Timeless Kitchen Designs That Never Go Out of Style

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you’ll most likely be browsing social media pages for trendy ideas. To be fair, there’s nothing wrong with finding out what’s new in interior design. In the case of remodeling a kitchen, however, you may want to bear in mind that trends may pass by on a whim — as stylish as they may be. Typically, such designs will be history before you even know it. Is that what you want for a renovation that you’re spending a good deal of money on? Why not Opt for a timeless look that will remain in style for at least the next couple of decades, while maintaining its functionality as well? 

What Is a Timeless Kitchen?

A timeless kitchen will essentially remain up-to-standard for a long period of time while maintaining form and function. The key features that allow a kitchen design to be timeless involve the flooring, countertop, cabinetry, layout, and fixtures among other elements. While it's important that your kitchen looks perpetually stylish, its functional elements should also withstand years of usage. Although you can’t go wrong with a trendy look, a timeless design may look just as visually appealing — only without going out of style a year or two later.

Elements of a Timeless Kitchen

Stone Countertops 

Countertops are generally supposed to serve a purpose in terms of form as well as function. You may want to stay away from trendy countertops that feature bright or bold hues. Instead, consider looking into a stone unit for a naturally beautiful aesthetic that features organic patterns or textures. Quartz, for instance, can be an ideal option for a kitchen countertop. It is also a timeless design choice in the sense that it is incredibly durable and never fails to catch the eye. A countertop will need to withstand years of pressure from pots, pans, and other kitchenware — quartz will offer that durability. Also, countertops are always in plain view so go for a visually appealing look that will stand the test of time.

Stone Countertops Will Last a Lifetime

Open Shelving

Although it’s not the most popular choice, open shelving is certainly a kitchen design style that’s here to stay. You can add a sense of vibrancy and personality to your kitchen by keeping your pots, pans, and earthenware on display. Many homeowners tend to avoid open shelves thinking that they may look somehow cluttered. However, that doesn’t have to be the case if you go about the arrangement in a tidy fashion. This design choice can even give the kitchen a sense of space. Open shelving may also be a more efficient storage option since you’d be keeping your everyday kitchenware in plain sight. Moreover, it may even discourage you from stacking items that have no business being there; because unlike the case of closed cupboards, the clutter will be visible to everyone.

Why You Should Consider Open Shelving As a Storage Option

Neutral Palette

While you can’t go wrong with classic white in terms of a timeless design style, you could also consider other neutral colors such as beige, cream, or light gray. Pale blue or light green may also offer a personalized look without risking the longevity of the design. A kitchen is usually one of the busiest, vibrant living spaces. While bright colors such as lemon yellow reflect that energy, earthier tones, and subtle hues can create an everlasting aesthetic that exudes comfort. Consider applying the neutral color palette to cabinetry, walls, and backsplashes. If you insist on incorporating a bright color or two, you could keep them for temporary features such as vases, tablecloths, and area rugs. That way, you can easily replace them when they’re no longer in style.

A Neutral Palette Hardly Goes Out of Style

Wood or Stone Flooring

While the overall design of the kitchen is a key aspect, it’s important to bear in mind other elements such as the flooring. Considering each element by itself while accounting for the whole picture allows for a cohesive design that you’ll enjoy for a long time. In regards to flooring, classic choices include wood and stone. While the former adds rustic warmth and character to the neutral color scheme, the latter offers practicality and style. If maintained properly, both stone and hardwood floors can last decades while holding on to their natural beauty.

Natural Materials Are Ideal Flooring Options for a Timeless Kitchen

Practical Lighting

Lighting is one element you don’t want to neglect. Kitchen illumination should be both vivid and subtle, depending on what you need it for. An ideal layout involves task lighting for when you’re preparing a meal and ambient lighting for casual purposes. A kitchen can very well be the hub of the house — and it usually is — as it can offer both functionality and a space for the whole family. The right lighting scheme is a key factor in creating that atmosphere while carrying it to the future. Consider going for a row of dimmable pendant lights suspended above a kitchen island. You could pair it with a series of LED spotlights that save both space and energy.

Lighting Options That Offer Practicality as Well as a Lasting Aesthetic

Cohesive Fittings

Your kitchen’s character often comes down to its details. These include elements such as faucets, knobs, handles, and hinges. To achieve a timeless look, these elements will have to correspond with each other. That means matching all the fittings, especially if you’re going for metallic. Brass, for instance, is a popular design choice that brilliantly highlights the small details — especially if the kitchen features an all-white or dominantly neutral palette. These metallic accents create a charming contrast while making a statement that challenges time.

Cohesive Details Elevate the Timeless Aesthetic

Efficient Features

Efficiency is paramount in designing a timeless kitchen. And nothing makes a layout more efficient than a kitchen island. The size and shape of the island will obviously depend on your specific needs. In any case, it will have to cater to the organization of the cooking area. An island will also allow for a seamless flow of traffic around the kitchen while serving as a focal point. It is essentially a multifunctional feature that accommodates appliances as well as casual seating. This efficiency will ensure that you’ll be reaping the benefits of the kitchen island for as long as possible.

A Kitchen Island Is the Hallmark of a Timeless Design

Flawless Layout

A well-planned layout that has little to no room for flaws will give your kitchen the longevity you're looking to achieve. This almost perfect design will eliminate the need to remodel your kitchen a few years down the line. One defining factor you will need to account for is the kitchen triangle — the sink, the oven, and the fridge. The rest of the room is essentially designed around this triangle which anchors the whole layout. Whether your kitchen is L-shaped, U-shaped, or features an island, it all comes down to the placement of the three main elements. In other words, consider kicking off your timeless kitchen design with a layout that maximizes practicality.

A Practical Layout Will Eliminate the Need for Future Adjustments

Classic Cabinetry

While trends are temporary, certain elements such as Shaker-style cabinets never seem to become outdated. This style of cabinetry does well in a variety of different designs and is rather easy to maintain. The latter case is because there aren’t many surfaces on the cabinets to allow for a buildup of dirt and dust. Besides the visually appealing aesthetic it offers, Shaker cabinetry creates opportunities for a wide range of hardware design choices. This is why the early 20th-century cabinet style still exists today.

Shaker Cabinets Have Been Around for a Century

Subway Tile Backsplash

One design element that has prevailed for over a century is subway tilework. The versatility of this tiling style means that you can implement it in a wide range of kitchen designs. You can find subway tiles anywhere from traditional homes to modern living spaces. Backsplashes are ideal elements that can welcome this design choice — which you can personalize to resonate with your kitchen’s color palette.

You may be tempted to go for a trending backsplash with bold and funky patterns that may go out of style in a year or two. A classic design such as subway tiles, however, can serve both form and function for at least a decade.

Subway Tiles Make for an Ideal Backsplash That Challenges Time