1. CHOOSE CLASSIC SHAKER-STYLE CABINETRY
For a timeless kitchen you can’t go wrong with classic Shaker-style kitchen cabinets in a neutral color. Characterized by a simple frame and panel door of pleasing proportions, the Shaker kitchen style takes its name from the Shaker community that came to America from England in the 18th century. The Shaker furniture makers followed principles of purity, honesty and simplicity in design and rejected ornamentation in favor of utility.
2. INCORPORATE NATURAL MATERIALS
Wood and stone have an enduring charm that never goes out of style so for a timeless space you can’t go wrong by incorporating these natural materials into your kitchen design. White kitchens can have a tendency to feel cold and stark, but incorporating natural materials helps bring instant softness and a relaxed, aged feel, as demonstrated in this beautiful space by Colette Interiors.
3. LET ARCHITECTURE TAKE THE LEAD
When it comes to timeless kitchen design it’s important to take a lead from the architecture to make sure it complements the style of your home. In this beautiful English Georgian home, the owners asked kitchen maker Martin Moore to create a kitchen that complemented the grand, classic proportions of the home whilst also being a practical family space.
4. SWITCH UP HARDWARE
Upgrading hardware is an easy way to dial up a classic neutral kitchen without adding extra color. Here the team at Herlong Architecture and Interiors based in Charleston have given a classic Shaker-inspired kitchen a modern edge with sleek black hardware.
5. ADD A RUSTIC FEEL WITH HANDMADE TILES
Boasting beautiful, varied textures, handmade tiles make a wonderful way to bring instant character to kitchen floors and splashbacks. Here interior designer Heidi Caillier chose a mix of handcrafted terracotta kitchen floor tiles with hand-painted tiles above the oven to bring a touch of rustic European charm to this San Francisco pied-à-terre. Although not old, the handcrafted tiles have an aged quality that brings a relaxed, lived-in look to the space.
6. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE WITH BESPOKE CABINETRY
Having a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle and built around your space is the best way to ensure that the space serves its function for years to come. Working with a kitchen designer to customize storage to your requirements can be a costly but worthwhile investment, as they can make sure every space is efficiently utilized. This deVOL Classic English kitchen features cabinetry custom-made to fit the space; custom-made shelving units make the most of tricky alcoves and an existing cupboard has been transformed into a handy pantry – a great example of old-new in kitchen design.
7. MIX IN FREESTANDING ANTIQUE FURNITURE
If you love the vintage kitchen look, mixing built-in cabinetry with antique freestanding kitchen ideas is a wonderful way to bring character, plus, freestanding kitchens have multiple functional benefits. Easily picked up from online marketplaces, boot sales and flea fairs, antique furniture brings flexibility to layout as they can easily be moved, plus you can also bring them with you should you move house.
8. ADD VINTAGE LIGHTING
Adding character with vintage kitchen lighting is a subtle way to get an old-new look in a timeless kitchen as they can easily be switched should tastes change. With its shaker-style cabinetry, this white kitchen by Allison Babcock is guaranteed to endure across the decades while the oversized vintage ceiling pendants bring a unique twist.
9. PAINT CABINETS TO BRING FUN TO A CLASSIC KITCHEN
Opting for a kitchen with traditional painted kitchen cabinets in a vibrant, head-turning color makes a fun juxtaposition and is guaranteed to put a spring in your step, as demonstrated in this space by Phillip Thomas. Similarly, if you have inherited a traditional kitchen, painting the cabinets in a vibrant hue is an easy way to breathe fresh life into the space.
10. STYLE WITH VINTAGE ACCESSORIES
Styling a kitchen with antique and vintage pieces will bring instant rustic charm to a modern kitchen. Items like old chopping boards, French confit pots and old wooden apple crates bring warmth and texture and are easy to pick up and flea fairs and boot sales.