Eight Elements of a Classic Style Kitchen

Kitchen trends have evolved over the years. Overlay cabinets have replaced the classic paneled ones, and black and silver are considered more contemporary. These modern changes all look great and even practical, but nothing beats the sophistication and simplicity of a classic-style kitchen.

What constitutes a real classic kitchen, however, is the question. Is it the color scheme, or the style of the cabinets? Or something else? We look at some of the critical factors that make a full kitchen remodel process easy and up-to-date for you.

Neutral Color Scheme

While we mostly associate an all-white palette with the classic style, any good realtor in Dallas or any city would tell you that white isn’t your only option. You can instead choose a neutral pallet and compliment it with black, brown, or white table tops and cabinetry for a classic-style kitchen.

A mix of black and white is also considered classic. You can break the monotony by throwing an accent of bright color, but be careful not to go over the top.

Backsplash Tiles

The tiles behind your sink or cooker have a purpose. They are there to protect the walls against water splashes. While many contemporary kitchens still incorporate this feature, tile designs, and colors have evolved over the years.

A traditional kitchen mostly has a white subway-tiled backsplash. While diagonal tiles can also work, don’t go for materials like glass, as it glass is considered too contemporary. Instead, go with square-edged, glossy tiles that are handmade or made of marble.

Marbled Counter Tops

Although it is quite high-maintenance, marble is one of the essential elements in a traditional kitchen. Granite or Caesar stones can work too, as long as you opt for a monochrome color scheme.

A black marble bench top would provide a great contrast to an overpowering all-white kitchen.

Simple Cabinetry

Simplicity is what defines a classic kitchen, and this should reflect in all of its aspects, including cabinets. Don’t use raised or flat panel doors that we mostly find in more contemporary kitchens. A shaker-style cabinet door should meet all your requirements. Go for white, ivory, or cream colors for panels that have no over-the-top features.

Shaker-style cabinets never truly go out of style. With adequate room for storage and a subtle appearance that will compliment your sink and countertops, shaker-style cabinets are a tried and true investment for any kitchen design. Chances are you’ve encountered them in many old kitchens and you probably don’t need to install new ones.

These can even be incorporated into other areas of your home to maintain a unified look. Simply paint your existing cabinets to match the color scheme of your kitchen and home. When in doubt, remember that color schemes can tie a room together just like that.

Flexible Features

The best thing about a classic kitchen and its neutral colors with simple cabinet doors is that they are adaptable to change if you want to switch things up later on. Just add a few bar stools, more colors, and contemporary lighting, and you can bring your kitchen into the twenty-first century. If you want to go a bit more traditional, add ornate chairs, wood panels, and even chandeliers to get an authentic vintage feeling.

Not only do classic kitchens look great but they also give you more room to tweak around. However, you have to be especially careful about the maintenance of your kitchen. The light color schemes and materials like marble and backsplash all require regular cleaning.

If you can manage to keep it clean and cheery, nothing can beat the timeless beauty of your classic kitchen.

Professional Lighting

No kitchen is complete without proper lighting. For a timeless look, overhead lighting fixtures and small chandeliers can provide that added sense of sophistication and luxury that every kitchen desires. Be sure to angle your lighting to provide adequate visibility while dining, but also showcase the centerpiece of your room. This will most likely be your countertops or the kitchen table.

Handles and Knobs

Finally, nothing speaks simplicity more than antique brass or wooden handles on those cabinets. But what about a pulley handle on your refrigerator and other appliances? Don’t worry about these. With a few shaker-style cabinet handles, your kitchen will be roomier, as well as more comfortable in its design. What most people don’t realize is the impact and creativity you really have in this area of your design.

Simple Kitchen Fixtures

You can even invest in a basic door design that will complement the wood finish of your cabinets and the knobs or handles you choose for your design. The entrance to your kitchen could be with a swinging or folding door, just make sure it matches the design of the home kitchen both in terms of color and style.

In terms of contemporary appliances, don’t worry about them detracting from your design. Just be sure to purchase appliances that fit within the existing dimensions of your kitchen and don’t require an entire remodel. Besides, if we’re trying to make our kitchen more comfortable, investing in those shiny new and energy-efficient appliances is certainly a must.

Finally, the classic farmhouse sink is an acceptable addition to any kitchen. You don’t need all of the bells and whistles of a new sink, just something to get the job done really. Invest in a stainless steel sink that doesn't stain and will accent the design of your modern appliances. 

Classic Means Timeless

Whether it’s designing for a more comfortable kitchen or preserving the value of your home, classically inspired kitchens can accomplish both. From contemporary products like dark marble countertops to more antiquated wooden fixtures, like those shaker-style cabinets, classically inspired kitchens blend both the old and new for a freshly inspired look. Best of all, you’ll enjoy the finished design of your kitchen and be pleading with your loved ones to spend more time with each other dining in your new and much more comfortable kitchen.