A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking for any homeowner, as the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. Or the most important room for many.

As you scroll through Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration you may be drawn to bold beautiful designs featuring the latest trends. However, trends can quickly fade in and out of style, what’s hot one year will start to look dated the next. It’s important to make design decisions that’ll stand the test of time.

We’re covering modern yet timeless kitchen design trends so you can plan your kitchen remodel with confidence.

Why Is Timeless Kitchen Design So Important?

There are many reasons to design a timeless kitchen beyond aesthetics. Taking on a kitchen renovation or design project is a huge investment, so you want to make smart decisions that will last.

You don’t want to just be thinking about your current needs but your future needs as well. Timeless kitchen design focuses on longevity and function for the now as well as years down the line.

A well-designed kitchen also adds value to your home, while a dated kitchen will negatively affect resale value. When remodeling your home you always want to be thinking about adding value.

A classic kitchen design will find the perfect balance between new and old. It will look like it was always meant to be there, while still feeling modern and current.

So how do you achieve a timeless yet modern kitchen? Keep reading for our expert advice.

Plan a Functional Layout

One important aspect of a timeless kitchen is having a well-planned and functional layout to make the most of the space you have available.

Think about how you’ll need to use the kitchen day-to-day and where it makes the most sense to have everything to make cooking and cleaning a breeze. Also, think about how many people your kitchen will need to accommodate at one time and what activities they’ll be doing.

A few classic layouts to consider are:

L-shaped layout
U-shaped layout
Galley layout
Island layout

An L-shaped layout is the most common consisting of two adjoining walls with rows of cabinets and counters to form an ‘L.’ The center space is left open or has an island or peninsula. It is one of the most functional types of design.

A U-shaped layout is another very functional and popular design. Three walls of counter space create the U-shape with a central space left open or with an island. This shape allows for the golden triangle between the oven/stove, sink, and fridge for easy access between all three. It also makes plenty of storage possible and works in both smaller and larger spaces.

Galley kitchens are the most common for smaller spaces and one of the most space-efficient types of kitchens. They’re best if you don’t have a ton of square footage to work with, want everything within arm's length, and don’t need to accommodate too many cooks in the kitchen at once.

AHG Interiors - West Village Loft, Manhattan

Island layouts are great for larger spaces if you have plenty of room to work with. Especially if you want the kitchen to be the hub of your home and want enough room for everyone in your household and guests. They allow you to create zones if you need a multifunctional kitchen.

When planning the layout of your kitchen you’ll want to make sure you incorporate enough storage and leave ample room for appliances. Consider incorporating the second work triangle, between the sink, dishwasher, and garbage for easy cleanup.

Use a Neutral Color Pallet

While you may want to try out the latest color trend, incorporating bold colors in big design features is always a risk, as you might get tired of it after a while.

A neutral color pallet will always be timeless. Think whites, creams, grays, and earth tones.

If you’re worried that a neutral kitchen is not your style, you can add texture and depth through the variety of materials you choose. You can also add more personality and color in accents like rugs, artwork, and accessories to infuse more of your individual style.

So it’s less about clean hard surfaces and more about creating a warm layered look.

Focus on Classic Cabinetry

Your cabinetry will make up a large part of your kitchen, so it’s important to go with a style that’s timeless.

Shaker-style cabinets were first popularized during the 1800s and have been around ever since. If you want cabinets that will never go out of style, you can’t go wrong with white shaker cabinets.

AHG Interiors - Non Traditional Tudor, Larchmont

For something more modern go with flat front cabinets, which are also a safe choice.

While painted cabinets in a neutral color are a great option, you could also go with textured wood cabinets in oak or walnut for a modern classic look.

Think About Open Shelving
While this trend hasn’t been around as long as shaker cabinets, open shelving is not going anywhere any time soon.

It’s not a look for everyone, but it’s a great way to add your personality to a space by displaying kitchen items that you use frequently like dishware and cooking utensils. Or pieces that add unique charm and visual interest to the space.

Incorporate Natural Materials

Using natural materials throughout your kitchen is a great way to also achieve a classic aesthetic. While also keeping durability and quality in mind.

Think about using natural stone for counters, backsplashes, or flooring. Some great timeless options are:

Marble
Quartz
Granite
Limestone

Incorporate wood in flooring, cabinets, counters, or in accents throughout your kitchen. Some solid wood options to consider are:

Oak
Walnut
Ash
Maple
Pine

Natural materials are a great way to add texture and warmth to a space, giving it an instant lived-in quality.

Don’t Forget Thoughtful Lighting

In any room design, lighting is often an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. Especially for a kitchen lighting is very important.

Generally, you’ll need to think about two different types of lighting. Bright direct lighting for cooking and prep, and ambient lighting for when you’re hanging out or entertaining.

To achieve this think about layered lighting and different sources. Mix and match these types of kitchen lighting:

Recessed lighting
Sconces
Pendant lights
Under-cabinet lights
Accent lighting

Adding a dimmer to your lighting is a great way to create different moods in your kitchen.

Invest in Sustainable Design Choices

While sustainability is a relatively newer design trend, we believe it’s going to be important in the long term.

When designing your kitchen think about using eco-friendly materials and paints. These include reclaimed or recycled materials or products that have been made with sustainable methods.

When creating a sustainable home, think about energy-efficient appliances in your kitchen. These products use less energy than the average appliance, which saves you money on your utility bills but is also good for the environment.

When designing with sustainability in mind, think of quality, longevity, and craftsmanship so you’re selecting products and materials that are well made and designed to last.

Need Professional Help Creating a Timeless Kitchen?

At AHG interiors, a New York-based full-service interior firm, we know kitchen design.

We know renovations are stressful so we’re here to help with the hard decisions like what layout will work best? Or what materials to choose for flooring, cabinets, counters, and everything in between? We not only create beautiful designs but also create custom and timeless designs that are meant to work for you, for the long term.

We have a solid dedicated team, and take care of all the details from start to finish, so you don’t have to. You never knew a kitchen renovation could be so worry-free.

Considering a Kitchen Remodel? How to Design a Modern Yet Timeless Kitchen

A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking for any homeowner, as the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. Or the most important room for many.

We’re covering modern yet timeless kitchen design trends so you can plan your kitchen remodel with confidence.

Why Is Timeless Kitchen Design So Important?

There are many reasons to design a timeless kitchen beyond aesthetics. Taking on a kitchen renovation or design project is a huge investment, so you want to make smart decisions that will last.

You don’t want to just be thinking about your current needs but your future needs as well. Timeless kitchen design focuses on longevity and function for the now as well as years down the line.

A well-designed kitchen also adds value to your home, while a dated kitchen will negatively affect resale value. When remodeling your home you always want to be thinking about adding value.

A classic kitchen design will find the perfect balance between new and old. It will look like it was always meant to be there, while still feeling modern and current.

So how do you achieve a timeless yet modern kitchen? Keep reading for our expert advice.

Plan a Functional Layout

One important aspect of a timeless kitchen is having a well-planned and functional layout to make the most of the space you have available.

Think about how you’ll need to use the kitchen day-to-day and where it makes the most sense to have everything to make cooking and cleaning a breeze. Also, think about how many people your kitchen will need to accommodate at one time and what activities they’ll be doing.

A few classic layouts to consider are:

L-shaped layout

U-shaped layout

Galley layout

Island layout

An L-shaped layout is the most common consisting of two adjoining walls with rows of cabinets and counters to form an ‘L.’ The center space is left open or has an island or peninsula. It is one of the most functional types of design.

Galley kitchens are the most common for smaller spaces and one of the most space-efficient types of kitchens. They’re best if you don’t have a ton of square footage to work with, want everything within arm's length, and don’t need to accommodate too many cooks in the kitchen at once.

Island layouts are great for larger spaces if you have plenty of room to work with. Especially if you want the kitchen to be the hub of your home and want enough room for everyone in your household and guests. They allow you to create zones if you need a multifunctional kitchen.

When planning the layout of your kitchen you’ll want to make sure you incorporate enough storage and leave ample room for appliances. Consider incorporating the second work triangle, between the sink, dishwasher, and garbage for easy cleanup.

Use a Neutral Color Pallet

While you may want to try out the latest color trend, incorporating bold colors in big design features is always a risk, as you might get tired of it after a while.

A neutral color pallet will always be timeless. Think whites, creams, grays, and earth tones.

If you’re worried that a neutral kitchen is not your style, you can add texture and depth through the variety of materials you choose. You can also add more personality and color in accents like rugs, artwork, and accessories to infuse more of your individual style.

So it’s less about clean hard surfaces and more about creating a warm layered look.

Focus on Classic Cabinetry

Your cabinetry will make up a large part of your kitchen, so it’s important to go with a style that’s timeless.

Shaker-style cabinets were first popularized during the 1800s and have been around ever since. If you want cabinets that will never go out of style, you can’t go wrong with white shaker cabinets.

For something more modern go with flat front cabinets, which are also a safe choice.

While painted cabinets in a neutral color are a great option, you could also go with textured wood cabinets in oak or walnut for a modern classic look.

Think About Open Shelving While this trend hasn’t been around as long as shaker cabinets, open shelving is not going anywhere any time soon.

It’s not a look for everyone, but it’s a great way to add your personality to a space by displaying kitchen items that you use frequently like dishware and cooking utensils. Or pieces that add unique charm and visual interest to the space.

Incorporate Natural Materials

Using natural materials throughout your kitchen is a great way to also achieve a classic aesthetic. While also keeping durability and quality in mind.

Think about using natural stone for counters, backsplashes, or flooring. Some great timeless options are:

Marble

Quartz

Granite

Limestone

Incorporate wood in flooring, cabinets, counters, or in accents throughout your kitchen. Some solid wood options to consider are:

Oak

Walnut

Ash

Maple

Pine

Natural materials are a great way to add texture and warmth to a space, giving it an instant lived-in quality.

Don’t Forget Thoughtful Lighting

In any room design, lighting is often an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be. Especially for a kitchen lighting is very important.

Generally, you’ll need to think about two different types of lighting. Bright direct lighting for cooking and prep, and ambient lighting for when you’re hanging out or entertaining.

To achieve this think about layered lighting and different sources. Mix and match these types of kitchen lighting:

Recessed lighting

Sconces

Pendant lights

Under-cabinet lights

Accent lighting

Adding a dimmer to your lighting is a great way to create different moods in your kitchen.

Invest in Sustainable Design Choices

While sustainability is a relatively newer design trend, we believe it’s going to be important in the long term.

When designing your kitchen think about using eco-friendly materials and paints. These include reclaimed or recycled materials or products that have been made with sustainable methods.

When creating a sustainable home, think about energy-efficient appliances in your kitchen. These products use less energy than the average appliance, which saves you money on your utility bills but is also good for the environment.

When designing with sustainability in mind, think of quality, longevity, and craftsmanship so you’re selecting products and materials that are well made and designed to last.

Need Professional Help Creating a Timeless Kitchen?

At AHG interiors, a New York-based full-service interior firm, we know kitchen design.

We have a solid dedicated team, and take care of all the details from start to finish, so you don’t have to. You never knew a kitchen renovation could be so worry-free.

Contact us today to discuss your project!

Think About Open Shelving
While this trend hasn’t been around as long as shaker cabinets, open shelving is not going anywhere any time soon.