For many of us, choosing a kitchen that will feel timeless for decades is the dream. We want to love our kitchen, to feel it’s beautiful every time we see it and know that it works for us on a practical level.
The key to designing a timeless kitchen, that you won’t need to update every few years is to go with a classic style. This will bring longevity, ensuring your kitchen won’t date. At first thought, you may think of a Classic kitchen as too ornate, but think of it like a classic little black dress. Add your own take on jewellery and footwear and that dress is transformed in a way only you can wear it. You get to make it your own (and so can the next homeowner if you’re thinking about resale value!) with wallpapers, window treatments and paint colours, or even a pop of colour in upholstery.
Our experienced design team share their thoughts on some essential Classic design elements:
Choose classic cabinetry
Kitchen styles come and go, but classic shaker style doors never date. Painted shaker doors are dependably classic choices. We are certainly seeing more interest in bringing wood into kitchens, plywood included (we love plywood) but a painted Shaker door will always be a wise choice. If you’re drawn towards wood, consider including it as a detail, perhaps a breakfast bar at the island or wood interiors, like the stunning larder unit above.
The layout is key
Every space is different, so a single layout won’t work for everyone. Taking the time to meticulously plan every detail ensures your kitchen will last and you won’t have regrets about putting something in the wrong place. Talking to a professional designer is well worth doing, we design kitchens of all styles every day of the week and we love it and can share so much of our experience with you!
Typically classic kitchens have more detail than a contemporary kitchen, including a feature like a canopy or mantle. This can influence layout, as more wall space is required and storage elsewhere becomes more of a priority.
Consider fixtures and fittings
Handles, taps, hinges (if exposed) and even sockets and switches are the details that bring character to your kitchen. They also hold a scheme together, so make sure to consider all of these features, particularly when using a metallic finish. For a truly timeless, classic kitchen, all of these elements should complement each other.
Choose a neutral colour scheme
While classic white is a popular and worthy choice for kitchen cabinetry – a carefully chosen neutral can help to bring some individual style without being too trendy, or dating quickly. Choose pale greens, greys or blues that complement floor finishes, creating a comforting and timeless scheme that feels homely and elegant too.
If you struggle with decisions around colour and style, talk to us! Our design team live & breathe kitchen design and we love to advise on these decisions. We understand that your kitchen is a big investment and it takes time to get the details right. Have a look through Classic projects we have completed for inspiration and get in touch to begin the design process.
