The classic kitchen style is called “classic” for a reason – kitchens done in the style are timeless, flexible, and don’t become outdated after just a few years. Unlike more contemporary styles, classic kitchens aren’t tied down to what’s currently in vogue. A classic kitchen will still look sharp and stylish a decade after the renovation crew finishes it.
They may not have the sheer sleekness of modern kitchens nor the decidedly ornate and eclectic trappings of Old World styles, but classic kitchens are still very open to being branded with your own style and personality. Here are a few tips on how to design a classic kitchen and make it your own.
- Neutral color palette – If you’re going for timeless, you can’t go wrong with white and a splash of black. That doesn’t mean classic kitchens are limited to a black and white color scheme, though. Stained and painted cabinetry and accessories done in neutral hues will do perfectly. Just remember to keep accents from becoming too ornate and detailed.
- Clean cabinetry – White and cream are the top color choices for cabinetry in a classic kitchen. These colors give the space a clean, fresh, and airy atmosphere and helps make everyone comfortable. Glass and open cabinetry are essential elements of a classic kitchen as well.
- Black or white countertops – When it comes to countertops, most classic kitchens only go one of two ways: either black or white. For the former, black granite, soapstone, and cast quartz are the top options. For the latter, Cararra and Calacatta marble are highly prized.
- Simple details – Classic kitchens feature architectural details that accentuate the space without being distracting or calling too much attention to themselves. The key word here is restraint; simple lines and details are more preferable in a classic kitchen than over-the-top ornamentation. Don’t stray too far into the realms of sleek uniformity, though.
- Simple doors – The same restraint carries over to cabinet door designs. Skip both ends of the detail spectrum – nothing too simple and modern nor overly ornate – and go for simple Shaker doors with minimal moulding. Shaker is a style that doesn’t bow down to trends, making it the perfect complement to a classic kitchen.
- Hardwood flooring – Hardwood never goes out of style, making it perhaps the closest thing to the ultimate flooring material. Oak is not only sturdy, it also looks better as it ages. This makes it a perfect fit for such a timeless kitchen design. Top choices for oak are white and red.
- White subway tiles – Whether it’s glossy, crackle, beveled, square edged, handmade, or machine made, white subway tiles are the perfect backsplash material for a classic kitchen. You can add your own twist to this classic material by changing up the tile sizes and proportions as well as the grout color.
Making a classic kitchen your own
We’ve mentioned the flexibility of a classic kitchen before. With a few strategic changes and additions, you can turn a classic kitchen into almost any other look.
The best way to shake up the design and stamp your own personality on it is through manipulating the less permanent details of the space. Chair cushions, window treatments, and other kitchen accessories are easy to change to suit your tastes without sacrificing the inherent timeless nature of the classic kitchen.
An ornate hood and traditional chandelier, for example, can add a more traditional flavor to a classic kitchen. Conversely, you can go the other direction by adding more modern lighting fixtures and accents. The possibilities are practically endless.
