The style of kitchen sets the tone for your entire home, making it one of the most important areas to consider when choosing a concept to implement.
Your kitchen style can affect the layout and design of your kitchen area, as well as what appliances are selected. But where do you start and how do you know you are on the right track? Interior designer, Jess O’Shea, shares her tips on how to discover your personal style without being overwhelmed by choice.
Classic Contemporary
Renovating an old kitchen and want to retain its charm? A classic and contemporary style may be what you’re looking for.
This style embraces classic design elements and adds a modern twist, think old world charm with modern upgrades. Textures are layered, the colour palette is neutral and furniture and accessories add a personalised touch.
Kitchens in this style are warm and welcoming with traditional cabinetry, integrated appliances and decorative finishes; think ornate pendant lights and brass kitchen cupboard handles.
Tip # 1: Work with existing architecture
If you’re renovating your home, think about taking some inspiration from the existing style of your home. Are there any beautiful features that already exist? You may want to incorporate these design features into the kitchen. For example, if you live in a Federation style home or Californian bungalow, you may want to embrace existing style elements. You could also swing the other way, and embrace a modern style kitchen if you’re planning a modern extension to your home.
Modern Farmhouse
This kitchen design features eye-catching details that are timeless and beautiful, with natural materials and wood taking centre stage. You don’t have to live in a farmhouse to enjoy the charms of a modern farmhouse style kitchen. Pendants are oversized, traditional stoves are a design feature, as are black or chrome fixtures. Texture meets minimalism with contrasting features, such as dark slate tiles and splashbacks, combined with textured cabinetry and wooden counters.
Tip # 2: Find inspiration
Start collecting images that you find inspiring. When saving images, make a note of why you’re saving it. It’s easy to forget (40 images later) why you saved that particular image, so be sure to note any specific details or design features you like. Quite often clients will come to me with a mix of images and say, “I don’t think there is actually any direction in these.” However, when reviewed, there is often a common theme. This could be in materials or finishes, a specific design detail, like a feature rangehood, or an appliance.
Visit display homes and showrooms. Then you can visually see the style and get an idea of the appliances and materials used and if you like them.
Coastal
When embracing a coastal-style kitchen, be inspired by natural light, a peaceful colour palette and natural elements. Influenced by the beach, a coastal kitchen focuses on soft colours such as white, light blues and greens.
You won’t find any kitschy or nautical themed accessories in this home, just timeless and chic materials and fixtures. White and light wood cabinetry teamed with glass features, tiled splashbacks in soft hues, feature pendants and rattan furniture, create a relaxing and airy aesthetic reminiscent of the beach.
Tip # 3: Go with the flow
The style of your kitchen doesn’t need to be narrowed down to one particular style. Avoid trying to label your style, as your kitchen doesn’t have to be only one, it may be a mixture of styles. Mid-century style blends nicely with coastal or industrial styles; blend the two instead of being true to only one.
Modern
Keep it simple and uncluttered with a modern-style kitchen, that steps away from ornate and decorative design elements, in favour of a seamless and sleek style. There’s a common misconception that a modern kitchen is stark and cold, when in fact they feature a mixture of materials including wood, that add warmth and depth. It’s all about keeping it minimal with simple hardware, a sleek counter top, modern appliances and integrated appliances for a seamless look.
Tip # 4: Cull your ideas
When you begin the process of choosing your style, you’ll collect images of a variety of different styles. Over time, you’ll find that you don’t resonate with all of the images you have saved. Avoid being overwhelmed, and be sure to review all your images and delete any pictures that are no longer relevant.
Modern Hamptons
The old and the new come together for a sophisticated style that embraces elegant and rustic beach elements. This style pays respect to the coastal region of New York, where kitchens are renowned for boasting large kitchen islands, black or chrome fixtures, striking features and decorative finishes that create a wow-factor.
A Modern Hamptons style kitchen is the perfect balance of contemporary and classic design elements; think shades of navy and grey, white timber, marble counters and feature pendants that create impact.
Tip # 5: Expert advice
Engage a designer to help you discover your style. It’s our job to evaluate all the images, refine, develop and represent them in a more cohesive setting. This is what creates the clear design direction for your kitchen.
Colour & Trends
Choosing the right colour palette is key when searching for a style that suits your aesthetic. Rich and warm colours dominated in 2023 with pops of gold, neutrals and earthy tones. The all white kitchen has been replaced with shades of grey, black, nature-inspired greens, rich blues and even sunny yellow. Bright and breezy colours have also come into play with feature cabinets and coloured countertops on trend as a design feature.
WA’s Kitchen Specialists
We know it can be a confusing process, selecting the perfect appliances to go with your interior design style. That’s why we offer complimentary discovery consultations, where you can meet with our appliance specialist for a personalised discovery session. We start by getting to know you, how you cook and your appliance expectations when it comes to design and performance among other things. Book your session today!
