Experience the height of luxury with Victorian style kitchen designs that exude sophistication and elegance. From dramatic dark colors to opulent fixtures, let these stunning kitchens transport you back to the late 19th century while still feeling fresh and current.
Introduction
A Victorian style kitchen embodies both practicality and indulgence. These kitchens feature fine craftsmanship, quality materials and lavish accents that create a comfortable yet awe-inspiring space.
Victorian era design brings to mind rooms filled with dark woods, elaborate molding, patterned wallpaper and chandeliers. These classic elements still have great appeal today. With some tailored updates for modern living, the Victorian kitchen can offer the best of both worlds.
Below we’ll explore different aspects of achieving the Victorian kitchen aesthetic from layout to essential design components. Whether you live in a historical home or want to evoke posh traditional style, these ideas demonstrate how the Victorian kitchen can be translated into a dream setting that’s still highly functional.
Delivering Luxury With Dark, Dramatic Colors
Deep, saturated hues help create a moody and romantic Victorian vibe. Vivid wall colors in burgundy, navy, emerald and sapphire blue are impactful choices that envelope you in luxury. Keep the lower half of walls in a lighter neutral tone so the space doesn’t feel too somber.
Accentuate the dramatic colors with glossy black kitchen cabinets. The dark cabinets will ground the bold wall color while adding a touch of glamour. Opt for solid cabinet fronts rather than glass to maintain the traditional aesthetic.
If low contrast is preferred, rich brown cabinets also pair beautifully with colorful walls. Espresso kitchen cabinets offer the same luxurious effect.
For cabinetry, consider accenting with gold hardware and sconces for an extra pop of brilliance. The warm metallic pairs perfectly with dark paints.
Decor That Delivers Depth
Layer in ornate accessories and textures to complete the indulgent Victorian vibe. Some elegant touches include:
- Architectural molding – Elaborate crown molding and ceiling medallions elevate the design. Chair rail and wainscoting add striking vertical details.
- Patterned fabrics – Use sumptuous patterned curtains and upholstered dining chairs in damasks, brocades and tapestries.
- Chandeliers and sconces – Accent light fixtures that feature candle style bulbs, crystal prisms, golden finishes and layered shapes.
- Mirrors – Strategically place mirrors with beautiful etched detail and gold framing. Above the fireplace is a typical spot.
- Paintings and art – Layer in romantic imagery of flowers, portraits or landscapes in gilded frames.
- Floral motifs – Urns, vases and artificial botanical displays bring in ornate floral accents.
- Window treatments – Drape windows in thick, richly colored fabrics with trim and tassels.
Optimal Victorian Kitchen Layouts
While the Victorian era enjoyed advancements in kitchen technology like gas stoves and ice boxes, the kitchen was still confined to a smaller service space. Today’s open concept kitchen/dining layouts provide a brighter, more livable environment.
There are a couple layout options that work well for achieving both Victorian style and modern functionality.
Separate Kitchen Adjacent to Dining
Having a distinct kitchen space separate from the dining room allows you to maximize ornate Victorian details in both areas. The dining room can showcase floral wallpaper, chandeliers and a dramatic color scheme. The kitchen can feature plentiful cabinetry, marble counters and a decorative backsplash.
Madeleine’s House
The kitchen and dining room are separated by a small prep space or butler’s pantry for food service. This layout is great if you desire the separated layout reminiscent of true Victorian homes.
Open Concept With Defined Spaces
With open concept designs dominating today’s kitchen, this layout allows you to have both combined living spaces and distinct style zones.
Use an island, shelving unit or partial wall to subtly divide kitchen and dining zones. The kitchen can maintain a utilitarian aesthetic with traditional cabinetry and built-ins. The dining space can take on more lavish Victorian flair with a delicate table, bold wallpaper and china cabinet.
Well defined kitchen and living room zones work great in studio apartments or smaller homes. Floating shelves, room dividers or bar carts keep the spaces connected yet distinct in style. The kitchen can embrace traditional charm while the living room takes on a more colorful, eclectic vibe.
Essential Elements for a Victorian Kitchen
Certain materials, cabinetry styles and decorative elements help capture Victorian era elegance while avoiding a space that feels too antiquated. Here are some key design aspects to focus on.
Timeless Flooring With Impact
Hardwood floors suit the traditional kitchen beautifully, especially oak planks in a rich walnut stain. Exposed beams across the ceiling complement this handsome flooring.
For more pattern and color consider a geometric tile floor in vivid colors like emerald, sapphire or burgundy. Ornate encaustic tile patterns also embody Victorian flair. Pair with floor trim for an extra decorative detail.
McCormick Interiors
Slate tile flooring in navy blue is another captivating option. The color richness and subtle sheen plays well against paneled cabinetry. Use slate tile in a herringbone layout for added dimension.
Practical Yet Ornate Cabinetry
Kitchen cabinets with intricate raised panels and crown molding embody the Victorian aesthetic. Opt for darker stains like espresso, charcoal or black for a striking look. Consider glass front cabinets to provide closed storage while still displaying ornate china.
Simple shaker style doors with rail and stile frames also fit the traditional charm beautifully. For a truly custom look, have cabinet doors made with ornate carvings, inlays or metal mesh covers. This level of detail creates a truly one-of-a-kind kitchen.
Balance practicality and indulgence by combining closed cabinetry uppers with open shelving lowers. This allows you to gain storage while still displaying decorative kitchenware. For open shelving, use decorative brackets and corbels for support.
Samantha Pierce Interiors
Proper crown molding and trim along cabinets and ceiling line lends an elegant finished look. Carry molding elements throughout cabinet frames, ranges hoods and the island base for continuity.
Stately Hardware Accents
Cabinet hardware makes a glamorous statement in finishes like antique brass, bronze and pewter. Look for bail pulls, drop handles and crystal knobs that provide ornamental flair. Aligned bars for utensil hanging offer a smart alternative to standard drawer pulls.
For the island, consider ornamental iron or brass bases for support instead of basic legs. This adds elegance from every visible angle.
Light fixtures also provide opportunity for decorative drama. Iron chandeliers, gilded sconces and crystal pendants sparkle against rich cabinetry. Opt for classic silhouettes like hurricane shades, bell jars and curving arms.
Stately Stone Surfaces
Marble countertops deliver the ultimate Victorian allure and tie nicely into ornate floors. The veining has an organic elegance perfect for traditional spaces. Pair with an intricate tile backsplash in subway, hexagon or floral shapes.
Granite is another natural stone option that fits the stately Victorian look. Opt for darker varieties like Ubatuba or Black Galaxy.
Quartz countertops offer a durable, low maintenance alternative to natural stone. Seek out varieties with subtle veining or patterns for a stone-like look, like Caesarstone’s Calcatta Nuvo.
Pair your surfaces with undermount sinks and curved touch faucets for a seamless, built-in look. This maintains the tailored simplicity expected of Victorian style.
Inspiring Victorian Kitchen Ideas
Now that we’ve covered the foundational elements, let’s explore some full kitchens that artfully capture the Victorian spirit. These designs demonstrate how to blend period details with modern amenities for indulgent, livable spaces.
Monochromatic Majesty
Sticking to one rich color and various shades creates a deeply elegant mood. Here the drama comes from glossy chocolate cabinets paired with marbled brown granite.
Pale caramel walls and antiqued bronze fixtures keep things from looking too somber. Add character with a marbleherringbone backsplash and glass front cabinet accents.
Tobias Architecture
Vintage Variety
Mismatched cabinet styles, hardware and tiles lend quirky character in this light and lively space. Sage lower cabinets, marble uppers and bronze fixtures pop against blush subway tiles.
Dotted pattern backsplash tiles, woven shades and gallery art provide playful contrast to the traditional cabinetry. An eclectic mix that still evokes old-world charm!
Martha O’Hara Interiors
Timeless Texture
A masterful mix of materials makes this kitchen stunning from floor to ceiling. The navy and white palette pairs classic appeal with nautical charm.
Encased beams, marble counters, subway tile and woven shades offer gorgeous visual texture. Bronze fixtures and hardware provide the perfect polished accent against the matte tones.
Philpotts Interiors
Bold Contrast
Dramatic contrast creates intrigue and energy in this vivid space. Matte black island cabinets pop against the glossy blues of the perimeter cabinetry and hand-painted backsplash.
Marble counters temper the color drama, as does the antique brass hardware and fixtures. A stellar example of new life breathed into classic Victorian elements.
Martha O’Hara Interiors
Tailored Sophistication
Clean lines with just a touch of ornamentation create a light and refined space. Crisp white perimeter cabinets allow the Calacatta marble island to take center stage.
The marble veining pairs beautifully with brass accents on the range hood, sconces and hardware. Honey oak floors ground the elegant bright white cabinetry.
Paul Winans Interiors
Frequently Asked Questions About Victorian Kitchens
How can I add Victorian flair on a budget?
Focus on smaller decorative elements rather than major remodels. Add crown molding trim, switch out hardware, replace lighting and use Victorian inspired fabric treatments. Paint or wallpaper can make a big impact without huge expense.
What colors suit a Victorian kitchen?
Deep, saturated jewel tones and smart black and white palettes suit Victorian spaces. Popular color choices are emerald, navy, burgundy, chocolate and charcoal. Softer options include caramel, sage, sky blue and blush pink.
What flooring works best?
Hardwood classics like oak or walnut pair beautifully with traditional cabinetry. Marble, encaustic and colorful geometric tiles also capture Victorian elegance.
Should I use open or closed cabinets?
The mix of open shelving with glass front uppers and closed lower cabinets deliver a great blend of form and function. This provides decorative display space while hiding necessities.
How can I light a Victorian kitchen appropriately?
Incorporate layers of light including overhead chandeliers, wall sconces and pendant task lighting. Opt for fixture styles with candle bulbs, crystal elements, bronze and brass for Victorian character.
Bringing Timeless Luxury Into Your Modern Life
The Victorian kitchen endures as a symbol of old-world luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. By thoughtfully incorporating key elements like rich colors, natural materials, ornate accents and striking contrasts, you can create a space that feels indulgent yet livable.
Make the look your own by honing in on the aspects that appeal most. Maybe it’s cabinetry lined with trim, vintage hardware pulls or dark green walls. Selectively embrace the details that offer personal meaning or inspiration. With your own customized Victorian style, you can come home to comfort, beauty and nostalgic charm.