Kitchen Ideas Victorian House

If you are working with a Victorian kitchen or redesigning a kitchen space in a Georgian property, it's important to consider and complement the property's architectural style.

This rarely calls for an authentic recreation of the original design but it is possible to keep your period property's character in tact when remodelling this space.

Reflecting your home's era in the kitchen's design might mean choosing cabinetry featuring decorative detailing. Equally, it could involve a complete contrast using minimalist modern units that nod to the period through elements such as kitchen wall colours and proportion.

Interior Design Style

It's the details that matter most, so include key pieces inspired by the past such as a butler or Belfast sink, a pantry, and open shelving displaying wares that give an insight into the kitchen's functional purpose.

So keep reading to find out how to recreate that classic Victorian kitchen style and make sure you have a look at our dedicated kitchen ideas page for more decor inspiration and know-how.

The Georgian period (1714-1830) covers the reign of four King Georges, including the later Regency period of George IV as Prince of Wales. Since it encompasses more than a century, it is impossible to define a single design style for furniture of the era. However, today’s interpretation within kitchens is easily recognisable, not to mention incredibly popular.

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Pitched somewhere between the austere simplicity of a flat-framed Shaker-style kitchen door, and the more ornately decorated Victorian style (see below), Georgian kitchens are characterised by having a very strongclassic look that can be made grander with impressive panelled mantels and imposing full-height larders, or kept simpler for a cottage or farmhouse kitchen.

‘A generous Georgian mantel shelf over your range cooker or hob can be used to display attractive pieces of crockery or other kitchen ornaments, ’ suggests Robert Lawrence, marketing manager for Moores Furniture Group.

Keep things simple in a cottage or farmhouse. A mix of natural wood and a painted larder works beautifully in this design

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Again, the Victorian period embraced many furniture styles during the Queen’s long reign (1837-1901). But there are two main approaches that couldn’t be more different.

On the one hand, there’s a utilitarian interpretation based on the butler’s pantry or scullery that was the true working kitchen in Victorian homes. The focus is on a range cooker with freestanding furniture, open dressers and a large, well-worn table taking centre stage.

More often, the kitchen cabinet design we associate with the Victorian era today is styled on the upstairs parlour or dining rooms, although you will often see elements of the ‘below stairs’ kitchen – for example, a butler’s sink, glass-fronted dresser and range cooker – incorporated.

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If you like the look of a freestanding kitchen, we have a whole feature on freestanding kitchen ideas for you to have a read through.

This nostalgic design in a Victorian farmhouse has the looks of a true working kitchen, with freestanding furniture, clothes pulley and centrepiece range cooker

On the other hand, you will find Victorian kitchens where flourishes are deemed as important as functionality. Grander Victorian-inspired designs have higher levels of decoration than Georgian styles, with elaborate scrolls and corbels, dentil moulding and carved pilasters all frequent features.

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Traditionally, kitchens with Cathedral arch doors and barley twist pilasters (influenced by the Gothic revival period) came under Victorian classification, but they have been toned down somewhat in recent years, while wicker baskets and open wine racks remain strong.

While not typical of the functional, modest kitchens of the 19th century, this statement design incorporates plenty of Victorian references. Taken from an original 19th century both the the

Linda is a freelance journalist who has specialised in homes and interiors for the past 19 years, beginning on a trade rag for the Daily Mail Group and now writing full-time for the likes of Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors, and of course Real Homes. Linda is our resident mattress reviewer. She spends at least a week on every mattress she tests for us, as does her ever-patient husband. In reviewing mattresses for us for more than a year, she has become something of a very opinionated expert. She lives in Devon with her cabinetmaker husband, two daughters and many pets, and is locked in an on-going battle to drag their red brick Victorian home out of 1970s swirly-carpet hell...An era that was defined by opulence, a brazen show of wealth and power and born out of deep English traditions that have been altered as they spread to different corners of the globe – Victorian period is one that instantly conjures up images of opulence. Its influence on home design can be seen in countries far and wide ranging from Australia and New Zealand in the southern Hemisphere to the US and Canada across the Atlantic. Despite its many variants that were born out of vernacular influences, the style still relies of visual richness, a dash of extravagance and a love for hosting guests, friends and family. It is barely a surprise then that it is still popular in its modern avatar!

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Having already shared with our readers some of the most beautiful and eye-catching Victorian style living rooms and luxurious bedrooms with Victorian influence, today we delve into the charming world of Victorian kitchens. Considering how most socialites during the period hosted guests almost every day, this was the second most important room of the house after the dining room. Combining efficiency with richness, this is a look at some of the best Victorian style kitchens in modern homes –

We live in a world where we simply cannot move away from contemporary functionality completely and this is why a balance between the past and the present is the best option. In the kitchen there are certain elements that can give the modest, modern kitchen a Victorian sheen without having to completely renovate the space. Start with a beautiful crystal chandelier above the central island that replaces your modern pendants while an ornate hood, patterned kitchen tiles and traditional cabinets come in next. This allows you to enjoy a bit of Victorian panache without sacrificing ergonomics.

Elaborate patterns, embellishments and trims in gold and metal are an integral part of Victorian style and in the kitchen there is no shortage of places where this comes in handy. A dash of golden glint for the kitchen hood, design for the kitchen cabinet doors and shaker style simplicity in the backdrop can all combine to create that perfect Victorian style kitchen. Deep colors for the backdrop and cabinets in dark blue, green or even black are absolutely welcome here. Copper kitchenware, classic rugs or curtains with florals patterns only elevate the appeal of this timeless kitchen inspired by mid and late 1800s.

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Ornate pattern for the cabinets coupled with copper trims for the hood and the appliances gives this kitchen a Victorian vibe [From: Ivanova Tatiana]

If you love to see a multitude of textures and patterns being combined seamlessly in the modern kitchen, the Victorian style offers a luxurious solution. Unlike industrial and farmhouse space, you need not take an understated approach in here to using brass, copper and patterned floor and wall tiles. All of them are effortlessly combined along with splashes of bright, deep colors in a naturally welcoming setting. A large wooden table at the heart of this space can turn it into an eat-in kitchen that is different from the many polished modern kitchens you come across daily. A perfect social setting with a hint of dazzle!

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

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