The kitchen; the heart of your home. Some kitchen trends never die, while others wax and wane in popularity year after year. People have mixed opinions about whether bright colors should be used in the kitchen, whether a modern look is in right now, whether it’s all about keeping it classic and so on. Your choice of kitchen design can depend on the style of your property as a whole, particularly if you have a historic or listed property.
As with any older property, it is essential that your home’s design choices fit well with the construction of the property. The aesthetics work well, the property value remains high and sometimes you can also get ‘retro’ or ‘vintage’ kitchen features at a lower price. Whether you want to recreate a complete classic kitchen, or you just want to add a few traditional features to a modern kitchen, we’ve put together six Antique touches to give your kitchen a truly traditional feel.
1. Copper sink
The bright metal of the copper sink often provides a stunning contrast to the elegant wooden cabinets of traditional kitchen design. While everything is made of durable stainless steel these days, there is something ultimately satisfying about seeing a solid brass basin with matching taps to add a classic air to your kitchen. As a sink that is also naturally resistant to bacteria and made of metal that is easy to form, it can easily fit into a kitchen of any shape or size.
2. Ornate lighting
Think a beautiful chandelier or a rustic ‘fisherman’s light’ ceiling pendant. While lighting your kitchen well is important, details like your choice of overhead lighting can really affect the way an entire kitchen looks and feels. Ornate lighting that is both functional and attractive to look at is a great way to add a classic touch to a modern kitchen.
3. Arches, roof beams etc. – architectural elements
Many classic kitchens have exposed ceiling beams as part of their overall design. A staple for any style of traditional cuisine; Exposed ceiling beams work well with almost any type of decor and can also add an air of charm to an otherwise cold atmosphere. Kitchens can sometimes seem quite sterile – all those faceless appliances and cabinets staring back at you. The exposed ceiling beams add a splash of natural color to the room that subtly brightens it.
4. Particulars of cast iron
Large casserole pots, versatile skillets and good homemade saucepans; while you may have the most modern version of these accessories, sometimes you can strike gold by finding an old pot or pan at your local antique store. Modern methods of making a pot and pan have been simplified in order to maximize production and minimize time. Unfortunately, some of the resilience of the cast iron parts has been lost in this process. Add a classic touch to your kitchen once again, and you’ll never need to buy another casserole dish when you invest in genuine vintage cookware.
5. An elaborate cabinet
Experienced carpenters would spend hours upon hours creating unique and beautiful cabinet pieces for their customers. Elaborately carved kitchen cabinetry is as rare in modern kitchens as it is expensive, but to give your kitchen that traditional touch, it is essential. Some companies specialize in custom cabinet making only, and will have a number of artisans working for them who can provide unique style pieces for your home.
6. Glass front doors
Glass front doors are a great way to make smaller kitchens look bigger. Glass front doors match virtually any kitchen theme and also add class to your kitchen, particularly if you’re short on space.
Choosing the right features to make your kitchen shine is essential. While not all fashions and fads are ageless, it is certainly possible to combine both classic and modern features to make a stylish kitchen that suits you.
Article provided by Mike James, a freelance content writer working alongside a luxury and custom kitchen designer Artichoke Ltd. who were consulted on the information in this post.
