How to Create a Bespoke Victorian-Style Kitchen

There's something uniquely charming about the high ceilings, ornate details, and grand, cavernous rooms of a Victorian house — and it’s become a highly desirable aesthetic for the modern kitchen.

The perfect Victorian-style kitchen combines historical charm with contemporary ease-of-use; and for those that appreciate the elegance of a bygone era, the following guide will help you transform your kitchen into a Victorian-inspired masterpiece.

Understanding Victorian style

What makes a house or a kitchen Victorian? Victorian-style design is defined by luxury, intricate details, and a certain sense of controlled chaos—pieces that make a statement and stand the test of time. For a bespoke kitchen, this translates to rich, deep colours, lots of texture, and enough detail to keep your eyes busy without overwhelming the whole experience. Think deep forest greens, burgundy reds, and creamy whites. Pair those with the warm woods found in your handmade kitchen cabinets and the visual impact of a colourful tiled floor, and you're well on your way to a classic Victorian aesthetic.

Freestanding furniture: the heart of your Victorian kitchen

A Victorian kitchen will forsake built-in cabinets and sleek, integrated appliances in favour of individual pieces that can be moved and rearranged as needed and when inspiration strikes. Think freestanding handmade cabinets and beautiful ornate dressers.

Another staple of a Victorian kitchen is a sturdy wooden breakfast table. As well as a central dining area, this functional furniture piece will become your preparation space, your baking station, and probably where you'll end up doing your paperwork over a morning coffee. An old farmhouse table with a worn surface tells a story and hides a multitude of spills or knife marks!

Fixtures and fittings in a Victorian kitchen 

In a Victorian kitchen, fixtures and fittings add elegance and personality to the space; a deep, white ceramic Belfast sink paired with brass or copper taps will add an authentic vintage aesthetic. 

When it comes to lighting, think elaborate and dramatic. While a chandelier in the kitchen might seem extravagant for a functional space, it will certainly give the desired look. Wall sconces and pendant lights with intricate designs will only add to the ambience.

Flooring and backsplash: laying the foundations

The choice of flooring can make or break your Victorian-style kitchen. While polished hardwood floors look stunning, they might not be the most practical choice for a busy kitchen. Consider patterned tiles instead—they're durable, easy to clean, and can add a gorgeous pop of colour and design to your space.

For the backsplash, subway tiles are a classic choice that originated in the Victorian era. But don't be afraid to go bold with patterned ceramic tiles. The Victorians were very liberal in their mixing of patterns and colour, so there’s an opportunity for some real creativity with your choices.

Accessories and decor: the devil's in the detail

There’s plenty of scope for artistic flair in your choice of accessories and decor, too. For the hardware in your Victorian-style kitchen— consider brass or porcelain knobs and handles on your cabinets and drawers to add an instant touch of authenticity.

Display your copper pots and pans proudly — Victorians were known for their sense of kitchen theatre. Hang them from a ceiling rack or on wall hooks for easy access and visual appeal.

Meanwhile, lace curtains, floral tea towels, and a luxurious tablecloth for special occasions all add to the Victorian charm. And, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at cross-stitching a sampler to hang on the wall? 

Practical considerations of Victorian kitchen

While you try and maintain that authentic sense of Victorian style in your kitchen design—you might be wondering how you can fit modern appliances into a period space. 

The key is clever disguise. Look for retro-style appliances that are in keeping with the era, or consider building a custom cabinet to hide your modern appliances.

Any storage challenges can be overcome by handmade wooden dressers, freestanding pantries and breakfast cupboards, and any other custom-built kitchen units that can be incorporated into your space. Use bespoke cabinets and sideboards to store your dishes and linens, while some good-quality baskets and vintage-style canisters will help keep your countertops clutter-free while adding to the overall aesthetic.

Making your Victorian kitchen your own

Remember, while we're aiming for a Victorian look, this is still your kitchen. Don't be afraid to add personal touches that reflect your personality and your love for the era you are trying to mimic. Maybe you have a collection of vintage tea tins or a modern art piece that adds an unexpected twist.

How can we help?

A bespoke Victorian-style kitchen embraces the warmth, character, and charm of a bygone era, and it’s a design choice that can be achieved with some careful planning and creativity. If you’re looking to incorporate a Victorian aesthetic into your new kitchen, and would like some expert guidance and advice, please do get in touch or book a free consultation.

Let's discuss your dream kitchen