Interior design trends change all the time, and what was popular and considered stylish the previous year might seem outdated the following one, depending on who you ask. So, are those who cannot keep up with this fast pace bound to have frumpy-looking kitchens? The solution is to focus on timeless styles instead of chasing trends in order to come up with a design that is truly yours. This type of style that remains relevant season after season is also more likely to look luxurious and expensive since it uses a neutral colour palette, high-quality materials, and good craftsmanship.
Here are some of the main features you should focus on.
Wood
When going for a classic style, there’s nothing better than furnishing made out of wood. It’s a sturdy, highly resilient material that acquires a patina after years of use and ends up looking beautiful and unique instead of threadbare. You can enhance the look of your kitchen by choosing a handleless design, or kitchen cabinet doors with a textured look to add both depth and style. Kitchens made from solid oak and simple, straightforward designs like the Shaker are more likely to look expensive. It’s all part of the trend for understated luxury.
Lights
You should make sure you get plenty of natural light in your kitchen. It’s not just about good visibility but also about a good mood. To create a versatile ambiance, you should layer the appliances and mix pendants with toe-kick lights and under-cabinets with lamps. They’re functional as they ensure you can chop ingredients and use the oven without the risk of injuring yourself while also serving an aesthetic purpose since you use them to create different atmospheres, something that comes in handy when you have guests over.
Stone Flooring
Although they might sound rough and excessively utilitarian, stone floors are actually incredibly versatile and chic. They are extremely resistant and long-lasting. If you’re prone to accidents in the kitchen, you don’t want floors that will become dented or scratched if you drop a pan or pot on them. The same mindset applies to households that have young children or pets since they can cause quite a lot of damage. Stone is also a sustainable choice, not just because of its natural origin but also because it is low maintenance. It is also easy to clean and resistant to moisture, both essential features to have in a kitchen.
Light Neutrals
Over the past few years, the appeal of minimalism has grown both among homeowners and renters. Decluttering your home and living with fewer possessions was discussed by influencers, on the news, and as part of social discourse in video essays all over the world, as well as the ways it relates to sustainability and whether or not it is really doable for everybody. Whether you’ve already adopted the style or not, you should know that it has also become synonymous with luxury. The colour palette associated with the look is mainly based on the presence of light neutrals, so anything beige, white, taupe, cream, and light grey. They are calming, go well together and with brighter hues if you want to mix and match, and will never go out of style.
White Walls
Keeping your walls white is another way to create a luxe look. Similar to choosing furnishings and appliances in light neutrals, the white walls can make your room look more spacious and bright. That’s because white is light-reflective, compared to darker shades that absorb light instead. If the layout of your rooms is small, painting the walls white will make the kitchen seem airier and more breathable. A space that feels claustrophobic and too cramped is the direct antithesis of quiet luxury.
Open Shelving
It can sound hard to believe that something as simple as your shelving plan can make your kitchen seem more or less upscale. But open shelves can indeed elevate your living space. It will make the room feel more expansive as well. It is also an opportunity to showcase any unique items you have, such as artisanal glassware. Functional items like spices and herbs can also be displayed, and you can also organise them based on their colours for a more attention-grabbing ensemble.
Linen
Linen is a fantastic fabric since it is highly breathable, sustainable, sturdy, and absorbent. It dries fast and has antibacterial properties, making it an ideal choice for kitchen towels. You can be sure that they won’t become damaged quickly, and you won’t have to deal with unpleasant odours in the kitchen because of them. Although the upfront costs are a little more elevated compared to their counterparts made of simple cloth, the investment will pay off in the future, as you’ll get to enjoy your linen towels for far longer.
Quartz vs Granite
There’s no denying the visual appeal of granite, but over the past few years, homeowners have also started relying on engineered quartz. The main reason is that it is far more durable, as well as more cost-effective. They are both relatively easy to clean and maintain, with the only difference being that granite is entirely natural, while quartz utilises manufactured materials as well as part of its composition. There’s no correct answer to the question of which is better, and you should decide on your own which would suit your kitchen countertop better.
Personal Touch
While it’s helpful to draw inspiration from a trend and different styles, your kitchen must still feel like home. As such, you mustn’t forget about adding your own personal touch. If you like the minimal, understated look, it will be simple to come up with additional items and styles that look good with it. Make sure to choose items that don’t feel overpowering but that are natural-looking and that integrate well into the space.
To sum up, your kitchen should still feel welcoming and warm no matter which style you choose. Getting the ensemble right and creating the right atmosphere can be tricky, but it isn’t impossible if you’re willing to go through some trial and error.
