Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or designing from scratch, it’s a project that entails making a number of complex choices. There are several moving parts, such as countertops, cabinets, and lighting, and for each component, there are seemingly endless options to choose from. The kitchen is the only room in the house that genuinely adds value to your home, so it must outlast fads and keep working for you for years. When used properly, some elements can provide a long-lasting style that represents a solid investment for your space. The secret lies in seeking out pieces that are durable, beautiful, and appeal to everyone.
Here’s a list of essential elements for a timeless kitchen design.
Neutral-Colored Cabinetry
Kitchen cabinets accommodate a wide range of items, such as ingredients for cooking, appliances, cutlery, cookbooks, and so on. At present, kitchens have cabinets that are custom-made to suit the lifestyles and tastes of the homeowners. Although vibrant yellow and green are popular colors for cabinetry, it’s better to use a neutral color like cream to create a one-of-a-kind look that won’t affect the kitchen’s long-term credentials. Colors without too much intensity or saturation make a small space (actually, any space) look bigger, providing a classic and elegant look. They’re sophisticated in their simplicity.
Granite Worktops
The worktops serve as the foundation for food preparation, cooking, and even casual dining. They need to work from a practical standpoint but also from a design point of view, so avoid worktops that are boldly colored if you’re striving for a timeless kitchen. Granite worktops are timeless because they’re versatile – different grades and styles of granite provide unlimited possibilities. The cost of granite worktops can be high, but among higher-end options, granite worktops have a surprisingly affordable average price. For example, quartz is more expensive.
The size of your kitchen will determine what granite slab to purchase. Some of the best patterns are marbled, solid, and speckled. Although thickness plays a vital role in the worktop’s durability, it shouldn’t be your only focus. A timeless kitchen will look great with a white granite countertop, so don’t settle for a low-quality stone. Most importantly, granite worktops must be sealed prior to installation because granite is a porous material that stains easily. The work surfaces must ensure regular, intense pressure to remain timeless.
Statement Tile
It’s natural to want tile around the cabinets you’ve picked for your kitchen. Accidents are quite common, so you won’t have to worry about damage due to spills or messes. If water leaks from the refrigerator, the tiles will prevent the water from making its way to the cabinetry. Kitchen tiles can be made from ceramic, porcelain, or cement. They don’t stain and don’t need to be resealed. Statement tiles exude elegance and sophistication, which means they don’t ever go out of style. You can replace your kitchen flooring with tiles; with some simple DIY preparation, you can create a smooth and rigid surface.
Open Shelving
Open shelving isn’t for everyone, but it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. The shelves don’t take up too much physical or visual space, so installing open shelving makes the kitchen feel larger and brighter. What is more, having your items on display breathes new life into the room, so don’t be afraid to showcase your best glasses. The question now is: Where do you hang the open shelves? Well, the shelving can be installed around the window, allowing light to pour in. This strategy is useful if the window is placed in a corner of the room, giving it some breathing room.
Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops are slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular kitchen ideas. Even if an induction cooktop looks just like a regular one, the way it generates heat to cook food couldn’t be more different. Any metal will do, but copper is used because it’s such a great conductor. The coil under the cooktop creates electromagnetic energy, which interacts directly with the cookware to make it hot. It’s certainly faster than cooking with traditional gas. If you do decide to introduce an induction cooktop, ensure your pans are magnetic; otherwise, they won’t work with the cooktop.
Not only are induction cooktops professionally made, but they also feature a timeless design, so they’re built for a long kitchen life. Very few people still use gas stoves, so it’s easy to imagine a world without them. If you’re ready for a superior cooking experience, there’s no better time than now to reconsider induction technology. The position of the cooktop can impact how efficient the kitchen is to use, not to mention the aesthetic of the room. Will there be enough space around the stove? Make sure you have enough room for pan handles and prep space.
A Multi-Functional Kitchen Island
Finally, yet importantly, a timeless kitchen needs a multi-functional island that increases its intimacy but at the same time expands valuable preparation space. Kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes, meaning they’re designed to suit your home and personality. You’re not likely to want to replace the island anytime soon. When contemplating the kitchen design, take into account how you’ll move through the room and if you have sufficient space to walk around the island. The kitchen island can accommodate various appliances, including a microwave, dishwasher, and even a stove. Take the time to decide what appliances to include.
The Bottom Line
It’s not easy to design a kitchen that will stand the test of time, but it’s certainly worthwhile. Home décor is no longer limited to just one style, so aim to create a space that represents your interests and passions. It shouldn’t feel like a museum. Incorporate your individuality via photos, souvenirs, dishes, or vintage items. A timeless kitchen looks fantastic for years to come, so you don’t have to constantly worry about updating its look. You can stay on trend without having to redo your kitchen as times change, as the décor is emblematic throughout the decades.