Kitchen remodeling is a big financial investment you do not want to make every year. That’s why it’s important to design a kitchen that will be functional and modern even in 10 years. Choosing a timeless design for your kitchen can also affect the resell value of your house. So you want to make sure you are investing your dollars wisely.
But how exactly do you achieve this? A timeless design encompasses functionality, high-quality materials, a neutral color palette, clean & simple lines, well-balanced lighting, classic features and elements, and ensures that the design is flexible and adaptable.
Let’s dive into 7 features of timeless kitchen design:
Functionality first
The key feature of a timeless kitchen is a functional design. Functional design consists of three key components: functional layout, Adequate storage solutions, and Ergonomic design considerations. Let’s discuss them.
Functional Layout
Functional kitchen design starts with a functional layout.
The work triangle is a key concept in a functional kitchen design. It refers to the optimal arrangement of three primary work areas: the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator.
These three points, connected by imaginary lines, form a triangle. The goal of the work triangle is to minimize unnecessary movement and maximize efficiency while cooking and preparing meals.
The key is to have enough countertop space between appliances, but the sum length of the work triangle lines should not be more than 5-7 meters.
The work triangle concept forms a functional kitchen layout in three ways:
- it creates an efficient workflow: The work triangle ensures that the most frequently used areas are within easy reach, reducing the time and effort required to move between them.
- It maximizes the space utilization: Properly positioning the sink, stove, and refrigerator helps in making the best use of the available space, ensuring that the kitchen layout is both practical and efficient.
- and it takes into account safety: By optimizing the placement of these key areas, the work triangle minimizes the risk of accidents and collisions, especially in busy kitchens.
The work triangle is one of the key concepts of the kitchen layout design, but it’s not the only one. In certain cases, I, as a designer, prefer to think in terms of zones: e.g., cooking, prepping, cleaning, entertaining & baking. Especially, when designing a large open-plan kitchen integrated with a larger area.
When dealing with smaller spaces, strictly following the work triangle principles can be impractical as well.
Bottom line? Practice nuance and use discernment.
Adequate storage solutions
Adequate storage is just as important as countertop space. The balance is the key. When it comes to storage solutions in the kitchen, you have three main categories: cabinetry, pantry space (optional), and built-in organizers.
The key is to have a good balance and variety of storage solutions. There are items that are better to be kept in the cabinets, while there are things that go well with drawers.
While you might love open shelving solutions on Pinterest, think well before you commit to open storage solutions above countertops. It might look great when they are all curated and nicely decorated, but you might need to store those not-so-sexy plastic containers somewhere.
Kitchen remodel checklist
DIY kitchen remodel projects can be intimidating. If it’s your first project, you might feel overwhelmed and anxious. I have created this kitchen remodel checklist, which you can share with anyone and track the progress of the project.
Simply, duplicate this page and edit it as you wish: check and uncheck boxes, add notes, and add items.
If you find this resource helpful, write a review!
Ergonomic design considerations
Functional design does not exist without ergonomic considerations: counter height, distance between countertop and upper cabinets, and placement of appliances.
Typically, kitchen countertops are 36 inches high, which is suitable for most tasks. For tasks like baking or chopping, consider lower or higher surfaces. For example, a section at 30 inches for rolling dough or a higher section at 42 inches for a bar area.
one of the key features of ergonomic design is accessibility. Use pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and deep drawers to make accessing items easier.
Place frequently used items on lower shelves to reduce the need for reaching. The bottom shelf should be around 15 inches above the countertop.
Incorporate drawers instead of doors for base cabinets to reduce bending and reaching.
The placement of appliances is crucial. There are several rules that you should know about to keep the design ergonomic: place the stove near the prep area but ensure it’s not directly next to the sink or refrigerator to avoid congestion. Consider wall ovens installed at waist height to avoid bending.
Position the microwave at a comfortable height, slightly below or above countertop level, but not too high to avoid spills.
Quality Materials
Investing in high-quality materials is one of the key steps you can take to design a timeless kitchen. High-quality materials such as solid wood, natural stone, and stainless steel are known for their durability. They can withstand daily wear and tear, making them a long-term investment.
These materials often require less maintenance and fewer repairs over time, saving money and effort in the long run.
Quality materials have a classic, timeless appeal that doesn’t go out of style quickly. This ensures that the kitchen remains visually appealing for years.
High-quality materials often offer better performance. For instance, granite or quartzite countertops resist heat and scratches, and hardwood cabinets provide robust storage solutions.
If you want to learn more about granite and quartzite countertops, you can explore our blog.
Neutral color palette
Even if you are remodeling a kitchen that intend to have coming decades, chances are, you will soon get bored and might want some sort of refresh. Neutral colors provide a versatile backdrop that can easily accommodate changes in decor and style over time. This flexibility lets you update the kitchen’s look with minimal effort and expense.
Neutrals coordinate well with a lot of other colors, materials, and textures, making it easier to match existing or future furnishings and accessories. This is especially relevant if the kitchen is part of a larger open space with different furniture pieces and decor items.
Neutral tones, such as warmer tones of whites and beiges, have a classic appeal that transcends trends. This ensures that the kitchen remains stylish and relevant for many years.
They often convey a sense of elegance and sophistication, contributing to a refined and polished look. Think of the Cliche “Old Money Aesthetic” visuals on Pinterest we all are sick of.
Neutrals have a calming and soothing effect, making the kitchen a comfortable and inviting place for cooking and socializing. They provide a balanced and harmonious look, avoiding the visual clutter that can come with more vibrant or contrasting colors. You might want something less flashy to live with during the coming decade or two.
Avoid to use cool tones of grey and pure white. According to designers cool tones of grey do not contribute in creating welcoming vibes in the kitchen and pure whites have been so much done through years that they are considered cliche/boring.
warmer tones of neutrals like beige or greige, natural wood colors are considered timeless options, as you can combine them with many different elements over decades while keeping the overall feel of the kitchen welcoming.
If you have already chosen your countertop and it happens to be quartzite, then I have this article for you that will help you choose the right color cabinetry for it.
However, you absolutely need to incorporate pops of color through accessories and decor, which is great: you can refresh the accents as frequently as you want without expensive remodels.
Clean and simple lines
The appeal of minimalist design in kitchen spaces is associated with timelessness. The minimalist design emphasizes clean, simple lines that create a sleek and uncluttered look. This simplicity is visually appealing and less likely to go out of style. Thus, you will enjoy your kitchen long run while it keeps a resell value.
On the contrary, ornate details often reflect specific trends that can quickly become outdated. What may seem stylish now might look dated in just a few years, compromising the timeless appeal of the kitchen.
Once an ornate style falls out of favor, it can be challenging and costly to update or remodel. Simpler, more neutral designs are easier to refresh with minor changes.
Highly decorative kitchens often cater to specific tastes and may not appeal to a broader audience. This can be a significant drawback when it comes to selling the home.
Here are a few examples of timeless cabinet and hardware designs:
DIY HOME REMODEL PLANNER
Renovating your home is one of the biggest tasks. It can be intimidating to track all the tasks, budget, contractor info and offers, inspirations, finishes, and details.
This simple-to-use home renovation planner will help you to accomplish everything smoothly and easily by keeping a record of every important detail in one place.
This house remodel planner is divided into five parts – five rooms.
For each room you will have enough space to record:
– goals to be accomplished
– inspirations (place for images to be printed out and glued into the planner)
– dot grid pages to sketch your new plan of arranging furniture or making structural changes
– tasks that need to be done
– budget
– materials, finishes, and details
– suppliers for sourcing materials, finishes, and items
– contractors
– two pages to print and store fun pictures of the process
– notes and lessons learned
Balanced Lighting
Balanced lighting is an important element of a timeless kitchen due to functionality but also aesthetics. Generally, you should have three types of lighting in place: ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Think of it as a powerful combo: without ambient light, part of the overall space will look dark and dull. Without proper task lighting, you are compromising functionality, and without accent lighting, you miss the opportunity of having a powerful focal point.
Another crucial layer is the natural light. Proper utilization of natural light can enhance kitchen space, and make it look bigger and more welcoming.
When it comes to timeless lighting fixtures, they differ depending on their location. For example, as a ceiling light, you can have pendant or flush /semi-flush lights, recessed and spotlights, and track and wire systems.
Task lights are intended to help you do prepping and cooking easily. They can be both, on the ceiling, and under the cabinet lights. Under the cabinet, lights are usually LED stripes.
The purpose of Accent lights is to accent an object or an area in the room:
- Above Cabinet Lighting
- Kitchen Cabinet Interior Lighting
- Kitchen Drawer Lighting
- Toe Kick Lighting
- Track Lighting
Classic features and elements
There are elements and features in kitchen design that have proven to withstand time. Let’s start from cabinetry.
When someone mentions timeless cabinets the first thing that comes to my mind is shaker style cabinets. Straight lines, no ornaments, pure classic.
Another classic element of a timeless kitchen is subway tile backsplash. We see them in modern or classic style kitchens and they really never go out of style.
When it comes to sinks, you can opt for traditional style, uc as farmhouse sink, if your kitchen has more of traditional, classic vibes. When paired with warm, natural materials, like butcherblock countertops or natural stone countertops, the result usually ends up pretty warm, timeless, cozy and elegant.
If you don’t want to commit to a pure traditional vibes in your kitchen, then it’s essential to blend modern and classic elements for a timeless look. Go for classic elements for elements that are difficult and pricey to update (cabinetry, countertop and backsplash) and incorporate modern elements for things that you can easily switch if they go out of style – hardware, faucets, decor.
conclusion
Designing a timeless kitchen involves prioritizing functionality, selecting high-quality materials, embracing a neutral color palette, incorporating clean and simple lines, ensuring balanced lighting, and including classic features.
By following these principles, you can create a kitchen that remains stylish, functional, and valuable for years to come. This might be the best lifestyle and financial decision for two reasons: it enhances daily living and adds significant resale value to your home.
Share your thoughts and experiences with us, and consider reaching out for a professional consultation to bring your timeless kitchen vision to life. For more insights and resources, explore our related blog posts on kitchen design and remodeling.
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