An English-style kitchen is a clear example of the luxury and sophistication of a royal apartment. The Victorian style dates back to the 19th century, during the reign of Queen Victoria. Today this direction has undergone many changes.
The term “English style” has no clear boundaries. For some it is an old-fashioned interior in the spirit of the Victorian era, for others it is a cozy room with a rustic atmosphere
Characteristic features of the English style in the kitchen
There are certain characteristic features that are characteristic of this style to this day.
- The kitchen set must certainly be antique.
- The presence of oriental notes in the decor and even in the decoration of the room.
- Use of natural materials.
- Solid wood furniture.
- Heavy curtains.
When developing a design project for a Victorian kitchen, it is worth considering that during the reign of the Queen, the kitchen was not intended for entertaining guests. Servants worked here, so the work area was very simple.
An aristocratic English interior invariably contains classical features - arches, columns and stucco.
There are two options for English style in the kitchen: country and classic. The first one is more cozy and homely, but at the same time solid and solid. Classic cuisine is more laconic and strict.
English country is a purely rustic interior with simple furniture, often artificially aged.
English style tiles
For classic English design, tiles play an important role. It gives elegance combined with high aesthetics. Using tiles in the kitchen is a universal way to create a luxurious interior.
Most often, English-style tiles are used on the floor or in the apron area. As already mentioned, its design is monochromatic or with a thematic ornament. When choosing the latter option, it is worth considering the amount of drawing so that it is enough to convey the idea, but without excesses.
The spirit of the Middle Ages is achieved by laying tiles with a “stone-like” design on the floor. This is an interesting solution that will require considerable expenses, but the result will definitely please the kitchen owner.
A tile with a pattern or several options combined in a certain sequence will help highlight the floor. The choice of solution depends to a large extent on the dimensions of the room and its geometry.
English style kitchen: color palette and finishing options
Light, noble shades are most often used, but dark shades may also be present. The following combinations are considered the most appropriate:
- White and gold palette.
- Beige-sand shades. Can be supplemented with gold or platinum.
- Light gray palette.
- Brown tones.
In a white English kitchen, decorations include gold moldings, trims and bas-reliefs
Stone surfaces - natural or artificial - are often used in combination with beige facades
The light gray palette is used mainly in interiors with a colonial twist.
Brown tones are the priority of natural wood of expensive species
The countertop is made to match the floor, the sink is made of artificial stone in the same color. Ceramic tiles are used to finish the apron.
Finish options:
- in the form of a brick;
- cover with Moroccan pattern;
- white and gold tiles with ornate patterns.
Tiles with Moroccan patterns will make the kitchen interior elegant and original.
Materials for finishing work
To decorate a kitchen in the English style, you will need to use only the highest and most expensive quality materials. An interior using fakes and low-quality materials will never recreate the unique design that came from England.
Let's take a closer look at the finishing of each structure available in the premises:
- The kitchen floor is made of wooden planks. Parquet with a geometric pattern will look very good in such an interior. In the photo below you can see this option. Tiles or natural stone are sometimes also used for flooring. The most important thing is that they are muted light colors.
- The walls are covered with discreet wallpaper. You can also use paint and paint the walls in light colors.
Related article: Tips for organizing space and choosing a style in a 9 sq. m kitchen
- The ceiling can be decorated with wooden beams. Caissons can be used for the same purposes. In order to reduce costs, you can paint the ceiling structure with light paint.
To bring the design of the room as close as possible to the English style, it is worth increasing the use of wood. There must be a lot of it. But this is not enough: the quality of the material must be the highest. The most commonly used types of wood are oak, walnut, yew, and beech.
Materials for finishing a kitchen in the English style
The British are very fond of wood. Almost all of their items are made from this material. So wood is chosen for kitchen furniture. In the center of the kitchen there is always a massive oak table. Basically, only natural materials with a “scuffed” effect are always used.
There is no excess wood in English interiors - this applies to both furniture and surface finishing
English style curtains for the kitchen
British style in the kitchen interior is a sign of elegance, chic and well-being. Therefore, the choice of curtains or curtains for the kitchen is of no small importance. It is also necessary to take into account all the classic components of style:
- functionality;
- comfort and coziness;
- traditionality;
- high quality material.
British style in the kitchen interior is a sign of elegance, chic and well-being
If the kitchen interior uses solid wooden furniture, the ceiling is decorated with original stucco, and the walls are decorated with fabric wallpaper, then chic curtains with a lambrequin will help complete the overall style of the room. Curtains or curtains in the English style are a wide canvas attached to the ceiling cornice; they are gathered along the side folds. An original solution to classic stylization is a Scottish check, stripe or small floral pattern.
An original solution to classic styling is a tartan check, stripe or small floral pattern
The fabric structure of window blinds or curtains must be rigid. A highly elastic material, jacquard, is perfect for this. Also, when choosing curtains in the English style, you should pay attention to other fabric materials, for example, tapestry or velvet. If desired, you can additionally use horizontal blinds made of wood, which will protect the room from direct sunlight at the right time. To create a classic British design, it is advisable to involve qualified specialists.
How to choose the right furniture for an English-style kitchen
Choosing the right furniture for a Victorian-style kitchen is already half the battle. The set and dining area must meet the following requirements:
- look reliable, sound and solid;
- the facade should be made of natural wood (pine, walnut, oak), the countertop should be made of natural or artificial stone (ceramic tiles can also be used);
- the colors are subdued and calm.
The furniture may be simple, but obviously of good quality. Decorative overlays, forged handles and other elaborate details are welcome
The decor and fittings must correspond to the English style: have scuffs (an “antique” effect), metal handles, intricate carvings, and carved cornices installed on top.
How to decorate a kitchen in English style
Before taking on this kind of design, you should carefully study photos of finished projects, select a fundamental detail and then build on it in further design. Kitchen design in this style is more similar to the classic design of living rooms than to a laconic kitchen interior.
Kitchen furniture should be solid and massive, with large relief decorative elements. Correctly chosen furniture is an almost guaranteed excellent result. An artificially aged surface, various abrasions and antique textures are perfect. This can be achieved using decoupage, or you can revive an old set or order a new one - it all depends on the possibilities.
Household appliances should also be selected in a vintage style, or alternatively, you can disguise them with kitchen facades. The kitchen stove is usually hidden under an imitation fireplace, the hood is bought in fancy shapes, avoiding ultra-modern chrome or glass products. This technique can be seen in photos of similar interiors.
Particular attention should be paid to choosing suitable curtains. If for many interior styles it is preferable to use blinds or Roman curtains, then for lovers of lush folds and voluminous curtains, the English style in the kitchen interior will give you the opportunity to unwind your soul by choosing the appropriate window design.
The layout of the room, as can be seen in the photo, is strictly symmetrical, all the details seem to be balanced with each other, there are no sharp changes, the accent can be an old-fashioned hob or a unique ceramic sink with a large brass mixer.
It is better to choose flooring from wood or ceramic tiles. Parquet or laminate is selected several tones darker than the countertop of the set. The original tiles with a geometric pattern look beautiful.
Photos of kitchens decorated in a similar design style show how harmoniously carpets also look, only this decorative element must be made of high-quality materials and have a dense structure.
Household appliances and plumbing
Large household appliances are always hidden behind wooden facades; small items are also stored in drawers and cabinets. Today you can buy kitchen appliances in vintage style.
Modern household appliances, which you simply cannot do without in the kitchen, should be hidden away from view or disguised
Instead of a modern stove, a special oven or equivalent is installed, which is used not only for cooking, but also for heating the room.
The hood is usually hidden, sometimes together with the stove it can be designed as a home.
An originally designed fireplace hood is a distinctive feature of the style.
It is better to choose stylized plumbing fixtures. The sink is ceramic, the faucet is brass or bronze.
A vintage copper or bronze faucet is a suitable accessory for an English kitchen.
The main features of the English style in the interior
The English style did not arise at one moment, and its formation is divided into two stages - Georgian and Victorian. In the Georgian direction there are modest, soft colors, and the interiors are characterized by the spirit of antiquity: strict lines, precisely calibrated symmetry and majesty inherent in ancient Greek temples. The Victorian style in the interior does not look so strict, it has brighter colors, richer decoration and elegant furniture, as in these photos of the Victorian style in the kitchen :
And the country kitchen will look more cozy and a little casual. But for planning a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building, this option is quite feasible.
Curtains and table textiles
In a kitchen in an English interior, curtains are an important attribute. They can be different, heavy or multi-layered (consist of curtains, lambrequin, Roman blinds). It is not necessary to use natural fabrics; in a modern kitchen, curtains from more practical mixed materials can be chosen.
An example of successful window design in the dining area of an English kitchen
Option for everyday decor of a dining group in an English-style kitchen
Table textiles and curtains should be in harmony with the furniture and decor chosen for the kitchen, and match the color and pattern.
Space layout
English kitchen interior is based on the distribution of the room into functional areas. Typically, a large dining table is installed in the center of the room. All other furniture is located along the walls. This distribution of space can be seen in the photo below.
Related article: 10 ways to separate the kitchen from the living room with a partition
It’s easy to guess that a design with such an arrangement of the main components of the kitchen will require a lot of free space.
Accessories for English cuisine
A London style kitchen requires a large number of decorative elements. The British love for tea drinking, dogs and horses, gardening - everything was reflected in the interior of the room.
In any interior, the finishing touch is placed with the help of decor; in the English style it can be everywhere - from trinkets to furniture details
For example, there are a large number of cookbooks on the shelves, plates on the walls are always with roses, and there are tea and porcelain surprises in the windows. Engravings, clocks, paintings, and herbariums are also hung on the walls.
Vases, figurines, wooden or stone figurines - everything will be appropriate here
Accessories that display London's tourist brands, such as a red telephone booth, a double-decker bus, Big Ben, and the Union Jack, will help highlight the English style. In an English-style kitchen, the design of which can be seen in the photo, Russian motifs are often found. This is a stove with a samovar, Pavlovo Posad painting, etc.
Decorative elements can be decorated with images of famous musicians, such as Freddie Mercury or the Rolling Stones, the British flag, etc.
Main features of the English style
Let's look at the main features that must be present in an English-style kitchen design:
- good and thoughtful lighting;
- a lot of free space;
- unusual decor in large quantities;
- a large number of dishes;
- large stove;
- equipment hidden behind furniture facades or stylized options;
- furniture made from natural materials.
A kitchen made in English can be easily recognized by its special lighting, wooden furniture, a large amount of decor, and the presence of porcelain dishes.
Lighting
Properly selected lighting will help highlight a British-style kitchen. Cold artificial light will not work. The ideal option would be to use sconces and floor lamps.
Modern high-tech lamps definitely won’t fit into an English interior.
It is necessary to select lamps with glass shades that provide diffused and warm light
Lamps can be shaped like lanterns, candelabra, etc. Tiffany-style chandeliers with forged or glass parts are perfect.
Kitchen furniture in English style
Design in the English style will not become truly English if the furniture is not carefully selected and corresponds to the canons of this style. Everything, both the dining table and the set, are one and must match the style, that is:
- good quality and reliability are indispensable attributes;
- in the Victorian style , natural furniture is welcomed in the interior; facades, for example, are finished in oak, pine or walnut; it is permissible to use natural stone for countertops;
- the decor must be appropriate: the presence of carvings, carved cornices, artificially aged surfaces, cast metal handles;
- the color scheme is calm, the wooden texture of the furniture should be preserved, but if the set is painted, then preference should be given to natural wood colors.
for an English-style interior ; sinks should be ceramic or stone (can be artificial); a Butler sink .
English style comes at a high price in the literal sense; furniture and decoration made from natural materials have never been cheap. However, there is also a budget option. Instead of natural wooden furniture, you can purchase a set of MDF with wood veneer. Here are some photos of the English style :
Kitchen floor
Floors, as a rule, are made of wood (using parquet boards or other coverings that imitate wood).
A natural wood floor will highlight the overall structure of the interior and will be warm at any time of the year.
Speaking of practicality, you can choose stone-like or checkerboard ceramic tiles for the floor. Skirting boards are made high.
Ceramic tiles in light natural tones like stone, or a two- or even three-color coating would be appropriate.
English-style kitchen appliances
Modern household appliances are not welcome in an English-style kitchen
Large appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.) can be hidden behind wooden facades, and small appliances are stored in numerous cabinets and drawers. If you have the desire and time, you can look for equipment that is made “antique” - retro equipment.
into the English style of a kitchen interior ; it needs to be replaced with a very massive analogue or even a stove. The stove can be used not only to cook, but also to heat the kitchen in winter. The hood should be well camouflaged, but sometimes it can be integral with the stove and resemble a fireplace chimney.
Walls
For wall decoration, choose matte or wallpaper (paper or textile). If the room area is large, you can highlight the lower part of the wall with wooden panels - clapboard or boiserie.
Wallpaper or fabric are traditional materials for wall decoration in English interiors
To finish the apron in the kitchen, use square tiles or in the “hog” format. In England it is also called the “Metro” because it lines the London Underground.
White ceramic tiles are often chosen for finishing the backsplash.
The classic version of the English style involves wallpaper with a checkered pattern, stripes or a flower, specifically a rose. The color of the wallpaper should not be flashy and provocative; the shades should be muted with a print that will not be too noticeable.
Checkered wallpaper can effectively highlight the dining area
When you decide to implement the English style in the kitchen, you should carefully consider every detail. To recreate the era and style, all interior items must be antique. If even one detail does not match the style, it can ruin the whole picture. By following all the rules, you can always please your loved ones and friends with a homely and cozy atmosphere.
Kitchen-living room in English style
If an apartment or house has sufficient space, then it is not so difficult to create an exquisite kitchen-living room from it. When creating the design of a kitchen-living room in the English style, zoning must be used using one of the presented methods:
- Using different prints on the walls in the living room and kitchen.
- Using different but harmonious shades of the walls.
- Installation of various floor coverings.
- Installation of different lighting.
A fireplace in the reception area will emphasize the hospitality of the owners and will become a must-have attribute. Although the selection of zones plays an important role, their individual elements must overlap in order to achieve a unified design. For example, furniture is chosen in the same finish and color, and the shade of the sofa upholstery should match the tone of the rug in the cooking area.
