Table of Contents
Designing a kitchen
When the time comes to build or renovate a kitchen, most people instantly turn to the latest design trends for inspiration.
In theory, that’s a great way to achieve a modern and highly appealing look for what is said to be the most important room in the house.
In practice, making design decisions based on the hottest trend of the moment is not the most practical approach.
What many homeowners seem to forget is that design trends are fleeting – and most of them fade away much faster than anticipated.
What’s in today can become obsolete tomorrow, so you never really know how a certain aesthetic is going to age.
Chances are, by the time you’re done building or renovating, the trend you’ve chosen to follow won’t be trendy anymore.
And since designing a kitchen is a time- and money-consuming project that you can’t afford to do frequently, you’ll be stuck with the result for years.
So, instead of chasing trends that you (and the rest of the world) will eventually fall out of love with and waste money trying to keep your kitchen current, it would be much wiser to focus your attention and resources on designing a kitchen that will maintain its appeal and functionality for years on end. Here’s how you can do that.
Keep the basics neutral
The key to ensuring a timeless look for your kitchen is to keep its core elements as neutral as possible.
This means you should choose neutral colours for bigger items and large surfaces such as furniture, countertops, floors, and walls.
Opt for shades of white, cream, beige or grey, or soft and light nature-inspired colours, and steer clear of darker and bolder hues that could swing your design in a specific direction.
While some might think that maintaining a basic aesthetic can make a kitchen look dull and devoid of character, this will, in fact, provide you with a blank canvas, allowing you to experiment with different décor elements and styles so you can keep things fresh and interesting as time goes by without committing to a particular trend.
Embrace simplicity
While you may be tempted to go a bit overboard with accessories and adornments to enhance your space, it’s best to avoid integrating too many decorations and using busy patterns, overly-ornate details, or anything that could lead to visual clutter in a room that is already prone to getting crowded and messy in the first place.
We’re not saying you should embrace the minimalism philosophy and leave the space barren of all decor, but it’s a good idea to prioritise simplicity and stick to clean and smooth lines that seem to flow and blend seamlessly.
Simple kitchens exude an air of timeless and effortless elegance and sophistication and thus can weather design fads as they come and go.
Classic design elements such as shaker-style cabinets, simple raised panels, granite countertops in a neutral colour, or subway tiles can pair well with a variety of kitchen features, ensuring versatility and adaptability.
As for accessories, you have a range of kitchen staples like copper and wooden kitchen tools, silverware or linen towels, and aprons that can complete the look.
Choose durable materials
Kitchen longevity is not just a matter of looks but also durability. Let’s not forget that the average kitchen sees a lot of action and is constantly exposed to factors such as heat, moisture, grease, and scratches, which can affect its integrity and functionality.
That’s why you have to pay special attention to the materials you use in your kitchen if you want to extend its lifespan.
Solid wood kitchen cabinets are known for their long-term resilience and durability, which makes them an excellent choice for high-use kitchens.
Plus, if they start looking dull, you can simply revive them with a fresh coat of paint. Other durable materials you might want to consider include granite and quartz for countertops, hardwood flooring that can handle the high traffic in the kitchen, porcelain and ceramic tiles, or stainless steel and copper for sinks.
Invest in quality fixtures and fittings
While cabinets and countertops might grab most of the attention when you walk into a kitchen, elements like cabinetry hardware, fixtures, and accessories play an equally crucial role in making the space look great while also enhancing its convenience and functionality.
It’s necessary to invest in quality appliances that are sturdy and efficient so you can be sure they won’t require frequent replacement. When choosing kitchen fixtures, you need to think about the use of the space and assess your personal needs.
Since modern kitchens are not used solely for storing food ingredients or cooking, it’s important to keep these aspects in mind and figure out what items your dream kitchen should include before you go on a shopping spree.
This will help you choose appliances and accessories that match your unique requirements.
Mix and match styles and features
A timeless kitchen doesn’t necessarily equate to all-classic furnishings and features. There are no rules that keep you from exploring different styles and including modern elements in your design.
As long as you keep things within reasonable limits, you can mix and match all sorts of items, from vintage to contemporary and everything in between, and create a space that is uniquely yours.
This proves there’s a lot of room for creativity when creating an enduring kitchen design – you just have to use your imagination and be open to new ideas.
Use smart storage solutions
You know what’s the one thing that will never go out of style? A clean and organised kitchen – something that most people think only exists in fairytales and perfectly-curated Instagram posts.
Well, we’re here to tell you that you can most certainly achieve and maintain a spotless and neat kitchen by employing adequate storage and organisation solutions.
Coupled with regular cleaning sessions, this should help you keep your kitchen in top-notch condition for years.
Also, Read
Bathroom Renovation: How To Renovate Your Bathroom On A Budget
5 Styling Secrets to Make Your Home Look Amazing