ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A CLASSIC STYLE KITCHEN
A classic kitchen is flexible, functional and designed to blend in with the surroundings of your home – being aesthetically pleasing on the eye, but not make a statement or have an overpowering presence. This makes the classic kitchen an ideal design style if you are either undecided on an overall ‘theme’ of décor for your home, or if you simply prefer a neutral base in which to build up your style from there. Classic kitchens are also very popular, as the understated nature of the room makes it easier for homeowners who are looking at reselling or renting out their homes.
If you have decided this style is perfect for your home, you might be wondering what’s the key to success for designs like these? We break down some essential elements of a classic kitchen to get you off on the right foot.
Adaptable Colour Palette
You have likely already worked this out from the above, but a neutral colour scheme for your cabinetry and benchtop really is the base of the classic kitchen, as it allows you to change with styling and your home as it evolves. This is not to say that white is your only option! Colour combinations such as a mix of black and white is also considered classic – along with greys, creams, natural timber grain, and brown tones such as taupe.
Restrained Design
The classically designed kitchen will generally showcase a pared back design, with details designed to blend in rather than being over the top and ornate. However, this restraint doesn’t mean the design is poor! Rather, you may find in this kitchen all your essential items are within perfect reach of each other, and hiding behind the crisp white cabinetry are accessories intended for functionality in everyday use. Not wasting time with gimmicky gadgets, this kitchen has everything needed for a home cook who has a family to feed or a schedule to stick to!
Simple Door Styles
Another aspect that defines this look is the cabinet door style is often either a simple flat cabinet door, a low-profile Shaker style door. What you won’t see is a space full of raised panel doors (of the sort often found in traditional kitchens or any overly detailed handle-ware.
Subway Tiles
A very popular option for this design, most classic kitchens will feature a white subway tiled splashback. A neutral-toned glass splashback can also fit the bill depending on your space, but typically glass is considered too contemporary for this style. If subway tiles aren’t your thing, look for square edged, glossy tiles that are handmade or are made of marble.
Longevity & Adaptability
The ideal result for your classic kitchen is longevity in design, style and function. We particularly live how your classic kitchen can be a chameleon – having already touched on timeless design and timeless colours as the base for your design, you can now inject your own personality into your kitchen as you please. For example, classic can fast become eclectic by adding modern art and mixing it with a vintage-style table and chairs paired with industrial-style pendant lights. Find an industrial vibe with metal bar stools and reclaimed lighting, or style your space in line with its classic roots with some blonde-timber accessories and a green houseplant.
After all, the best thing about a classic kitchen and its neutral colours with simple cabinet doors is that they are adaptable to change if you want to switch things up later on.
