A new kitchen is arguably one the biggest renovation investments within a home and is not something that many can afford to do more than once, or perhaps twice, in their lifetime. Unsurprisingly, in a 2023 study conducted by leading platform for home renovation and design, Houzz, it was found that 43% of homeowners believe they opted for a timeless design as a sustainable choice during renovation, thus avoiding the pitfalls of being influenced by the ebb and flow of short-lived trends.
Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager at British Kitchen brand LochAnna Kitchens draws upon her wealth of experience to share five key design considerations that can help make your kitchen design stand the test of time.
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Choose colour carefully
Selecting a colour for your kitchen cabinetry can be daunting, especially since it will likely be part of the home for several years. When aiming to create a kitchen that feels timeless, it is important to find a balance between a hue that feels modern yet retains an aspect of class and simplicity. Neutrals such as off whites, pebble greys, and soft beiges are excellent for achieving this effect. When it comes to colour, we all have our own preferences, but if you’re struggling with where to start, a good rule of thumb is to avoid over using stark, brilliant whites as they can bring a cold, clinical feeling to the space. Equally, try and steer clear of using overly warm neutrals as these can make the space feel confined and dated, alluding to the trends of yesteryear. If you are someone who can’t say no to colour, but are still looking for a timeless look, try to aim for simple, traditional shades such as pale blue, navy or an earthy green for a more muted look that doesn’t threaten the kitchen’s long-term credentials. If you are a lover of deeper tones, you could also experiment with rich black cabinetry in especially large or well-lit rooms for a touch of timeless drama and sophistication.
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Balance of materials
Designing a kitchen that is heavy-handed on its use of modern, engineered materials such as laminate and stainless steel, may look outdated in a number of years. Equally, a kitchen featuring a heavy use of more traditional and rustic materials like wood and stone can age it from the get-go. By balancing both kinds of materials, you retain an element of the new and the old, creating a timeless feel. For example, modern painted cabinetry is a great way to break up a rustic wooden floor. Similarly having a real stone worktop as the anchor of your room will add an element of timelessness and halo effect on the other materials in use around it. Remember to include shades, colours and textures that complement one another, as overcomplicating material selection will make it harder to visually achieve a sense of consistency and in turn, a natural, relaxing feel.
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Opt for classic cabinetry for longevity
Kitchen trends are emerging faster than ever, which is why creating a design that has a neutral base can be hugely beneficial. You can’t go wrong with a traditional shaker-style or contemporary, flat fronted cabinetry in either a natural wood or painted finish as these have been in style for centuries and continue to be popular. Sticking to a neutral base also allows for more possibilities when it comes to personalising other aspects of the kitchen like hardware, upholstery and décor, as neutral tones go with most things. At LochAnna, some of our cabinetry can be sanded down and repainted, taking some of the pressure and finality of decisions away in case you ever change your mind down the line
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Think to the future
When planning a kitchen, it is key to consider how the layout you select will impact future use for any additions to the family or household as well as just getting older. Accessibility is an often-overlooked aspect in the kitchen, but a consideration of this from the start makes for a much more user-friendly space in years to come. It is also important to think about where appliances are in correlation to each other and in particular your sink, oven, and fridge. Balancing the placement of these three core elements of the working triangle is vital. Working with a specialist kitchen designer is always recommended if you are struggling to devise a layout tailored to your personal lifestyle and routine.
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Add your stamp
Ultimately, you should make sure you’re choosing what makes you happy. Combining practical, kitchen design tips with your own personal aesthetic preferences included is a win win. It’s about balance; otherwise, you are simply renting from the next owner of your home! LochAnna Kitchens provide a full colour matching service, where the customer can provide a specific hue or even an object to replicate across their cabinetry.
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