Why I Love a Traditional Kitchen
Warm but classic…
Functional but sophisticated…
Striking but timeless…
Ah the well designed traditional kitchen where the heart of your home marries style and function for timeless appeal! Traditional kitchens with their warm wood tones, natural materials, elegant tile work, and sophisticated detailing have an enduring charm that beckons you in, stirs the senses, and elevates everyday cooking. Don’t you think?
I am dreaming of the day we get to rip out our dated kitchen and give it a much needed upgrade. But until then I’ll star gaze at these inspirational images for ideas and reflect on all the design elements we need to incorporate in our new but traditional kitchen. Let’s take a look at what I LOVE about traditional kitchens…
No. 1 Classic Details
Think checkerboard floors, brass hardware, elegant colors, and polished cabinetry! Think a dash of English refinement and a splash of French charm!
A well designed traditional kitchen is full of these timeless elements just like the one below designed by Stephanie Perez. In all honesty, this kitchen is my absolute dream design and if I could supplant it into my home, I would! From the creamy white cabinets to the checkerboard floor and the wood accents to the glossy tile, it deserves a 10 out of 10.
No. 2 Display Collections
I love when kitchens include some designated space for a charming display of the homeowner’s collections. Whether it is a hutch, plate rack, or open shelving this decorative storage feels so inviting in a kitchen.
No. 3 Embrace Historic Character
Traditional kitchens tend to beautifully highlight historical details. This adds so much character and visual interest to the space. Take the simple white kitchen below…the grated cabinet doors, etched glass pendant, and terracotta floor really make the space special.
Image via Southern Living, Designer Unknown
No. 4 Inviting & Warm
Who wants the heart of their home to be cold and minimalist? Not me! I love how traditional kitchens feel warm and inviting like people actually cook and gather there.
No. 5 Personality
While traditional kitchens tend to have some common design elements, they are not so formulaic that personality gets shoved aside. There is a lot of room for personal style to play out in your kitchen design. Take this blue charmer below…you really get a sense of this homeowner’s personality and love of gardening from the William Morris wallpaper to the Eva Gordon plates not to mention those bold sky blue cabinets.
No. 6 Fancy Tile
I love when trad kitchens give tile a staring role!
No. 7 Mixed Materials
One of the most appeal aspects of this style kitchen is the juxtaposition and marriage of different materials. Take this classic beauty from Erin Conway…the wood, marble, brass, copper, and painted surfaces all harmonize to create a cozy space.
No. 8 Layers on Layers
Closely tied to No. 7, traditional kitchens tend to showcase a layered approach that combines different textures, patterns, and materials for a sophisticated by comforting look.
No. 9 Delicate Details
Yes, you absolutely want your kitchen to be highly functional, but traditional designs tend to incorporate a few softer more delicate details like florals, Persian rugs, charming dishware, and elegant lighting that makes the space more warm and refined.
No. 10 A Cozy Eat-In Nook
Bar seating is great, don’t get me wrong, but a comfy chair or settee and a café table is so much better for sipping that first cup of coffee!
Design by Basic Projects
Alright Peonies! I hope you’ve enjoyed this dive into all there is to love about a traditional kitchen! For more kitchen ideas, check out my Pinterest board for kitchen design.