Victorian Style Kitchen Ideas: Luxurious & Sophisticated Kitchen Designs

The Victorian era was known for its ornate and elaborate interior design styles, and this is especially apparent in Victorian kitchens. A Victorian style kitchen evokes luxury, sophistication and old-world charm with striking details and furnishings. If you want to recreate the opulent aesthetic of a Victorian kitchen in your own home, there are certain elements you can incorporate for an authentic and lavish design. In this article, we will explore different ideas to achieve a stunning Victorian style kitchen with luxurious and glamorous accents.

Elements of a Victorian Style Kitchen

Rich Colors and Patterns

Victorian kitchens are all about creating visual interest through bold color palettes and intricate patterns. Deep hues like emerald greens, ruby reds and sapphire blues were popular for cabinetry and accents. Contrasting these colors with softer neutral tones like ivory, cream or taupe provided depth. Victorian kitchens also utilized ornate prints and textures like damask, floral, paisley and striped wallpapers along with marbled, carved or tiled surfaces.

Recommendations:

Use deep jewel-tone colors like hunter green, burgundy or navy blue for kitchen cabinetry or an accent wall.
Paint ceiling beams, molding and trim in a lighter neutral shade like ivory for contrast.
Add Victorian-style wallpaper with elaborate damask, floral or geometric patterns.
Use fabric with ornate embroidery, lace or velvet textures for curtains, chair cushions and table linens.
Install tiles with intricate moroccan, arabesque or victorian motifs for a backsplash.

Elaborate Architectural Details

Kitchens in Victorian homes featured extravagant architectural details to embody the period’s over-the-top aesthetic. Design elements like raised paneling, crown molding, carved accents and built-in cabinetry added striking visual drama. Ceiling details like beams, trellis work, domes and ornate millwork enhanced the elegance.

Ideas to Add Architectural Interest:

Install raised panel or recessed cabinet doors with intricate carved accents.
Choose detailed cabinet hardware like crystal knobs, scrolled pulls or claw foot handles.
Incorporate molding on cabinets, ceilings and transitions for depth and sophistication.
Use architectural millwork like corbels, columns or curved detailwork on kitchen island.
Add a trellis, domed ceiling or faux skylights for height and grandiosity.
Built-in cabinetry with shelving, glass doors and lighting for an integrated look.

Striking Flooring

Victorian kitchen floors made a bold statement with gleaming woods, colorful encaustic tiles or patterned stone surfaces. Intricate parquet wood floors in geometric shapes added visual flair. Tiled floors with elaborate mosaic patterns, colors and textures were also popular.

Fabulous Flooring Options:

Hardwood with a rich mahogany or cherry stained finish for warmth.
Black & white checkerboard tile floors for retro contrast.
Geometric or hexagonal wood parquet for a statement floor.
Encaustic cement tiles with Victorian-inspired designs and colors.
Black and white marbled floors for timeless old-world elegance.
Patterned floors using mosaic, Moroccan or Spanish tiles.

Vintage Lighting

Victorian lighting relied on the soft glow of candlelight, gas lamps and early electric bulbs to create a moodily lit aesthetic. This can be mimicked today using vintage-inspired fixtures like crystal chandeliers, sconces, pendants and lanterns. Aged metals like bronze, copper and brass also help achieve an authentically Victorian look.

Lighting Inspiration:

Crystal chandeliers as the main focal light over kitchen island or dining table.
Wall mounted gas lamp sconces for ambient lighting.
Candlestick wall sconces for a classic Victorian vibe.
Vintage pendants like domed bell jars or carbon filament bulbs.
Antique bronze, brass or copper finish for all lighting fixtures.

Opulent Furnishings

The furnishings and decor of a Victorian kitchen were just as decadent as the design. Elegant wood furniture, plush upholstered pieces, marble surfaces and antique accessories completed the upscale space.

Luxe Furnishings to Include:

Ornate wood dining table and upholstered dining chairs.
Elaborate buffet cabinet for dishware storage and display.
Tufted leather breakfast nook bench with wood trim.
Carrara or black marble for countertops and kitchen island.
Antique cabinets, hutches, bars carts or hoosier cabinets.
Vintage accessories like clocks, candlesticks, frames and vases.

Sophisticated & Luxurious Victorian Kitchen Ideas

Now that we’ve covered the essential design elements, let’s explore full kitchen ideas and inspiration to create a glamorous Victorian oasis:

Dark Romantic Kitchen

A dark and moody color palette of deep tones creates an intimate ambiance, balanced by ornate white trim details. Touches like an antique crystal chandelier, carved wood furnishings and vintage accessories evoke Victorian luxury.

Key Features:

Dark navy blue cabinets with intricate white crown molding.
Blood red walls with Victorian wallpaper print and detailing.
White beaded board ceiling and ceramic tile backsplash.
Antique bronze hardware and lighting fixtures.
Vintage crystal chandelier as statement light fixture.
White carved wood open shelving above sink.
Marble countertops and massive kitchen island.
Tufted leather breakfast nook bench in black.

Jewel Tone Glam Kitchen

Jewel tone cabinetry in a bold emerald green paired with glitzy gold accents creates major drama and sophistication. An extravagant crystal chandelier and antique furnishings help achieve Victorian opulence.

Design Details:

Hunter green cabinets with gold hardware and accents.
White beaded board paneled ceilings and backsplash tiles.
Gold domed ceiling with chandelier as focal point.
White marble countertops and hexagonal floor tiles.
Black wrought iron antique hoosier cabinet for storage.
Emerald velvet tufted sofa and ornate area rug.
Vintage style accessories like candlesticks and framed art.

Black and White Kitchen

The classic black and white color scheme offers a cleaner and lighter Victorian design that still feels distinctly vintage. Pops of red add another traditional color while gold accents provide some glam factor.

Key Elements:

Black and white checkerboard tile floor.
Black kitchen island and cabinets with white counters.
White beaded board ceilings and subway tile backsplash.
Gothic style black pendant lights over island.
Red brick accent wall with black trimmed windows.
Gold finish on hardware, fixtures and antique furnishings.
White dining table with black tufted chairs.

Royal Blue Antique Kitchen

Royal navy blue painted cabinetry feels instantly formal against elegant white with gold accents. Antique furnishings like a glass front hutch and vintage lighting fixtures complete the timeless vintage design.

Design Ideas:

Navy blue cabinets with neutral painted walls and ceiling.
White crown molding, wainscoting panels and marble counters.
Gold domed ornate chandelier as statement piece.
White & gold antique console table behind sofa.
Vintage ladder back dining chairs in white.
Navy blue buffet hutch with glass antique cabinet doors.
Round patterned area rug and table linens.

Rustic Industrial Victorian Kitchen

The industrial trend gets a vintage facelift with reclaimed wood beams, brick walls, black metals and vintage cabinetry. Pops of green, antique gold and crimson add Victorian flair.

Rustic Industrial Elements:

Exposed brick walls and visible pipework.
Black wrought iron finishes on columns, shelving and fixtures.
Reclaimed wood beams and vent hood over stove.
Antique-style pendants and sconces for lighting.
Crimson, emerald and gold accents.
Vintage cabinetry mixed with black metal open shelves.
Marble counters and brick flooring with area rugs.
Antique furnishings like carved sofa and buffet cabinet.

Modern Victorian Kitchen

A lighter, brighter and more modern take on Victorian design using a soft neutral and white color scheme mixed with black accents. Golden fixtures, marble surfaces and intricate tilework nod to the vintage era.

Modern Victorian Ideas:

Soft white cabinetry with black marble counters.
Chevron tile backsplash in black, white and gold.
White beaded board ceilings and crown molding.
Sleek black metal open shelving above sink.
Marble waterfall island and herringbone floors.
Gold finish on lighting, fixtures, handles and taps.
White molded dining chairs with black leather seats.
Frameless cabinetry and hidden appliances for clean look.

Victorian Cottage Kitchen

Embrace the quaint charm of a Victorian cottage with painted wood cabinetry, distressed finishes, fresh white details and homespun checkered accents.

Cottage Elements:

Robin’s egg blue painted cabinets with brass hardware.
White distressed wood open shelving and ceiling beams.
Checkered curtains and cushioned breakfast nook.
Vintage accessories like a distressed farmhouse table.
Butcher block wood countertops and brick backsplash.
Cast iron farmhouse sink and vintage-style pump faucet.
Brass pendant lights and sconces with Edison bulbs.

Dramatic Gothic Kitchen

Create a moody, gothic ambiance with deep burgundy cabinetry, black accents and details like metal finishes, iron chandeliers, gothic arches and aged patinas.

Gothic Kitchen Inspiration:

Dark burgundy cabinets with black countertops and open shelves.
Black brick or aged wood accent walls.
Iron finishes on lighting, handles and decorative accents.
Pointed gothic arches over doorways or as architectural details.
Distressed and aged patinas on floors, walls and furnishings.
Black cast iron farmhouse sink and vintage pump faucet.
Long black candlesticks, candelabras and branches for decor.
Black crystal chandelier as a statement focal point.

Tips for Achieving a Victorian Kitchen Design

Focus on selecting statement pieces first like cabinetry, flooring and lighting fixtures to anchor the design.
Texture is important for adding depth and drama. Use lots of ornate wallpaper, carved wood, patterned tile, and embellished upholstery.
Incorporate antique or vintage-style furnishings and decor for authenticity.
Contrast very ornate elements with clean and simple details like white subway tile or shiplap walls to prevent overwhelm.
Don’t be afraid of bold colors! Deep hues were very popular like emerald, sapphire, ruby and burgundy.
Balanced dark colors with plenty of candles, lamps and lighting fixtures to create an intimate glow.
Use metal finishes like bronze, brass, copper or gold to add richness and glamour.
Pay attention to architectural details – add molding, raised panels, ceiling beams and built-ins for elegance.
Invest in high-end materials like natural stone, solid wood and crystal for luxe accents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Victorian Style Kitchens

What are some typical features of a Victorian style kitchen?

Some typical features include arched doorways, ornate crown molding, raised panel cabinetry, carved accents, vintage lighting fixtures, rich wood finishes, and decorative tiles or wallpaper. Victorian kitchens also utilize deep, bold colors as well as materials like marble, granite, and brass.

What colors should I choose for a Victorian style kitchen?

Popular Victorian color choices include emerald green, ruby red, sapphire blue, eggplant purple, burgundy, and navy blue paired with softer tones like ivory, cream, sage, light grey, and taupe. You can also use a classic black and white palette.

What types of tiles work well in a Victorian kitchen?

Intricate mosaic tile patterns, Moroccan tiles, encaustic cement tiles, black & white checkerboard tiles, or colored hexagonal tiles capture the Victorian aesthetic. Avoid modern styles like thin subway tile or large format tiles.

What materials were commonly used in Victorian era kitchens?

Common materials include hardwoods like oak or mahogany for cabinetry, natural stone like marble for counters, and ceramic, porcelain or encaustic tiles for floors and backsplashes. Hardware was often brass, copper or bronze.

What architectural details can add Victorian flair to a kitchen?

Crown molding, raised panel doors, carved corbels or posts, trellis work, balusters, built-in cabinetry, ceiling beams or domes, and arched doorways help achieve a Victorian look.

How can I add luxury touches to my Victorian kitchen design?

Focus on high-end finishes like natural stone countertops, solid wood cabinetry, and real brass hardware. Incorporate glamorous lighting like a crystal chandelier. Add in antique furnishings and accessories. Use expensive materials like glass, marble, leather, velvet or silk judiciously to elevate the space.

Achieve Timeless Opulence in Your Kitchen

With its unabashed embrace of luxury and ornamentation, a Victorian inspired kitchen design makes a lavish style statement. From moody gothic elegance to quaint cottage charm, the possibilities are endless when channeling this historic era. Whether you prefer a darker romantic vibe or a light airy aesthetic, you can easily incorporate Victorian details for timeless sophistication. With striking colors and patterns, dramatic architectural elements, and opulent finishes, your kitchen is sure to feel like a grand vintage oasis. Let this guide inspire you to craft your own luxuriously appointed Victorian kitchen filled with unique charm and character.