Traditional kitchens are basically influenced by old American and European designs from the 1700’s, 1800’s and 1900’s. The area should present a very formal and classy appearance, while being equally functional. When you design a traditional kitchen, you have more room for ingenuity, since you are free to use and combine pieces from those eras.

There are so many styles to choose from. Victorian is one of the most popular designs that incorporates intricate and sophisticated pieces. Moldings and trim are basic, including the use of dark, polished wood. The main idea of ​​a traditional Victorian kitchen is to bring elegance. Arched doors, raised paneling, and wood cabinet carvings are the norm, plus other metal and brass work featured on drawer and cabinet handles and knobs.

Traditional Georgian is another formal design that uses a lot of wood like mahogany, oak, and walnut. Cabinets, square-panel lift-up doors, trim, counters, and furniture should probably have wood accents. Heavy crown molding is used as well as tall cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. Light fixtures in this design are well placed to complement the millwork.

Other traditional designs include Edwardian, Regency, Neoclassical, Italianate, American, Shaker, and Colonial. These designs primarily incorporate woodwork as evidenced by mahogany or walnut cabinets and raised panel cabinet doors. Crown and rope molding and other trims are also ideal. You can add vintage items and appliances to add more drama. Vintage pendant lamps are great, as are wall panels with hidden yellow lights. A modern fusion would use yellow ceiling lights. The window frames also feature polished joinery.

Some of the elements of a traditional kitchen would appear built-in due to the generous use of mahogany, cherry or walnut. Breakfast counters, island countertops, and sinks will likely have wood trim. The counters can be made of marble on top. As for accents, black is allowed, but not very common in traditional Georgian kitchens. Colors are typically chosen to complement the woodwork, so neutral tones like white, beige, or cream are ideal.

Some traditional kitchens are made purely from oak. However, these should not be confused with the country. The Shaker style is quite different as it is bolder and more solid compared to country. Oak kitchens like to use a lot of dark, heavy wood with minimal use of other materials like marble and slate. Oak is almost always polished for a very clean and classic look.