While most of us think of Victorian Kitchens as being prim and proper, with a strict set of aristocratic rules, there is more to them than that. Sure, they had their quirks- but they also had amazing taste in design! Victorians were some of the first to embrace the concept of the open kitchen- something we take for granted these days. Scroll through this list of 11 Victorian kitchens that would be perfect for modern life- you’ll be surprised at how timeless their designs are.
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What is a Victorian Kitchen?
The Victorian kitchen was a workhorse of a room, often located at the back of the house and serving as both a place to prepare meals and wash dishes. These kitchens were typically small and cramped, with barely enough space to move around. The walls were often lined with shelves, which held everything from pots and pans to spices and preserves. A small stove was typically the only heat source, and most cooking was done over an open fire. As a result, the kitchen could be quite hot in the summer months. In addition, there was often little ventilation, so smoke and odours could quickly build up. Despite these challenges, the Victorian kitchen was usually the heart of the household, where family and friends would gather to chat and share a meal.
How to Design a Modern Kitchen?
Adding a modern spin to your kitchen design is easy with the right tools and tips. Here are a few ways to get started:
- Use natural materials in your kitchen design. Wood, stone, and tile are all popular choices for modern kitchens because they are both durable and stylish.
- Opt for sleek cabinetry and appliances. Update your cabinets with sleek, contemporary designs that will complement the look of your kitchen overall. Choose appliances that are Sleek, Modern, and Functional to create a cohesive look in your kitchen space.
- Use bright colours and patterns to add life to an otherwise sterile kitchen space. Brighten up a grey or black background by adding pops of colour such as oranges or yellows. Patterned linens can also be a great way to inject some flair into your kitchen area.
- Incorporate Feng Shui principles into your kitchen design to create balance and harmony within the space. A well-designed feng shui kitchen will help you to achieve an optimal flow within the room while promoting good health and prosperity for you and your family.
- Plan carefully so that you can accommodate future needs without having to remodel your entire kitchen again later on down the road. Utilise online calculators or ask a friend for their professional opinion to get an idea of what updates may be necessary for the future without completely redoing everything from scratch.
Modern Victorian Kitchen Design Ideas
Victorian kitchens were designed to be efficient and easy to use, while still maintaining a grand appearance. Today’s kitchens may be more modern in design, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still fit into a Victorian setting. With a little bit of creativity, you can create an efficient and stylish kitchen that fits modern life.
- The Freestanding Kitchen
- A Blue Victorian-Style Kitchen
- Kitchens facing Inward
- Furniture in the Kitchen
- Range Cooker
- A Butler’s Pantry
- An Antique Sink
- Open Kitchen Shelving
- A Grand Victorian-Style Kitchen
- Semi-Freestanding Cabinetry
- Add Small Furniture
1) The Freestanding Kitchen
Kitchens in the Victorian era were typically freestanding and often featured elaborate woodwork and decoration. This design idea would be perfect for a modern kitchen with updated features, like an open layout and sleek lines.
A freestanding kitchen would be best suited for a modern family who likes to cook and eat in separate spaces. It could have a large countertop area with plenty of storage, as well as several cabinet doors that open to provide easy access to all of your cooking supplies.
To create the look of this type of kitchen, use rich wood in the trim and cabinetry, and mix in brightly coloured tiles or wallpaper for a touch of personality. Be sure to include appliances that are current with today’s trends, like sleek induction cooktops or dishwashers with integrated washing machines.
2) A Blue Victorian-Style Kitchen
If you’re looking for a Victorian-themed kitchen that is both beautiful and functional, consider installing a blue cabinet. This colour is associated with royalty, which gives it a touch of class that will make your kitchen stand out. You can also choose to paint the walls a light blue or use navy blue tiles for an updated look. For the appliances, go for stainless steel or cast iron cookware. And remember wallpaper and flooring! A light blue or purple border will dress up any tile or hardwood floor.
3) Kitchens facing Inward
The classic Victorian kitchen is characterised by its large windows that allow in plenty of natural light. This was a time when fresh, homemade food was the norm, and kitchens were often used as a place to entertain guests. Today, many people prefer to cook in kitchens that face out into their gardens or neighbourhoods, and there are a number of good reasons for this.
Kitchens that face inward tend to be more airy and open. They also tend to be brighter and more cheerful, thanks to all the natural light streaming in from the windows. This makes it much easier to work in the kitchen – you don’t have to strain your eyes trying to see what you’re cooking on the stovetop.
Kitchens that face inward also tend to be more efficient. By having all of the cooking activities take place near the window, you can maximise your space by minimising countertop and cabinet usage. And since there’s less clutter, it’s easier to clean up after yourself.
4) Furniture in the Kitchen
When designing your Victorian kitchen, be sure to incorporate some beautiful furniture! This style of cooking was very focused on efficiency and cleanliness, so having well-made appliances and tables that could be easily wiped down was key. Here are a few ideas for Victorian kitchen furniture that can add elegance and functionality to your space:
- A beautiful antique buffet or sideboard is perfect for serving food and drinks. Not only will it look stunning in your kitchen, but it will also be able to store all of your ingredients easily.
- A large butcher block is perfect for chopping meat or preparing vegetables. It can also double as a work surface when baking bread or making other delicious dishes.
- An elegant table set with matching chairs is the perfect place to sit while you cook. Not only will it look great in your kitchen, but the chairs can also recline for comfortable dining.
- If you don’t have room for a table set, consider using a large cabinet instead! This will help to save space and make your Victorian kitchen even more efficient.
5) Range Cooker
Many people might think of a Range Cooker as something from the Victorian Era, but in reality, these cookers have been around for many years and can still be found in many kitchens today. They are great for large meals or for cooking multiple items at once. They are also a great option if you have limited counter space. There are a variety of options available when it comes to range cookers, so find the one that is perfect for your needs.
One of the best features of range cookers is that they are versatile. You can use them to cook everything from stews to casseroles to desserts. They are also great for cooking large quantities of food quickly without having to stand over the stove all day long.
Another great thing about range cookers is that they are easy to clean. Most models come with a removable cooking surface and easy-to-clean ovens and grills. Plus, they tend to be relatively compact, which makes them perfect for small spaces or apartments.
6) A Butler’s Pantry
If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen but feel like it’s missing something essential, why not consider adding a butler’s pantry? This hidden storage area can hold all the supplies you need to prepare meals in style, from knives and forks to pots and pans. Here are five ideas for incorporating a butler’s pantry into your Victorian kitchen:
- Install a pull-out shelf on the wall above your stovetop. This convenient spot can store everything from baking dishes to platters and serving ware.
- Arrange shelves along one side of the room, filling them with cookware, baking supplies, condiments, and spices.
- Install shelving in an unused corner of the kitchen for storing ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs.
- Create a modular system that can be easily dismantled when you’re not using it. This option includes built-in cabinets or drawers that slide out from the wall or floorboards.
7) An Antique Sink
The antique sink can add a touch of class and history to any Victorian kitchen. This piece is often overlooked but can be a great addition to your home. There are many different styles of antique sinks, so find the one that fits your kitchen best.
If you are looking for an old-fashioned look, then a copper or brass sink will be perfect. These materials are often seen in traditional kitchens and lend an air of refinement. For a more modern look, consider choosing an acrylic sink. Acrylics are popular because they are easily cleaned and come in various colours and patterns.
8) Open Kitchen Shelving
When it comes to creating a Victorian kitchen, one of the key elements is to have open shelving. This provides a space for all of your cookware and dishes to be easily visible, which makes meal preparation much simpler. Open shelving can also be used to store groceries, spices, and other cooking supplies. There are several different ways to create an open kitchen shelving system. One option is to use turned or carved wood shelves. You can also install metal racks or brackets that mount onto the wall. Whatever method you choose, ensure that the shelves are high enough to store larger pots and pans on them.
9) A Grand Victorian-Style Kitchen
The grand Victorian-style kitchen is a beautiful and inviting place to cook in. With its high ceilings and rich wood trim, this kitchen is perfect for those who love traditional cooking styles. Many elements make this kitchen so special, including the marble countertops and cabinets, the ornate chandelier, and the deep red walls.
This style of cooking is best suited for those who love spending time in the kitchen preparing meals. The high ceilings give you plenty of room to work, while the marble countertops make it easy to clean up afterwards. The deep red walls also add a touch of luxury to the space, making it perfect for hosting special occasions or simply making dinner for your family.
10) Semi-Freestanding Cabinetry
Victorian kitchens were often quite narrow with minimal counter space. This meant that kitchen cabinets had to be semi-freestanding to allow for enough room to work.
Some of the most popular semi-freestanding cabinet designs from the Victorian era include the drop-leaf and Renaissance Revival styles. Drop-leaf cabinets have a hinged top section that can be opened up like a book, providing more storage space below and allowing you to see all of your ingredients at once. The Renaissance Revival style is characterised by ornate details, such as long brackets that support the doors and carved rails around the edge of the cabinet.
11) Add Small Furniture
Adding small furniture to a Victorian kitchen can add character and life to the space. There are plenty of options available, from small side tables to vintage-inspired cupboards. Here are some ideas for adding small furniture to a Victorian kitchen:
A small side table can be a perfect addition to any Victorian kitchen. This table can hold cups and plates, or be used as a footrest during mealtime.
Another option for adding small furniture to a Victorian kitchen is a vintage cabinet. This cabinet style is popular among vintage collectors and provides storage space as well as character to the room. Choose an old-fashioned cabinet with knobs and pulls, or opt for a contemporary version with sleek lines.
If you don’t want to purchase new furniture, you can also use old pieces that you may have in your home already. For example, an old dresser could be refinished and turned into a small side table. Or an old bookshelf could be repurposed as part of the wall decor in the kitchen area. Either way, adding small furniture will add personality and interest to your Victorian kitchen.
Victorian Kitchen Design Ideas, Inspiration & Images
Conclusion
Victorian kitchens were designed for a different lifestyle than the one we live in today. While they may not be practical for our modern lives, they are charming and full of character. If you’re considering renovating your kitchen, consider incorporating some of the features of a Victorian kitchen to add some unique style to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the need for a modular kitchen in today’s life?
Modular kitchen designs maximise every possible inch of space, which is a significant bonus in today’s compact apartments when space is always at a premium! Drawers and storage shelves glide out, allowing you to conveniently access even the most remote regions.
What did a Victorian living room look like?
Living room walls often were decorated using cream, mustard yellow or even lavender, while living rooms with a fireplace commonly were slightly darker to prevent soot from damaging their images. These rooms usually were decorated in dark green or blue.
Can modular kitchen designs be customised?
Modular kitchen units can also be customised and personalised with minor variations from the original, conventional designs, depending on the needs of the customer in context.
