Designing the kitchen is one of the most fulfilling yet daunting tasks you could experience as a homeowner. As an expensive project, getting it right the first time is crucial, or you'll end up with costly repairs. More so, building an interior design that won't require frequent updates over the years is vital.
Defining a Timeless Kitchen
A kitchen theme is considered timeless when it can meet your design expectations for years while maintaining functionality. Various features are present in a timeless kitchen, like elegant colour choices that transcend style trends, future-proof furniture selections, conducive layouts, and multi-functional kitchen appliances. While a trendy kitchen is exciting, we don't want to end up with a theme that we'll grow tired of next year. Plus, making frequent updates to your kitchen design will be a hassle.
Whether you are remodelling a modern open-concept kitchen or working with an irregular-shaped room, here are some ideas for creating a timeless kitchen that will outlast trends.
Choose Function Before Trend
We are not saying forget trends, but we are saying forget trends. While it's easy to get inspiration from trendy kitchen designs with the currently loved Pantones, if you're aiming for a kitchen that can stand the test of time, your focus must be on its function rather than its trendiness since what's in today will eventually change in a while. When deciding on the design of your kitchen, choose something that will surpass the fleeting trends to avoid wasting money on things you won't adore as much after some years. Ultimately, a timeless kitchen is more about functionality and design longevity.
Always Start with the Basics
Before jumping into your accent pieces, the bar stools you want to have, and the kitchen appliances you want to buy, start with the basics—your kitchen layout. Decide on your kitchen layout based on your primary kitchen purposes: food preparation and cooking, cleaning, storing, and, for many, baking. These zones come with major kitchen features and appliances. The food prep zone has your kitchen hob and hood. The cleaning zone has the sink, while the storage zone contains the refrigerator.
These basics are also crucial in creating a timeless look. Consider the functionality of each zone and the coherence of every design and colour combination.
Use Natural Materials
Natural design and furniture materials never go out of style. Carefully choose your kitchen cabinets, preferably shaker-style or those made from wood that doesn't detract in style. Wood is versatile and fits many interior themes, from traditional to modern to contemporary and rustic styles.
Go for neutral-coloured furniture as your base. Marble is a designer favourite in terms of its timeless look. Sintered stone is also an auspicious material regarding its longevity and aesthetic appeal. If you want to add colour to your design, utilise accent furniture with fabrics, like a bar stool or a dining chair with an upholstered seat.
Mix Old and New Furniture
Mixing old items with new furniture is an easy and effective way to create a timeless kitchen design. Combining the timeless beauty of old furniture styles with the beauty of new furniture pieces makes your kitchen look stylish and provides an exceptional balance to your space. This will leave you with the right combination of old-fashioned kitchen designs and the simplicity of new ones.
While matching your furniture choices, look for common design elements such as colours, materials, or textures to help you create a cohesive design. But don’t forget to look for strategic contrasts too.
Balance Fitted and Free Standing Furniture
Fitted kitchen furniture adds a personal touch to your design as it is specially designed based on your preferences. Fitted furniture pieces make the most of your kitchen space and create a streamlined look. Freestanding kitchen and dining room furniture items bring a fresher look to kitchen design where the approach is more laid-back, which many homeowners prefer. When mixing built-in cupboards with freestanding kitchen cabinets and open shelves, find a balance between your design elements and function.
Go for Neutral Fitted Furnishings
Ultimately, you want to go for neutral-coloured furniture when designing your kitchen. A neutral base doesn't only make your kitchen more timeless but also opens up infinite design possibilities. We don't want to achieve a complete whiteout when we talk about neutrals. When selecting your colour combinations, go for a contrast between your cabinetry and countertop or your kitchen island. For example, pair a white marble island top with wood or darker colours. This will add depth to your kitchen design.
Invest in Timeless Primary Furniture
The most prominent and expensive furniture pieces in your kitchen must be timeless. These pieces include cupboards, buffet hutch or other kitchen storage, dining table, and chairs. These furnishings will cost you a lot upfront, so it's crucial to select what you want to include in your kitchen carefully. If you are to splurge on kitchen furniture, go for high-quality pieces that are rich in function and can retain a gorgeous kitchen for years.
Decorate with Accents
You can update your kitchen accessories yearly or seasonally while maintaining a neutral palette. You can add wallpaper, a rug, a playful tablecloth or runner, coloured dinnerware, or greenery. Adding these things will make a simple kitchen more exciting and full of personality.
Choose time-tested materials like wood, linen, and cotton when looking for kitchen accents. You can also utilise ambient and task lighting under your kitchen to give your space more layers. These decorative tweaks can instantly brighten up your kitchen and are easier to upgrade in the long run.
Invest in the Right Kitchen Appliances
According to designers, stainless steel will remain timeless, but when choosing the look of your kitchen appliances, consider your lifestyle.
Are you a dedicated home chef who uses your kitchen often? Are you a busy bee who uses the kitchen in a hurry?
If you're part of the former, consider kitchen appliances that cater to most tasks, like a kitchen hob. Another important appliance to splurge on is your refrigerator, which determines a part of your kitchen's design and energy-saving capacity.
Are you ready to build your timeless kitchen? Wait a minute! This is your quick reminder to take your time.
We understand how costly investing in kitchen furniture, fixtures, and appliances is, so we encourage you to carefully curate your pieces instead of making a one-time, big-time haul. Doing so lets you get a clearer view of your kitchen space and find the right pieces that will match your current one. It takes time and patience, but we guarantee everything is worth it.