Timeless Kitchen Design Ideas
Following fashion in kitchen design might ensure that you have the most up to date kitchen for right now, but also may mean that in just a couple of years trends move on and your kitchen starts to look dated. If you’re thinking of moving home at any point in the next decade, you’re also going to want to create a timeless design which will both stand the test of time and make your home more appealing to buyers. Finding a design which doesn’t date doesn’t have to mean boring though, and it can be easily customised with your own accessories such as window blinds, artwork, wallpaper and paint. So what should you be thinking about when trying to create that perfect timeless design?
White Kitchen Cabinets
Dark colours are very fashionable at present in the kitchen, but this trend is unlikely to last. One thing which never goes out of fashion is your basic white kitchen, either in a matt or gloss finish. If white just seems too boring, then look at other very neutral shades such as cream or a very pale blue or green instead. Use the bright, trendy shades for accessories and paint instead.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
The Shaker “country kitchen” look never really goes out of fashion, so take a look at this style of units when trying to create a timeless look. Shaker-style cabinets can be plain wood or painted, or a mixture of both finishes in the same room. Wooden cabinets can also be painted for an instant update if you get bored of the original finish. Handles are easy to change too.
Get the Kitchen Layout Correct
Many people feel that kitchens are dated when in fact they are just poorly designed, and the layout doesn’t work for modern family life. The key concept in kitchen design is the triangle, with the sink, oven and hob forming the three points of the triangle. There are lots of ways to achieve this, and it’s worth taking some time playing around with different layouts to get it right. A professional kitchen designer will often give advice on layouts free of charge, or at minimal cost. Take their advice on what might work best.
Try to Incorporate an Island
If you have space, try to incorporate an island somewhere into your kitchen design. Many buyers and homeowners put a large kitchen island at the top of their wish list, but an island only works when it has a real function. Think of your island as a multi-function space; somewhere to sit and have breakfast, for the kids to do their homework or just to divide a larger open space up into a living area and cooking area.
Get the Kitchen Flooring Right
Try to buy your kitchen flooring at the same time as the units, rather than leaving it as an afterthought. Wood and stone are the classic choices for a kitchen floor and are certainly long lasting, but require more care and maintenance than other flooring styles. A modern vinyl can be just as hardwearing and durable, and comes in a wide range of finishes and patterns. Wood or stone effect vinyl can be a good choice if you are trying to replicate the appearance of the genuine article. Alternatively, look for a slate or marble finish which also gives a traditional look to your kitchen. Try to choose something not too weird and wacky. If you are considering installing underfloor heating, make sure that your chosen flooring is suitable.
Enduring Kitchen Countertops
A timeless countertop for your kitchen is one which isn’t too brightly coloured or boldly patterned. You can’t go wrong with a classic like granite, although it can be expensive. Wood is another good choice, although will need maintenance and might be prone to scratching. Quartz and laminate have improved dramatically in recent years and are a good mid-market option. Look around the various options in your local kitchen showroom and get samples of the countertops to hold against the cabinets to ensure everything works together. Try to avoid the cheapest countertops if you can afford to; a mid-range top will last far longer and remain looking pristine for many more years. Once in place, protect your countertops by using trivets or wooden blocks to hold hot plates, and clean with gentle, soapy cleaning products rather than choosing harsh cleaners made with bleach.
Get the Lighting Right
Adaptability is what you should be thinking about when it comes to designing kitchen lighting. Even the smallest kitchen needs more than just one large pendant light in the middle of the room. Along with your central light you’ll need task lighting – such as undercounter lights or spotlights to illuminate specific areas of the kitchen for a given task. Ambient lighting is also known as “mood lighting”, and is a softer style of light which can be used when relaxing or having dinner with friends. If you’re having new lighting fitted speak to your electrician about installing separate controls for all the different sorts of lights, so you can switch them on and off in combination to get the perfect effect. Dimmer switches are also a good idea which give even more flexibility over light.
Cohesive Fixtures and Fittings
A timeless kitchen has to look as if it all matches and has been planned in a consistent way. That means looking at all the little fixtures and fittings in your kitchen such as handles, light switches and taps to make sure they all complement each other. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they all have to match; but for example, you don’t want to have a chrome kitchen tap, copper-coloured handles on your kitchen cabinets, and brass faceplates on the light switches. Handles and taps are cheaper and easier to swap than an entire kitchen, so if you’ve made this design error in the past it should be relatively easy to fix.
