What is a Traditional-style kitchen?

Traditional-style kitchens exude warmth, welcome, and charm, and are rich in character. 

Traditional kitchens can range from classic to rustic in style, with the common thread being the timeless materials and design.  

What are the main features of Traditional style kitchens? 

What is the Traditional Style Colour Palette?

The traditional style kitchen colour palette features chalky neutrals of white, cream, beige, taupe, brown, warm greys, and tan. 

For visual interest, layer these neutrals with classic blues of navy, cobalt, or Palladian blue, subtle reds, and rich greens, such as hunter green, olive green, forest green, or khaki, among others. 

Traditional kitchens feature warm metals in burnished, brushed, or antique finishes, such as brass, copper, bronze, wrought iron, or nickel, for a classic look. 

Popular Traditional Style Interior Materials and Finishes: 

Decorative details and trim work will enhance the traditional feel, with crown moulding, corbels, coffered ceilings, or fluted columns for architectural interest. 

Popular materials include quality hardwoods such as oak, cherry, maple, and mahogany, exposed brick, natural stone, metals, and plaster or stucco finishes.

Traditional Cabinetry, Splashbacks, & Countertops.

Traditional style kitchens often feature dark-stained wood or natural stone countertops like granite, marble, or soapstone. 

Soapstone is known to develop a natural patina over time, adding character and charm to the countertop. 

Alternatively, for a rustic, country feel, consider incorporating butcher block countertops.

When selecting splashback materials, look for ceramic or porcelain tiles such as subway or mosaic designs, or even a classic wooden beadboard splashback. 

Traditional cabinetry choices may feature raised or recessed panel doors, decorative glass inserts or fronts, wire mesh, millwork, and traditional profiles in woods such as cherry, oak, or maple.

Traditional Hardware Styles

Choose hardware and fixtures in classic finishes, such as brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, antique silver, or unlacquered brass finishes.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match your hardware, combining oversize brass pulls, vintage-style knobs, latches, cup pulls, and brass edging applied to the cabinet fronts. 

What is Traditional Style Flooring:

Traditional flooring ideas include natural stone, slate, or ceramic tiles in warm tones and patterns like herringbone, chevron, or checkerboard.

Slender hardwood flooring made from oak, maple, or walnut will provide a warm and inviting feel, while wide planks in richly-grained finishes or classic patterns will emphasise the natural beauty of the wood.

Add a cosy feel with jute or sisal rugs or wool runners in traditional Aubusson, Turkish, or Persian designs.

What is the Traditional lighting style?

Traditional kitchen lighting is designed to evoke a timeless feel, through the inclusion of chandeliers, Holophane lights, lantern-or-bowl style pendant lights, and recessed lights on a dimmer.

Wall sconces can also be installed on either side of a range hood, above open shelves, or on walls where additional lighting is required.

Popular fabric window treatments include Roman shades, cafe curtains, and valances in classic patterns like plaids, stripes, ticking, toile, or checks.

What are the elements of Traditional furniture?

Introduce traditional furniture pieces such as a classic farmhouse-style or long trestle table positioned in the centre of the kitchen and a corner breakfast nook with built-in bench seating. 

Additional seating options include ladder-back or bentwood dining chairs with cushions and upholstered or cane-back bar stools. 

Other traditional style furniture ideas include:

• Hutches or buffets with glass-front, crown moulding, raised panel doors, or ornate hardware.
• Antique or vintage display cabinets 
• Long bench seating
• & a statement accent chair or step stool tucked into the kitchen corner.

Popular Traditional Accessories and Decor:

Like French country kitchens, Traditional style kitchens welcome generous displays of vintage cookware, copper pots, oversize breadboards, rattan baskets, collections of vintage ceramics and tableware, and family heirlooms.

Other ideas include a stylish ceiling-mounted pot rack, and a timeless La Cornue or Wolf cooktop and hood.

Kitchen napery and tea towels are made from pure flax linens, and feature French ticking, check, traditional printed motifs, or embroidered designs.

Lastly, display beautiful bunches of seasonal flowers and green foliage in chalky white vessels, jugs, or glass vases.

Remember, the key to designing a traditional kitchen is to embrace classic elements and create a space that exudes richness and warmth. By selecting quality materials, finishes, and classic details, you can achieve a traditional style that will stand the test of time.