Kitchen Design
From Shaker-style cabinetry and range cookers to wooden floors and heritage hues, you can’t go wrong with traditional kitchen design – the very reason why it is a classic
There is no standard template for a traditional kitchen – simply it must be warm, welcoming and filled with heritage-inspired elements. Get the look by embracing softly grained woods, natural materials, enduring colour schemes, and shelving displaying things you love.
Straight and narrow
‘A simple and cost-effective way to complement kitchen cabinetry, panelling helps connect the design to the period architecture of your home. It’s also an effective vehicle for colour,’ says Ben Burbidge, managing director at Kitchen Makers. Create an elegant look by using the same shade on both cabinets and panelling, as seen here, or create a feature by highlighting the panels in a contrasting shade. Featured is Kitchen Maker’s Haddon cabinetry in Charcoal with Burnished Bronze handles, from £15,000.
Behind closed doors
LEFT Once a staple of kitchen design, the pantry fell out of fashion in the 1950s, when food storage moved into cabinetry. In recent years, however, with more people cooking from scratch, the pantry has, once again, become the must-have addition. ‘A pantry aids efficiency, plus it frees up that all important cabinetry space, helping you to keep your kitchen in order,’ says Louisa Eggleston from Humphrey Munson, who designed this space. Prices start at £60,000.
Historic influence
ABOVE Each year there is a new ‘must-have’ paint shade for cabinetry, but well-made wooden cabinetry with beautiful graining and depth is an excellent way to achieve a timeless look. For example, this chestnut spindle wall cupboard in a space designed by luxury kitchen and interior brand, Christopher Peters, was based on an 18th-century original. To balance old and new, pair unpainted upper cabinets and shelves with painted designs below.
Shaking it up
LEFT Instantly recognisable, Shaker-style kitchens are loved for their clean lines and beautiful utilitarian design. The expertly crafted cabinetry will stand the test of time and instantly elevate your space. Partner this classic style with metallic handles and natural worktops for an elegant aesthetic. This kitchen by Davonport Kitchens, is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Green Smoke, £59 per 2.5 ltrs of Modern Emulsion.
Luxury touch
In the high-end kitchens of the past, marble was an essential material. Its high thermal conductivity means that the stone is typically a few degrees cooler than room temperature – something that was invaluable prerefrigeration. Marble is also heat resistant and can be durable when repeatedly treated. If you love the look but have a smaller budget, marbleeffect worktops are a cost-effective
