If you’re searching for kitchen design companies or visiting a kitchen showroom to gather project inspiration, you’ve likely noticed that many designers love using the term “timeless” to describe their brand and arrangements. A timeless design makes using your kitchen easy and ensures that the materials within this space last a lifetime, in terms of both aesthetic appeal and durability.
In short, a timeless kitchen design is something that every homeowner should aim for when remodeling or redesigning this vital space within their home. But what exactly characterizes a timeless kitchen design? In this article, we’ll review the building components, design choices, and arrangements you’ll need to select to create a timeless space.
Table of Contents
Natural Cabinetry Materials
Source: gannett-cdn.com
The highest quality building materials for the kitchen are often the ones that come from natural sources. While it might be more expensive to purchase natural building materials for key kitchen design components, such as countertops and cabinets, it’s typically a worthwhile investment in that it will last for many years to come. For cabinets, in particular, you’ll want to stick with natural wood and finish, even if you’re choosing a paint color such as blue or green.
To make the texture of your cabinetry more appealing, it’s more about the handles and hardware you choose rather than the texture. In almost all cases, you’ll want to steer clear of stainless steel, as it tends to add a colder, industrial feel to the space that doesn’t belong in a residential space. The right cabinets for your room will also make it significantly easier to access food items or cooking utensils, improving the functionality of your space by upgrading your workflow.
Marble, Granite, and Quartzite Countertops
Source: beckallencabinetry.com
Natural building materials for the countertop are also essential to building a timeless kitchen. Marble, granite, and quartzite are valuable building materials that last many years, no matter how you use your kitchen. Marble is a solid choice for anyone seeking a classic, timeless kitchen, as it pairs well with a variety of cabinet colors and finishes. If you’re seeking a particular style or graining for your marble countertop, you may need to speak with a professional kitchen designer or an interior designer. These design professionals likely have additional connections for sourcing this countertop material.
Granite countertops are also a popular choice for creating the timeless kitchen, as they add a natural stone color to the entire aesthetic arrangement that complements wood tones and hues. Granite and marble countertops require regular sealing, though maintenance is otherwise minimal.
Quartzite countertops are another popular choice for high-end kitchen designs, as the surfaces are considerably more customizable than both granite and marble. Cheaper countertop materials, such as laminate, are not built to last, aren’t as flexible in terms of functionality, and therefore are not a part of what’s typically considered a timeless kitchen design. Regardless of which building materials you choose for your space, don’t skimp on quality in favor of saving a few bucks. The higher-end products will usually end up paying you back in the end.
Calm Color Palette
Timeless kitchen aesthetics often come down to the assembly of colors you’re adding to your space. While the color of the cabinets and countertops might seem like the most important choice for setting up the right palette, it’s often more about the collection of smaller details rather than the single larger ones. The floor tiling or paneling occupies a considerable portion of the kitchen’s visual space and should match the rest of your designs. Backsplash and tiling colors should complement or extend the countertops. Appliance color, including the range hood, refrigerator, and dishwasher, can also affect the overall aesthetics of your space.
When selecting colors for your new kitchen space, make sure you’re sticking to the cooler side of the color palette, particularly if you’re aiming to create a modern aesthetic. White, grey, and black are all fantastic choices for adding a dynamic color contrast without moving towards the brighter, trendier colors, such as red and yellow. Dark blue and spruce green are solid choices for a variety of surfaces, including cabinetry. Finally, you’ll need to choose sink fixtures and cabinet hardware that match the space’s other elements. Brass and stainless steel are almost always good choices for your kitchen.
Also Read: 7 Best Modern Kitchen Design Ideas
Avoid Trends and Install the Classics
Source: mydomaine.com
Trendy kitchen designs feature finishes, colors, and building materials that might seem appealing when planning your remodeling project. However, these design elements tend to go out of style quickly and can leave your kitchen looking and feeling dated within just a few years.
Subway tiles, overly sleek finishes, and open shelving are all trends that have the potential to expire shortly. As mentioned above, colors such as red and yellow will also fade quickly and are overly bright. Modern light fixtures can also go out of style within a few years. In short, it’s essential that you make design choices by thinking about long-term rather than short-term appeal.
Prioritizing Functionality
A timeless kitchen design makes using your kitchen an efficient process for various functions, whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or dining. Open floor plans are particularly helpful to improve the functionality and workflow of your kitchen, as they allow people to connect with the space without disturbing the kitchen triangle area, between the sink, refrigerator, and range. Another key component of incorporating additional functionality into your kitchen is your storage options.
The right cabinets, pantry, or shelving for your space makes accessing different items easy and keeps the countertops clear for other practical purposes. Smaller appliances, such as your coffee maker, blender, or rice cooker, should all have a dedicated storage space rather than a dedicated countertop space. Getting the storage options right is essential if you’re aiming for a minimalist appeal for your kitchen. Many timeless kitchen designers prioritize functionality and versatility over the visual appeal, allowing the form to follow the function.
