Designing a timeless kitchen requires a careful balance between elements that are trending now and those that will remain appealing in 5-10 years. Many who want to redesign their kitchens worry that their upgrades will not be solid investments because of a lack of long-lasting appeal. For homeowners and designers, kitchen functionality serves as a strong anchor point for designs since flow and function in a kitchen are welcome design choices in every era.
This article goes over the design elements that stand the test of time. Home design trends can be satisfying to follow. Still, experienced designers and contractors help homeowners achieve their individual visions for kitchen spaces so that their choices hold value, stand the test of time, and look good forever.
Embrace Neutral Colors for Maximum Comfort
Every year, popular paint brands unveil their latest “colors of the year,” suggesting that anyone stuck with last year’s colors is now outdated. However, if these trends are mapped over years and decades, one truth remains: neutrals never go out of style. Gray, taupe, white, beige, or the current favorite, “greige,” gives a kitchen space an unintimidating energy that goes well with any floor, counter, furniture, or fixture.
Neutrals can lean cold or warm, but the most significant factor is to embrace the softness and pair it well with classic palettes. Light blue with white or off-white, for example, remains a classic color pairing that never goes out of style.
Mix Stylistic Eras to Mitigate Change
One of the easiest ways to create a timeless kitchen is to mix eras of design. Many designers and owners make the mistake of adhering to a single era for the sake of consistency. However, once that era goes out of style, the whole kitchen becomes dated. Many timeless kitchens strive to assemble a combination of eras that resists change, such as by mixing vintage-style appliances with modern cabinetry, or matching a new neutral color scheme to Mid-Century Modern millwork.
Statement Tile Can Be Impressive
Statement tile can create a bold accent in any kitchen, such as an ornate backsplash that contrasts with the cabinets or highlights the appliances. However, statement tile fixtures can be overdone, especially if the pattern is dated. Tile accents that adhere to a stylish palette, especially in modern neutrals or purposeful accent colors, will never go out of style.
Simple Cabinetry Transcends Time
Cabinetry is a focal point of kitchen redesigns and a major cost factor. When faced with this significant decision, many owners and designers opt for ornate cabinetry, which goes in and out of style. However, simple cabinetry always looks classy. When combined with stylish modern materials, it can create a timeless feel. Shaker and Craftsman-style cabinets with traditional flat fronts and rich, warm wood tones will always look like home.
Be Careful With Overusing Wood
Though wooden cabinetry is warm and inviting, too much wood, especially in a single color, grain, and finish, can make the kitchen seem dated. Kitchens done in dark, uniform mahogany recall decades-old design trends that may not always look classy. To avoid rustic transforming into redundant, use wood as a smart accent rather than a major theme, varying the grain and finish to maximize visual interest.
Natural Stone Counters Combine Beauty and Durability
Natural stone materials such as quartz and granite never go out of style. They pair well with light, dark, and neutral cabinet and floor colors, and remain durable additions to kitchen schemes even over decades of change. Sleek, functional, and natural stone will always be a sign of luxury in any kitchen space.
Incorporate the Ceiling for Maximum Impact
Kitchen ceilings often go overlooked, but they can be used to the designer’s advantage to add authenticity and true distinctness to the space. Wood beams and other natural palette and material choices can change the shape of the room and pull in the architecture for a more immersive experience.
Natural Lighting Remains Beautiful and Relaxing
Kitchens are particularly well-suited for incorporating natural light, since they serve as both utilities and social spaces during the daytime. It’s important for kitchen designs to help users maintain their flow with interesting visual paths and cues. The layout should feel spacious, even if the actual floor plan is small. Incorporating windows, skylights, or warm statement lights can help give kitchens more utility while making users feel comfortable.
Create Timeless Kitchens With the Help of Professional Designers
No single design trend or piece of advice works in every kitchen and in every era. Homeowners and designers should make their decisions with a clear and carefully planned vision to create a space that makes them feel comfortable. However, resale value and other concerns often drive owners to chase trends without realizing that today’s trends are the antiquated renovations of tomorrow. These timeless choices can help mitigate the risk of dated designs by offering simple ways to embrace both classic and modern trends without sacrificing functionality.
At Southern Maryland Kitchen & Bath, our team of designers and in-house contractors personalize kitchen designs for the needs of each space and the intentions of each homeowner. Beyond any singular trends, distinct charm and functionality will always remain timeless.
Contact our team today to learn how the right renovations can help you realize the timeless potential of your kitchen.
