can buy ornate frames at the thrift stores, paint them and then use them to display reproductions and greeting cards on your walls or tables.

5.__________

Small boxes or tins dressed up with fabric, old ribbon and laces look wonderful in your Victorian room. Beads from old broken jewelry also add glamour to your room.

6.__________

Old china or hand-painted plates will add a romantic touch to your new Victorian décor and bring a nostalgic look.

7.__________

A small old table dressed up with a white tablecloth or even a floral sheet is a perfect fit for this style.

So, as you can see, there are a lot of inexpensive ways to design the Victorian look you want. If you think creatively about furniture and accessories, you will give your room some touches of the romance of another century.

Read the text above again and decide whether these sentences are true or false. Correct the false ones.

1. Antique furniture in Victorian Style decoration is expensive.

2. The walls painted in bright yellow will add richness to a Victorian room.

3. Laces, ribbons and linens are rarely used in this style.

4. Floral themes on china and fabrics can bring a romantic look to your home.

5. Second-hand picture frames, china and draperies can give a touch of glamour to your Victorian room.

21. Match the words with their definitions:

1. ornate	a) richly ornamented;
2. upholstery	b) a fine, white material made from clay baked in a special way;
3. antique	c) padding and coverings of chairs and sofas;
4. china	d) a place in which goods are sold;
5. a store	e) belonging to the past.

Complete the sentences below with the ideas from the text.

1. Victorian style features…
2. …. is a perfect fit for this style.
3. The main elements of Victorian style are…
4. … bring(s) a nostalgic look.
5. … can add a touch of romance to your décor.
6. …is an inexpensive way to add glamour to your room.

In pairs, look through the word combinations below and underline the main decorating elements of Victorian Style.

lacy pillows	copper plant pots	hand-painted plates
patterned quilts	vintage china	grocery signs
linen draperies	rice paper lampshades	ornate frames
bamboo blinds	primitive paintings	sisal rugs

24. DO YOU KNOW THAT…

A powder room is a small bathroom that contains only a sink and a toilet. The powder room, which is also referred to as a guest bathroom, is usually located on the first floor of a home. Traditionally, powder rooms are very small. Often, they are tucked underneath a stairway and do not have a window.

The term “powder room” dates back to the early 18th century, when it was used to refer to a closet-sized room where people went to have their wigs repowdered. Ladies were embarrassed to speak of such things and would excuse themselves from mixed company to go to “powder their noses.”