Modern Victorian Design Comes to Life in the Kitchen
When Instagram and Tiktok influencer, Erika of @peonyandhoney was ready to remodel her kitchen in a modern Victorian style, tin ceilings were a natural choice. Erika also flexed her thrifting and diy skills to curate all the elements needed to create the right vibe.
From an antique Italian chandelier to a vintage bed frame repurposed as a range hood, this kitchen masterpiece delivers charm and character in spades.
Come along and discover all the little details that make Erika’s kitchen stand out as a design you won’t soon forget.
Looking Up
The kitchen had, according to Erika, “ugly” textured ceilings that wouldn’t work with her neo-Victorian plans. Instead of making a mess scraping the ceiling, she opted for tin tile, which was perfect for her design plus could go up right over her existing textured ceiling with no prep.
Erika chose Snap Lock tin tiles that screw right into the drywall and interlock for added support. No wood studs were needed to secure the tin tiles. She was even able to cut a circle in the center of the tin panel for pot lighting. Pattern 23 was a great choice for that as it has a circular flower in the center of the tile that can easily be cut out with tin snips to make room for the lighting.
The pattern’s ornate florals were a perfect match for the vintage vibe and echoed the antique floral oil paintings Erika had collected to adorn the walls. The Matte White color keeps the space feeling light and bright despite the dark countertops and backsplash.
What Is Vintage Modern Design?
Vintage modern design, aka modern Victorian, aka neo-Victorian is an elegant fusion of traditional Victorian aesthetics with contemporary elements, resulting in a sophisticated and eclectic style. It takes inspiration from the ornate detailing, rich colors, and lavish furnishings of the Victorian era while updating them with modern sensibilities and functionality.
Key features of modern Victorian design include:
Architectural Elements: Modern Victorian homes often feature architectural elements characteristic of the Victorian era, such as bay windows, turrets, elaborate trim work, and decorative moldings. These architectural details add charm and character to the space.
Color Palette: While traditional Victorian interiors were known for their bold and rich color schemes, modern interpretations often opt for a more subdued palette. Soft, neutral tones like creams, grays, and taupes serve as a backdrop, allowing ornate furnishings and decorative accents to stand out.
Mix of Old and New: Modern Victorian design seamlessly blends antique or vintage pieces with contemporary furniture and accessories. This juxtaposition creates a sense of contrast and visual interest, breathing new life into traditional elements.
Luxurious Fabrics: Upholstery and drapery play a crucial role in modern Victorian interiors, with an emphasis on luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and brocade. These fabrics add texture and richness to the space, evoking a sense of opulence and sophistication.
Ornate Details: Ornate detailing is a hallmark of Victorian design, and modern interpretations often incorporate this aesthetic through decorative elements such as intricate carvings, embellished furniture, and elaborate lighting fixtures. However, the overall look is balanced to avoid overwhelming the space.
Grand Furniture: Furniture in modern Victorian interiors is often characterized by its grandeur and elegance. Pieces may feature curved lines, tufted upholstery, carved wood accents, and antique-inspired designs, creating a sense of luxury and refinement.
Statement Pieces: Modern Victorian design often includes statement pieces that serve as focal points in the room. This could be a grand chandelier, an ornate mirror, a vintage rug, or a dramatic piece of artwork, adding personality and visual interest to the space.
Functional Spaces: While Victorian homes were known for their compartmentalized layout, modern interpretations often prioritize open-concept living spaces and functional layouts to suit contemporary lifestyles. However, traditional room divisions and alcoves may still be incorporated for added charm.
Overall, modern Victorian design offers a timeless and elegant aesthetic that combines the best of old-world charm with modern sophistication, creating inviting and luxurious spaces with a sense of history and style.
Custom Pieces
Creating and curating was a big part of the project’s success. Modern Victorian design isn’t as easily accessible as something like modern farmhouse. Erika had to find the elements she wanted to put them together to make the exact aesthetic she wanted for the kitchen.
Erika hired a local carpenter to create a dairy table style island and handpicked the light granite counter to top it off. She also chose black granite for the countertops and backsplash, which were custom fabricated with ogee edge.
The range hood was originally an 1800’s bed frame that was revamped. It had the right look and Erika had the vision to reimagine it in the kitchen.
Finishing Details
With design mashups like modern Victorian or modern farmhouse, it is often the details that deliver the most character. The foundational parts of the design like cabinets, countertops, and appliances are more modern so it’s left to the little things to bring out the vintage charm.
Charming details like gold and brass knobs, Victorian-era art, and an antique crystal chandelier all bring the space together. Even something that usually flies under the radar, the pantry got special attention in this design. Erika added wood-framed, glass-front doors to the pantry and finished it off with brass cremone bolts.
“It all came together in such a way that makes me feel like I’m living in my own Bridgerton love story,” said Erika. We couldn’t agree more.
