There’s no denying that a kitchen build or remodel is a vast undertaking in terms of cost and stress. For these reasons, you should consider timeless design elements when drafting your plans. That way, you won’t feel compelled to change it when the next trend comes along. From floors to cabinets, layout to appliances and hardware to lighting, there are many elements to consider when designing a kitchen.
You’ll have to consider many components, including colors, materials, functionality and finishes. There are some practical choices in terms of creating a timeless design in each of these areas. Here, we’ll look at a few ways to ensure your kitchen design stands the test of time.
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Choose Neutral Color Palettes
One of your biggest expenses in terms of kitchen design is the cabinets. In terms of timelessness, you can’t go wrong with classic white cabinets. A clean, white cabinet will allow you to make minor updates over the years without the added cost of replacing cabinets entirely. Additionally, white cabinets, like other neutral finishes, will enable you to redecorate easily. A popular style of cabinetry, one that was popularized in the early 1800s, is the shaker-style cabinet which looks fantastic in white and has remained popular since its invention.
From top to bottom, the color will be a consideration in all of your kitchen design elements. Vivid, harsh colors and wild patterns and finishes may seem like a fun idea, but such aesthetic choices typically reflect whims and trends that quickly go out of fashion. Architects, contractors and designers recommend a neutral color palette to achieve an enduring, classic style.
With cabinets being such a prominent focal point in the kitchen, a white facade is a top choice in terms of a neutral palette. Neutral walls, backsplashes and floors will capture a classic kitchen aesthetic and are easier to decorate and style than intense colors and busy patterns.
Handpick High-Quality Materials
It’s no secret that designing a new kitchen, no matter your budget, is a costly undertaking. Nevertheless, handpicking top-quality materials is a must if you’re hoping to achieve an enduring design. It’s tempting to choose budget-friendly options over expensive, elevated materials. Still, there’s a reason the better-quality materials typically cost more. When selecting more refined finishes, you can ensure quality and durability.
Choosing top-quality materials will provide longevity and timelessness to your kitchen. Sturdy materials and finishes will look nicer over time. Budget-friendly options may look nice at first, but they’re not always the most durable. You use your cabinets daily, so the safer option is custom cabinets built to withstand force and are water-resistant. If your goal is a timeless kitchen, you can order kitchen cabinet samples to get a feel for the durability and look of materials.
Choose Floor Materials With Staying Power
As you are thinking about flooring options for your new kitchen, keep these two words in mind: design and durability. Certainly, you’ll want to select flooring with a timeless look. However, nothing is more important than the durability of the flooring. Historically, hardwood floors were considered the preeminent choice in classic home design. Today, however, there are superior options with improved durability.
Because of its timeless look and superb durability, vinyl plank flooring is a wonderful option for your new kitchen. While luxury vinyl plank flooring and hardwood flooring are equally durable and similar in appearance, the former is more tolerant of moisture. What’s more, vinyl plank flooring is more budget-friendly than hardwood. Lastly, vinyl plank flooring is available in a variety of colors, textures, finishes and grains, making the options endless.
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Be Selective About Hardware and Other Finishes
From countertops to backsplash and lighting to hardware, you’ll have many fun decisions when designing your new kitchen. Some of the most classic hardware options for your cabinets include unlacquered brass, oil-rubbed bronze and matte black; each will give your kitchen a sleek, classic look that will stand the test of time.
Another central kitchen design element is your countertops. Not only are your countertops the most-used surface in your kitchen, but they are also your kitchen’s focal point, so choose wisely. While there are several materials to consider in terms of a timeless aesthetic, some of the more popular countertop materials include marble, granite, quartz and slate. All of these counter styles are enduring, but they are also incredibly beautiful.
Avoid busy and bold trends when selecting your countertops, as with the color palette. Stone countertops with subtle natural veining give a timeless look while ensuring a durable surface.
Include a Functional Island
Nothing in your kitchen is more functional than a well-placed island. No matter the size of the space you’re working with, a functional island must have a place in your new kitchen. Not only will you gather for meals, prepare food, enjoy your morning coffee and pack your lunch from the island, but it can also perform as secondary storage. An island can incorporate cabinetry, drawers, shelves, lighting, electrical outlets and so on. This must-have feature of a timeless kitchen is a multi-faceted beast with endless possibilities.
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Timeless Mindfulness
Designing your kitchen can be an overwhelming process, albeit an exciting experience. It can seem scary to make the permanent decisions you’ll live with for years to come. A timeless kitchen design features durable elements with a classic aesthetic, both of which can be achieved with custom cabinets, natural stone countertops, vinyl plank flooring and timeless hardware. The best advice for piecing together a cohesive kitchen with character is to take your time and mindfully make each design choice.
Linda Barbara has worked in various capacities including as an interior designer, a teacher and the proud owner of a home décor blog, upgradehometutors.com.