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Very Victorian
3 Steps to a Fancy and Functional Kitchen
By Shel Franco
Romance. Warmth. Beauty. It's what most people envision when they think of the Victorian era. From detailed garments and gowns to ornate furnishings, few time periods instill such a feeling of splendor.
Authentic Victorian kitchens were a bit of a disappointment in terms of luxury. After all, the kitchen's inhabitants consisted of servants – and perhaps a few mice. However, the Victorian era can inspire you to create a culinary haven – without heating one ounce of coal.
Authentic Victorian kitchens usually housed stone slab or unglazed tile flooring. While that option is still available to homeowners today, the current flooring market also offers ceramic tile that mimics natural stone.
For true Old World warmth and charm, hardwoods are beyond compare. Virginia Vintage floors, hand-scraped genuine wood boards, are billed as "the perfect combination of history and 21st Century engineering," and they just might be the perfect combination of charm and practicality for your Victorian kitchen.
Step 2: The Appliances
Functioning antique stoves from this time period are available through qualified technicians. Good Time Stove Co. in Goshen, Mass., offers a wide range of antique stoves (c. 1880-1900), boasting lavish, fancy and elaborate nickeling and filigree. All the ranges can be converted to gas or electric.
Modern appliances with an antique flair are available through companies such as Heartland Appliances Inc.
