Kitchens these days can cost a small fortune, so it’s no wonder that homeowners want them to be functional and fashionable for as long as possible. One of the biggest mistakes people can make when renovating a kitchen is jumping onto the latest trend bandwagon - this is a sure-fire way to date stamp any interior space! Read on to hear our five key tips for creating a timeless kitchen.
Credit: Designmarked Kitchens
Make it Functional
This is by far the most important tip - function must always come before form! If a kitchen is not ergonomic with sufficient work space, appropriate bench heights and a good working triangle, then it doesn’t matter how beautiful your kitchen looks - it will be a frustrating and difficult space to work in.
Employing the rules of the working triangle will ensure you have established task zones with enough bench space for each zone to fulfill its function. Minimum and maximum distances between each leg of the triangle mean that walking distances between each zone are minimised.
Unfortunately benchtop heights are almost always standardised to around 900mm (unless you are working with a qualified kitchen designer who should know better!). This is fine if you are of average height and don’t cook a lot, but for people at either end of the spectrum it will definitely cause issues. Case-in-point: in my not so distant history, my 4 foot 11 self had to use the kids’ Peppa Pig foot stool when rolling out pizza dough. Thankfully I now have a benchtop custom-made to make this process more ergonomic for my height! A sink benchtop and hob benchtop should also be different heights, but more on this in another post…
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Forget Trends
Who is still scarred by the moment that hi-gloss cabinetry had?! Notwithstanding its impracticality (a big no-no for families with young kids and sticky fingers!) it has certainly not stood the test of time. Some might argue that it helps to bounce light around a dark space, and I won’t deny that, but I think there are more timeless ways to brighten a space.
Black hardware is another example of this. For a while it was at the height of popularity. The truth is this finish has a limited life-span; no matter whether it’s oxidised or powder-coated, the finish will fade or chip over time if not properly maintained. Choosing a solid metal instead will ensure your hardware endures.
Mixing old with new is a good way to achieve a classic look that won’t date too fast. For example, using shaker-style cabinetry with contemporary handles and hardware is good place to start.
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Go for Simplicity
With all the amazing products now available, it can be tempting to over-design a kitchen. Putting too many design elements into a space is not always a good idea. Keeping the space simple with only 2-3 elements will help to create a classic look. For example, keeping all of the cabinetry in one finish, and running the benchtop up the wall to create a backsplash can help to create a look of cohesion. The same theory goes for colour. Keeping a soft, neutral palette will ensure the space doesn’t date too quickly. Just avoid the bright and clinical whites of past kitchens - these can result in cold and soulless spaces
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Use Accessories to Update the Kitchen
Not everybody wants a neutral kitchen, so injecting colour and personality through easily replaced accessories can be a good way to update a space without renovating a whole kitchen. Lighting fixtures, handles, tiles and wall colour are all simple ways to refresh a tired space. It’s also a safe way to employ the latest trends without committing to them for the next ten to 15 years!
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Choose Quality
This goes without saying, but it can sometimes be hard to achieve when working with a tighter budget. Investing in quality products now, will mean you won’t be having to fork out to replace them when they fail down the line. This applies to cabinetry hardware (we love Blum and Hafele), as well as appliances and benchtop and cabinetry materials. Choosing products that suit your lifestyle and how the kitchen will be used is just as important. For example, a natural travertine marble may not stand the test of time if it’s also being used by messy children and teenagers!
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When thinking about creating a kitchen that will stand the test of time, it is important to remember that your home is a reflection of you, and it should be a place of comfort. The tips above are just that - tips. Choosing colours, materials and styles has a lot to do with our personalities, environments and experiences, so it’s important to make these decisions based on what will make you feel happier at home.
Chloe Steele