8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (2024)

Designing a kitchen in your forever home can be daunting. After all, trends come and go, and you don’t want to be left with an outdated kitchen just a few years after installation.

Luckily, some kitchen design elements will never go out of fashion, but the most important consideration is to stay true to your own style to make it truly endure.

Here are eight examples of timeless kitchen design and clever future-proofing tips to get you started.

1. A white or neutral colour scheme

White and neutral tones are popular choices in the kitchen for one reason: they don’t date. Before you start to worry about it being boring, remember the more bold your design choices in the kitchen are, the bigger chance there is of you changing your mind down the track.

Classic is the goal here and, if you’re looking to make a statement with must-have trends, more personality can be brought in with accessories.

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (1)

2. Shaker style cabinets

Once an essential ingredient for the farmhouse kitchen style, now the perfect choice for Hamptons-style kitchens, shaker-style cabinets are a popular choice because of their simplicity and ability to complement most styles.

Pick up details by using a darker paint colour on lower cabinetry or your kitchen island for added interest, or stick to all-white for a clean and classic look.

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (2)

3. Appliances that complement your lifestyle

Do you like to entertain? Or perhaps you want to enjoy a cafe-quality coffee in the morning as soon as you wake up? Whatever your wish, there is an appliance to meet all of your kitchen needs.

When it comes to choosing appliances like a coffee machine or double oven, and French door fridges, factoring them in at the design stage of your kitchen can help you make the right choice to suit your space and lifestyle.

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (3)

4. Natural accents

The kitchen is the hub of any home and your choice of benchtop material matters. Choose materials that give off a natural vibe, and you can be confident that your kitchen will never go out of style.

For an ageless appeal, look to timber-look veneer in cabinetry and engineered stone benchtops, both of which are practical and low-maintenance choices.

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (4)

5. Subway tiles

The popularity of subway tiles continues to feature in kitchens of all shapes, sizes and styles. Simple and sophisticated, their size makes them a versatile choice and that they come in different shades means they can be matched to any colour palette.

For the ultimate in timelessness, however, white would be an excellent choice, with options to add a textured finish or coloured grout.

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (5)

6. Cabinet hardware

Probably the most underrated design element in any kitchen, handles (or the lack thereof) can have a massive impact on the overall look of your kitchen.

When choosing kitchen handles, consider the look and feel of your kitchen design as well as the size and material needed to open and close your cupboards and drawers with ease.

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (6)

7. A kitchen island

An island bench is a beautiful addition to any kitchen for many reasons. It works for most layouts, is perfect for entertaining guests on those less formal occasions and for having a quick meal with family. Plus, the extra storage makes it do double duty in this busy zone.

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (7)

8. A large sink

Particularly in an entertainer’s kitchen, when it comes to your sink, the bigger the better.

Whether a feature ceramic sink or an underbench stainless steel style, the benefits of a large sink go beyond the generous bowl size to include the ability to hide clutter and dirty dishes at peak times.

WriterLivia Gamble

Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible use of bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.

Sign up for our newsletter

Want 20% off at THE ICONIC? Sign-up to the latest news from Home Beautiful.

Close

By joining, you agree to ourPrivacyPolicy&TermsofUse

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful (2024)

FAQs

8 essential ingredients for a stylish kitchen that won't date | Home Beautiful? ›

In other words, truly enduring spaces consider current trends in a historical context — which means a kitchen that blends traditional elements (like aged finishes and crown molding) with contemporary touches (like sleek hardware and modern lighting) may be the most timeless kitchen of all.

What is a timeless kitchen style? ›

In other words, truly enduring spaces consider current trends in a historical context — which means a kitchen that blends traditional elements (like aged finishes and crown molding) with contemporary touches (like sleek hardware and modern lighting) may be the most timeless kitchen of all.

How to make an old fashioned kitchen look modern? ›

Instead of cabinets, opt for easy-to-install open shelving. This is a great way to create a sense of openness and visual interest in the kitchen. Open shelving not only adds a contemporary touch but also provides an opportunity to showcase your beautiful dishes and style decorative items.

What color kitchen looks expensive? ›

Painting existing cabinets in a darker, ultra-matt shade, such as grey or black, helps to create a feeling of sophistication. Choose heritage shades with deep pigmentation for a high-quality look – more expensive paint might feel like a luxury, but those few extra pounds spent will usually be worth the investment.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen? ›

While kitchen appliances are the runner-ups, cabinets are the clear winner in being the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. However, countertops still hold third place. While deciding your budget, you should always set aside some money for miscellaneous expenses.

How to make a kitchen look wow? ›

Here are five ways to add that 'wow factor' to your kitchen on a budget.
  1. Reface your cabinets. ...
  2. Replace your worktops. ...
  3. Go for statement lighting. ...
  4. Consider open shelves. ...
  5. Upgrade your hardware.

What color flooring makes a kitchen look bigger? ›

Here are some other colour options to consider: Soft shades of blue or green can create a calming effect and add depth to your space. Neutral tones like beige, cream, and light grey can create a warm and inviting atmosphere while making your kitchen look bigger. Bright, bold colours can work in small kitchens too!

What is the most appealing kitchen color? ›

When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space. Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens.

What backsplash will never go out of style? ›

Choose a classic backsplash

Subway tile is the most enduring choice for a backsplash. Avoid bold, trendy colors, and instead look for white or neutrals. Keep it simple, and bring in color elsewhere in the kitchen, with more easily replaced items, such as dish towels, art, bowls of fruit and rugs.

What color kitchen will not date? ›

A white or neutral colour scheme

White and neutral tones are popular choices in the kitchen for one reason: they don't date. Before you start to worry about it being boring, remember the more bold your design choices in the kitchen are, the bigger chance there is of you changing your mind down the track.

How to make a kitchen look more expensive? ›

Using texture in interior design just as important when designing a kitchen as a living room. Picking out one stand-out finish, whether eye-catching kitchen countertop ideas or cabinet door fronts with a smoked glass, or bar stools covered in a touchable fabric can make a kitchen look more expensive.

What is a realistic budget for a kitchen? ›

HomeAdvisor puts the average 2023 kitchen remodel price in the $14,611-$41,432 range with the median cost at $26,790. A small kitchen remodel can cost as little as $10,000-$15,000 and a lavish remodel can cost as much as $130,000+.

What kitchen shape is the most economical? ›

The most efficient kitchen layouts are U-shaped and island kitchens. These layouts provide ample countertop space for cooking and prep work, and they allow for fluid movement throughout the room.

How do I keep my kitchen prices down? ›

How to save money on a kitchen renovation
  1. Create and STICK to a budget. ...
  2. Take your time. ...
  3. Wait for sales. ...
  4. Pay in cash. ...
  5. Do what you can yourself. ...
  6. Reuse materials. ...
  7. Prioritise where you will invest in high-quality materials. ...
  8. Ask for help where you can.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 6549

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.