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7 Kitchen Styles That Are Timeless
Explore your options to give your cook space a signature style that will last for years to come
Vinita Kunnath
20 April 2021
A Houzz India contributor, freelance writer, lover of the internet, travel, funny blogs and all things off-beat, with an eye for good taste and aesthetics. Home, not clothes, maketh a man.....or woman.
A Houzz India contributor, freelance writer, lover of the internet, travel, funny... More
How often have we been stumped when trying to choose a particular style for the kitchen while remodelling, or building a new one? One that will fulfil the requirements of form, functionality, style and lasting power. Here, we give you the lowdown on the most popular styles of cooking spaces that have lasted over the years, so next time you can put names to the images you see clearly in your mind’s eye but couldn’t put into words.
1. Contemporary
Contemporary kitchens are synonymous with sleek, clean lines, neutral palettes, metallic accents, minimalist cabinetry and integrated appliances that are often in stainless steel and chrome – all design aspects that make for a style that’s current and sharp but also one that epitomises subtle elegance, hence making it ageless.
Find a kitchen design specialist on Houzz
Contemporary kitchens are synonymous with sleek, clean lines, neutral palettes, metallic accents, minimalist cabinetry and integrated appliances that are often in stainless steel and chrome – all design aspects that make for a style that’s current and sharp but also one that epitomises subtle elegance, hence making it ageless.
Find a kitchen design specialist on Houzz
However small the kitchen may be, contemporary design gives the illusion of a larger space, thanks to its seamless look. While steel, granite and glass are the most oft-used materials, wood works wonderfully well too, especially when combined with metal, as in this kitchen. It brings an element of warmth while its linear lines add a smartness that will never go out of style.
Click here to see Indian kitchens that ooze contemporary charm
Click here to see Indian kitchens that ooze contemporary charm
2. Modern meets traditional
There’s an emerging trend in Indian kitchens, one where modern conveniences and design effortlessly intermingle with traditional elements. While the layout and design is up to date for ease of use and functionality, the traditional touch is brought in through materials. In this kitchen, Athangudi floor tiles, windows with faux shell inlay (a typical feature in Goan homes) and an exposed brick wall hark back to the kitchens of yore.
There’s an emerging trend in Indian kitchens, one where modern conveniences and design effortlessly intermingle with traditional elements. While the layout and design is up to date for ease of use and functionality, the traditional touch is brought in through materials. In this kitchen, Athangudi floor tiles, windows with faux shell inlay (a typical feature in Goan homes) and an exposed brick wall hark back to the kitchens of yore.
The old style of flooring that was characterised by polished red oxide gets a modernised update in this kitchen with look-alike concrete tiles for the floor and raw concrete for the walls. Small touches like the large pickle jar and wooden chest add to the old-meets-new look.
3. Farmhouse or country
Farmhouse kitchens exemplify the adage ‘the kitchen is the heart of the home’ to a T. They are warm and homely, with a charming rustic vibe designed for a casual lifestyle, and typically feature natural materials and unpretentious design.
Farmhouse kitchens exemplify the adage ‘the kitchen is the heart of the home’ to a T. They are warm and homely, with a charming rustic vibe designed for a casual lifestyle, and typically feature natural materials and unpretentious design.
Their wide sinks, either in the traditional porcelain or the more modern stainless steel, use of natural materials (hardwoods, granite), free-standing furniture, exposed beams and typical big kitchen tables offer great functionality and comfort, making them easy to work in and easy to love.
4. Scandinavian
Less is more is the design principle of Scandi style; the kitchens so inspired are typically clean-lined and minimalist – yet are far from cold. The layering of warm wood in the forms of cabinetry and flooring and paint colours in pale hues (mostly white) create a clean but warm backdrop.
Less is more is the design principle of Scandi style; the kitchens so inspired are typically clean-lined and minimalist – yet are far from cold. The layering of warm wood in the forms of cabinetry and flooring and paint colours in pale hues (mostly white) create a clean but warm backdrop.
Sleek furniture, innovative storage solutions and nil wastage of space are some of the features that make this style timeless. The clean palette means that you can make it your own by adding a signature element without taking away from the overall design idea – a textured backsplash here, a pair of statement lights there or chic stools in a pop of colour.
Tour this Rajkot house that channels a Scandi vibe
Tour this Rajkot house that channels a Scandi vibe
5. Retro
A blast from the past is always welcome, especially when it comes with glossy appliances, checkerboard floors and mint cabinets. A nicely done retro kitchen with its unique and colourful look retains a playful personality that can turn your home into a cosy, welcoming space.
A blast from the past is always welcome, especially when it comes with glossy appliances, checkerboard floors and mint cabinets. A nicely done retro kitchen with its unique and colourful look retains a playful personality that can turn your home into a cosy, welcoming space.
Combining retro accents with modern amenities can make a space look both modern and vintage. If colourful appliances à la Smeg refrigerators and diner style stools are hard to come by, classic geometric patterns (a nod to the checkered linoleum floors of the ’50s and ’60s), whether on the floor or on the backsplash, can impart just the right dose of retro-ness.
6. Mediterranean
Cooking chores become a lot more fun when undertaken in kitchens that reflect the Mediterranean style – you can almost imagine you are on holiday. Probably a reason why they are timeless. The style draws from climatic and cultural elements from the region – think terracotta, ocean blues, large flared chimneys, wooden beams, hand-painted tiles, and rustic floors and walls.
Cooking chores become a lot more fun when undertaken in kitchens that reflect the Mediterranean style – you can almost imagine you are on holiday. Probably a reason why they are timeless. The style draws from climatic and cultural elements from the region – think terracotta, ocean blues, large flared chimneys, wooden beams, hand-painted tiles, and rustic floors and walls.
If you think the Med style needs a large space to really stand out, you’re mistaken. Here, rough-edged white tiles, pale-blue cabinets, Moorish-design tiles over the hob and the arched doorway, all impart a distinct Spanish–Mediterranean vibe to the moderately sized space.
Browse through images for more Mediterranean kitchen designs
Browse through images for more Mediterranean kitchen designs
7. Eclectic
The eclectic kitchen is truly timeless as it’s a style that is an amalgamation of ideas and elements from different decorating styles. These reflect the individual character of the owner and no two can be the same, or even similar. Since there’s no rule book to be followed, eclectic kitchens are often fun and whimsical, and they can include any number of colours, textures and materials.
See more photos of eclectic kitchens on Houzz
The eclectic kitchen is truly timeless as it’s a style that is an amalgamation of ideas and elements from different decorating styles. These reflect the individual character of the owner and no two can be the same, or even similar. Since there’s no rule book to be followed, eclectic kitchens are often fun and whimsical, and they can include any number of colours, textures and materials.
See more photos of eclectic kitchens on Houzz
Here, a green kitchen island with butcher-block top, Oriental patterned wallpaper, Baroque-style chandeliers, farmhouse-style chairs and marbled backsplash come together in a harmonious medley of colours and styles.
Read more:
Fresh Design Ideas From 20 Urban Indian Kitchens
10 Ways to a Showstopper Kitchen
Tell us:
Which style of kitchen would you pick? Do share your views in the Comments section below.
Read more:
Fresh Design Ideas From 20 Urban Indian Kitchens
10 Ways to a Showstopper Kitchen
Tell us:
Which style of kitchen would you pick? Do share your views in the Comments section below.
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