Deciding Between A Classic And Contemporary Kitchen Design
If you're thinking about a kitchen renovation, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is what kind of design style you prefer. Do you want a classic, traditional kitchen or are you leaning more towards a modern, contemporary space? We are a Berkshire interior design company that is known for its luxury kitchens. In this blog post, we'll explore the key differences between classic and contemporary luxury kitchen designs so that you can make an informed decision for your own home.
Luxury Kitchen Design - Layout
One of the most obvious differences between classic and contemporary luxury kitchen designs is the layout. A traditional kitchen is usually based on a rectangular or L-shaped floor plan, with the sink, stove, and fridge arranged in a linear fashion. This type of layout is designed for efficiency and there is often little wasted space. We offer a range of luxury classic kitchens which some say are capable of being thoroughly modern.
In contrast, a contemporary kitchen might be based on an open-plan layout with the different zones (e.g. prep area, cooking area, dining area) flowing seamlessly into one another. This type of layout is often seen in loft-style homes where the kitchen forms part of the overall living space. We also supply contemporary luxury kitchens such as the beautiful, clean lines of the Wickham kitchen with its overlay doors and drawers. The wood grain in this luxury designer kitchen is followed through from each piece thus making this a statement kitchen.
Kitchen Cabinetry
As a Newbury luxury kitchen company, we know that another key difference is the cabinetry. Traditional kitchens tend to have raised-panel cabinets made from wood or laminate. The doors are often embellished with intricate details such as moulding or glass panes. The hardware (e.g. handles, knobs) also tends to be more ornate in a classic kitchen.
Contemporary kitchens, on the other hand, often have flat-panel cabinets made from materials like glass or stainless steel. The doors are usually very simple with minimal details or adornments. The hardware is also much more understated in a contemporary space - think slender pulls made from chrome or brushed nickel.
Kitchen Colours And Finishes
When it comes to colours and finishes, classic luxury wooden kitchens tend to either be quite muted with shades of white, cream, and pale blue being popular choices, or natural wood. The countertops are usually made from materials like granite or marble, while the backsplash might feature ceramic tile or mosaic patterns. Flooring choices tend to be fairly classic as well - think hardwood floors or stone tiles laid in a herringbone pattern.
In contrast, contemporary luxury kitchens often have either bolder colour schemes such as black or dark grey, or completely white/light slab-style cabinetry. The countertops can be made from materials like concrete or stainless steel, while the backsplash might feature a simple subway tile design or even exposed brickwork. We offer a wide range of luxury contemporary kitchens in Berkshire. Flooring choices tend to be more minimalist as well - think polished concrete floors or large format porcelain tiles laid in a straight pattern.
In-Between Classic And Contemporary
We also offer luxury kitchens that successfully combine styles to create a kitchen that is somewhere between classic and contemporary.
Classic, Contemporary, Or Somewhere In Between
As you can see, there are some key differences between classic and contemporary kitchen luxury designs. When deciding which style is right for your home, it's important to consider factors like your budget, the overall layout of your home, and your personal design preferences. If you need help making this decision, our team of professional designers would be more than happy to assist you - contact us today to learn more!