Trends pass, but great craftsmanship and thoughtful design never lose their appeal. In this Designer Q&A, we dive into what it really takes to design a timeless kitchen. Read on for Paige’s expert insights on choosing enduring materials, balancing classic and modern elements, and building a space you will love coming home to for decades to come.

What makes a kitchen design truly timeless?

A timeless kitchen design avoids trends and embraces elements that have been repeated throughout history. For example, gray kitchen cabinets with gray-washed floors were on trend a few years ago. Everyone wanted the gray or all white kitchens they saw on their pinterest feed. Today, people are tearing out those gray kitchens and returning to more traditional, timeless colors with warm and inviting mixes of materials. If you push yourself to stay outside of the trend box, you will find yourself with a more enhanced design that has worked before and will work again and again! 

What cabinet styles and colors tend to stand the test of time?

I think the best bet is always to keep things clean and simple before going overly ornate. A shaker cabinet door, whether inset or full overlay, always tends to age well. Neutral colors are appealing to almost everyone! If a homeowner is looking for some more interesting colors, I love referring to Sherwin Williams Historic Colors collection. There are some beautiful, rich paints in this collection that will live beautifully in a kitchen for years to come. 

Are there countertop materials and backsplash styles you recommend for a timeless look?

When it comes to countertops, you want a material that is going to hold up to everyday use and have that “new” look for years to come. Natural materials like granite, marble or quartzite are always a great choice. Natural stone is a living material, so it does have the ability to etch, stain and weather over time. However, some people find that patina beautiful! For home owners that don’t want to see their countertops stain, man made quartz is an amazing choice. Quartz is stain, scratch and heat resistant. Natural stones and quartz both stand the test of time in a busy kitchen! 

How can homeowners incorporate current trends without making their kitchen feel dated in a few years?

If a homeowner sees a trend that appeals to them, it is best to find inexpensive, replaceable ways to incorporate them. This way, if the trend wears off, it can be changed without breaking the bank. A few examples of this would be wall paint, wallpaper, cabinet hardware and decorative lighting. It is best to avoid falling hard into trends that will be expensive to replace, like flooring, cabinetry and countertops. 

What kitchen design trends do you think are worth investing in, and which would you avoid?

Historically, kitchens were in the back of the home in a tiny, closed off room. In the last few decades, designers and homeowners alike have desired to open up those closed off walls for an open-concept living/dining/kitchen space. When done right, this can be an incredible investment into your home and lifestyle. Expanding and opening up your kitchen is definitely money well spent! 

What hardware, lighting, and fixture choices work best for a timeless kitchen?

The style of your kitchen will determine what best kitchen hardware and accessories will age well. However, the finish is something to be strongly considered. In recent years, brushed brass/gold has been extremely popular. It is beautiful, but it is also worth considering that you may get sick of it in a few years. I recommend mixing metals to avoid the brushed gold overpowering your kitchen. For example, plumbing fixtures can get expensive. Maybe consider an oil rubbed bronze or matte black finish for your kitchen faucet and adding touches of the brushed gold in lighting and hardware. This will age much better than having gold all of your fixtures and hardware. 

What functional features should homeowners prioritize when designing a kitchen?

The layout of a kitchen is always the most important. Even if a homeowner has a beautiful kitchen designed but it doesn’t function properly, it will leave them frustrated when working in the space or hosting. The functionality of a kitchen should focus on proper placement of the elements (sink, appliances, trash), ample working countertop space, and clever storage. When all of these pieces are taken into consideration, an incredible kitchen comes to life! 

What are some common kitchen design mistakes homeowners should avoid?

One of the most common mistakes I see is not investing in base cabinets that are drawers instead of doors. Door base cabinets are great for large items. However, they make organization difficult. Bending down and digging through a cabinet for that lost item is not ideal. When a customer opts for drawers instead, all of your kitchen items become easily accessible and visible without having to bend down and hunt for that one pan or mandolin you need. 

Where should homeowners invest their money, and where can they save when planning a kitchen renovation?

Cabinetry runs the whole gamut of quality in construction. It is important that homeowners ask questions about how their cabinets are made. Is the box made out of furniture or particle board or is it solid plywood construction? Furniture or particle board construction may seem acceptable upon first glance. However, over time if that board gets wet (which often happens in kitchens) it will expand, warp and ultimately ruin your cabinets. I think it is worth investing in plywood boxed, well made cabinetry that will stand the test of time! 

What’s your biggest piece of advice for designing a kitchen that homeowners will love for years to come?

Take your time through the design process. I know renovations are exciting, especially kitchen renovations, but rushing through the process can result in a kitchen that leaves a lot to be desired. Carefully consider the layout, plan where you want to store all of your kitchen gadgets, and explore different finishes that both work well together and fit  the rest of your home. Detailed planning and patience will lead to a space you will love for a long time!