Guest Picks: Cook Up a Modern Victorian Kitchen
Get the beauty of a bygone era with modern kitchen fixtures, appliances and accessories for comfort and style
I'm working on the total renovation of a house built in 1895, and I'm in the process of making design decisions for important rooms like the kitchen and bath. My goal is to create a space that is a nod to both the original Queen Anne architecture and age of the house, but that also has some modern touches. This collection includes the key elements of my version of a modern Victorian kitchen. — Sarah from The Estate of Things
This kitchen uses a combination of modern/industrial and traditional elements to create a beautiful space in an older home.
Eddie 1-Light Pendant
These are primitive in an industrial, turn-of-the-century kind of way. I like the reflective quality, the simplicity and the price. I'd like to mount a few of these over an island or one over the kitchen sink.
Cape May Cobblestone Paint
Because I want to create a fresh spin on Victorian, I'm planning to paint the lower cabinets and the island a medium gray. Benjamin Moore's Cape May Cobblestone fits that description.
3"x6" Malda Subway Ceramic Wall Tiles, Set of 136, White
I usually rely on this affordable and traditional white subway tile for a kitchen backsplash.
Gilmore Pull
As much as I love the brass movement, I can't get away from the clean shine of chrome and polished nickel. Bin pulls like this one are just classic.
Fireclay Butler Large 29 1/2-Inch Kitchen Sink
This sink is reminiscent of those old, hardworking white cast iron basins. The apron front will be beautiful when installed on the gray lower cabinets.
Farmer's Market Epergne
I want this now! It's such a simple and stylish way to store produce on the counter.
Heritage Chrome Kitchen Faucet With Spray
Of course I'd love to spring for an expensive bridge faucet, but I decided to go the budget-friendly route. This one has great antique styling, and it got a bunch of great reviews on Overstock.
VeeBrick, Academy Gray
Ever since the first time I stepped into the dressing room at an Anthropologie store, I've wanted to use a thin brick in a herringbone pattern in a kitchen. I think this is the place to do it, and it's a fun departure from tile and hardwoods.
Shaker Cabinet Doors, Antique White
There are many great cabinet styles, but Shaker proves its versatility every time.
Rutland Barstool
I wanted to walk the line on industrial- and utilitarian-style bar stools, and I prefer stools with a back rest. I think this one accomplishes both modern and utilitarian profiles.
Teardrop Filament Bulb
Thomas Edison developed the lightbulb in the late 1800s, and this filament bulb is a salute to the genius inventor, as well as the age of the house. Plus, they are completely on trend right now.
Bianco Quartzite Slab
I want the gray veining of a marble but the durability of granite, and I can find both in quartzite. This is a splurge for sure, but it is incredibly beautiful and impressive in person.
Traditional Roller Blinds
I considered a custom window treatment but decided on this insulated shade. I love the shades at Country Curtains, and the fabric on this one has the look of linen.
Kenmore Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
This fridge has the slim line and the commercial look of a more expensive model.
Kenmore Pro 30-Inch Dual Fuel Range
I love the vintage and commercial look of the stainless gas ranges that are available now. Plus, I think most would agree that gas just cooks better.
Beckham Stripe Light Blue Indoor/Outdoor Rug
To add a little warmth in the kitchen, throw down a durable and pretty Dash & Albert classic, striped indoor/outdoor runner in front of the sink.
64-Ounce Anchor Heritage Hill Jar
I'd like to line a few of these basic canister jars holding some cooking essentials and grains along the countertop.
Live Rosemary Single Ball Topiary
I love a cluster of houseplants on the counter. Keep them close to the sink so that they are easy to water. A rosemary topiary is a must.
Next: 10 Victorian Kitchen Features for Modern Life
Next: 10 Victorian Kitchen Features for Modern Life