Victorian Kitchen Design

Get all the info you need on Victorian kitchen design, and prepare to add an elegant and historical design to your kitchen space.

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By: Sean McEvoy

Taking its inspiration from the elegant, romantic Victorian era in Europe, Victorian kitchen design often features luxurious materials, antique furniture, soothing color palettes and intricate details.

Beautiful, Efficient Kitchen Design and Layout Ideas

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One of the hallmarks of Victorian kitchen design is an open kitchen space. Open U-shaped and L-shaped designs are common, with a kitchen island (a common inclusion in many Victorian kitchen designs) providing extra space for food preparation and storage. Classic farm-style sinks, great for food preparation or cleanup after large meals, are also a stylish element often featured in Victorian kitchens. Furniture is often antique or antique-looking, to match the casual but still Old-World feel.

The kitchen island in Victorian kitchen designs can also be made from a repurposed dresser or cabinet in the Victorian style, often featuring intricately carved cutouts, crown molding and other classic design flourishes like brass hardware in flowing, floral designs. Similarly, cabinets in Victorian kitchen design often boast an antique design, with crown molding, cutouts and elegant hardware all common choices. Cabinets may also feature open shelving or glass doors in order to better show off favorite collections of dishware or glassware.

Countertops and floors in Victorian kitchens can often provide a bit of contrast to what might otherwise be a romantically soft, light and bright design. Whereas antique cabinetry might be painted white, beige or light yellow, countertops in black granite, whether matte or glossy, can provide a great opportunity to add contrast. Flooring made from substantial, dark wood planks also creates contrast with the preferred color schemes in Victorian kitchens, which may feature accents in light blues, yellows and rose pinks, building on the romantic feel.

Speaking of romance, another way to add to the whimsical, rapturous feel of a Victorian kitchen is through artwork. Sumptuous still-life paintings of fruits, wines and cheeses can add an elegant and artistic touch to the space, while other touches like flowing, floral patterned curtains in soft colors or elegant chair cushions in velvet or velour can help create a welcoming space filled with beautiful touches.

Furniture in Victorian kitchens often follows the pattern of elegant, luxurious design, with intricately designed chairs and tables carved from high-quality wood and painted in white or light colors. Lighting can also be a hugely important facet of Victorian kitchen design, with many homeowners who opt for this style choosing to incorporate dramatic, striking chandeliers, which can hang over dining tables or a kitchen island, and provide both illumination and elegance.

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