Crafting the perfect traditional kitchen is actually extremely easy. What can be considered a traditional kitchen includes a vast array of options; from colourways to traditional furniture it is most definitely possible to create a traditional kitchen that suits your taste and looks timeless.
Here are 21 traditional kitchen ideas selected by us especially for you.
Use natural colours for that farmhouse feel
Using green and classic wood colours might not be as glitzy or as flashy as some other styles but it’s great for creating a homely, naturalistic looking kitchen. This one doesn’t stray far from tradition in creating a classic farmhouse look and we think it’s a real winner. The green tiling is simply beautiful, what’s more, there are several shades you can use here for great effect. The wood accents add a timeless quality to the room; looking just as good when they’re worn in a bit as they do when they’re brand new.
Minimalist Scandinavian tradition
Though generally referring to the most northern countries in Europe, the word Scandanavian takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to kitchens. When describing a kitchen as Scandanavian it generally refers to the tasteful minimalism that so many hold in high esteem. Using light colours on the walls is a tried and tested Scandi technique that makes the whole room feel more spacious and airy. Couple this with a mix of open cabinet and shelve styles to create a traditionally beautiful but functional kitchen.
Freshen up tradition with patterned floors
Kitchen floors get a lot of wear, from dirty shoes to spills, it’s easy for kitchen floors to start to look stale. A great way of freshening up kitchen floors is by adding patterned tiles. This is a great way of adding a little quirkiness and wow factor to a traditional kitchen without messing up the classic feel. Patterned floors are, after all, pretty traditional all around the world and, if done well, a timeless feature of any kitchen. Go for a classic black and white checkerboard or diamond pattern or push the boat out with something a little more ornate.
Add brass for a touch of class
Using brass accents is a sure-fire way of adding extra glam to your kitchen. Brass accessories such as taps, lamps, chairs and handles work well in both a rustic kitchen and, when polished, they can really shine in a more traditional kitchen setting.
Use a formal and symmetrical design
There’s something timeless and homely yet avant-garde about a well-designed symmetrical kitchen. By sticking to an element of formalism, you can effortlessly craft something that looks as if it had been painstakingly pored over by a team of designers. Use classic colors like black, white, grey, navy blue and brown to really achieve that traditional quality.
Use contrasting colours to great effect
We know matching is generally seen as the right choice but contrasting colours can really complement each other, making them pop and adding further depth to the kitchen as a whole. Try matching darker shades with lighter shade, such as deep blues with light and airy yellows.
Craft the perfect chill-out space with a window seat
Providing you have a big enough window, though you don’t need a bay window, you can crafty a comfy, cozy window seat. This would involve extending the window sill or simply attaching a long chest of drawers or low shelving unit. From there, simply add some pillows and padding for the ultimate relaxing space.
All white excellence
Going for one solid colour is always a great option providing the colour is white. White as a pure colour really makes a statement. An all-white kitchen is a versatile design plan; there are countless furniture and layout choices to play with here. This is elegant in its simplicity and a perfect traditional choice.
Never underestimate a kitchen island
The kitchen island is not only extremely useful but they look great in almost any kitchen. Foremost, kitchen islands offer a place for people to grab a quick bite or sit down and have a full meal. Furthermore, you can add additional storage units, cupboards or shelves, in the excess space underneath the surface.
Opt for pastel perfection
Pastel colours look beautiful in a kitchen and are a great way of crafting a perfectly bright and breezy kitchen where the colour is not saturated and overbearing. You can even mix and match your pastel colours without breaking tradition. We recommend pastel yellows, greens, oranges and pinks as some good options for colours.
Patterned wallpaper is a traditional twist
When you think of patterned wallpaper your mind may wonder to outdated designs and archaic patterns but we’re here to say this doesn’t have to simply be the case. There are loads of choices for wallpaper patterns out there, ranging from graphic-heavy patterns like fruit as well as more ornate patterns and even traditional blocking patterns like checkerboards and such.
Embrace tradition fully with a kitchen table and tablecloth
For this design, a round table works best so as to not take up too much space, however, a rectangular table is fine but just be aware of the spacial requirements. Add a tablecloth over the top of the table to create a welcoming eating environment steeped in tradition.
Add a beautiful range cooker
A range cooker is extremely functional whilst looking beautiful with their classic vintage designs. You could even make a range cooker the centrepiece of your room to craft the ultimate traditional kitchen that looks chic and classy.
Incorporate functional storage into your design
We all remember our grandmas or even our parents kitchens containing what seemed like unlimited supplies of cutlery, plates, glass and mugs – having an abundance of storage options sits very deep in British kitchen tradition. No, you don’t need a pantry, just add shelving units across the walls for mugs, cups and glasses and pack your kitchen with plenty of drawers and cupboards for everything else.
Wooden floors are natural and traditional
There are a wide range of options when it comes to using wooden floors in a traditional kitchen setting. If you want to reach far back in terms of tradition then nothing beats a classic, natural floor of wooden panels with their beautiful texture and warm aesthetic. If you’re worried about potential mess you can go for laminated wood.
White and blue beauty
Though monochromatic might be the most traditional colourway for basically any room, white and blue are an understated but amazing choice. These colours go great together to create a kitchen that feels light, breezy and calming.
Use bold dark colours to really make a statement
Choose a selection of dark colours; dark greys, browns, blues and, naturally, black and then use this as the basis of your kitchen design. Basically, most dark colours complement one another somewhat and work well together to craft an exquisite whole. You can go for a number of different layouts and colour combinations to create a kitchen that is bold and brazen yet traditional.
Mix prints and patterns to push tradition forward
Both patterns and a mix of prints define tradition in kitchens across cultures. From the more ornate patterns in the east to art deco style kitchens in Europe, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to kitchens that really pop while also having that traditional edge. You can mix patterns together to create something tasteful, special and classic providing you strike the perfect balance.
Large hanging lamps
Having large hanging lamps over a kitchen island is very much a trendy design choice and it’s not hard to see why. They look great, they’re simple and they generally almost always look great. Though this has become a trend in the past few years, it is one that is rich in tradition and adds a vintage yet chic quality to almost any kitchen. That’s not to mention the actual function of the lights; bringing a great amount of warm light to flood the room.
Traditional country panelling is a real winner
Panels look best in white for that classic countryside or seaside home feel. Make your home feel like a permanent holiday home by cladding your wall and ceiling with a tasteful array of wooden panels.
Make use of traditional wallpaper with a contemporary twist
Many people claim that wallpaper has no place in a modern kitchen, that it looks outdated, stale and such, however, wallpaper design has come a long way since your grandma’s wallpaper and there are some great designs available. Pick from tons of contemporary wallpaper designs to complement your traditional kitchen.
