Design tips to achieve a modern traditional kitchen

If you want to explore a modern kitchen design with a rustic aesthetic, there are some great ways to achieve the best of both worlds, where functionality meets charm. The most appealing features of traditional kitchens lie within their wooden cabinetry and countertops, delivering a natural finish. Popular classic colours such as white and beige combined with pale blues for walls and subtle accents work beautifully alongside raw materials like stone and marble features.

There are no textbook rules for a new kitchen design; it's all about personal preference, taste, and willingness to be inspired by your surroundings and what ambience and overall feel you wish to convey.

There are many practical elements to creating the perfect modern traditional custom kitchen, such as using raised-panel doors and ornate hardware on cabinetry. Opting for a farmhouse-style sink and bridge faucet are notable classic features that can look stunning against a more modern luxury kitchen design. In a typical rustic kitchen, you can always expect to see a large central island area, also sought after for contemporary kitchen design. The island zone is ideal for socialising but offers a generous storage area, especially when finished with a classic butcher's block countertop, adding charm and style.

Bringing traditional elements to your modern country kitchen is a great way to create an inviting and charming appeal; incorporating a fireplace or wood burning stove adds a touch of class and acts as a focal feature point, especially when entertaining.

You can still explore classic kitchen colours and soft furnishings within your contemporary design, such as traditional patterns like plaid or gingham curtains and upholstery. You can also look into open shelving, which is aesthetically pleasing, displaying a range of unique pottery artefacts and classic cookbooks. Lightning is also an integral practical feature of any kitchen style, providing the right ambience depending on your mood. A large chandelier or on-trend pendant lights will also deliver an impressive focal point, especially over a kitchen central island zone.

Which cabinet style is associated with traditional kitchens

The raised panel effect on cabinet doors is a traditional style in many classic kitchens. The slightly elevated centre panel is a notable feature; it has a sophisticated, simple, yet aesthetically pleasing design. This unique style works well with ornate hardware like door and drawer knobs and handles with intricate detail and finishes. Similarly, traditional kitchen cabinetry, such as the modern Shaker kitchen style, regularly features a more pared down look and is less ornate yet looks at home in a both a modern and more traditional setting equally complementing the classic and elegant look.

The main reasons a shaker-style kitchen door is considered a traditional style.

Simple and clean design:

The unmistakable and notable style of the classic Shaker kitchen cabinet doors offers a durable and practical solution that is initially not intended to be decorative but more purposeful. Many other traditional types are the opposite, featuring detailed and intricate finishes rather than simplicity like Shaker.

Use of natural materials:

The classic Shaker style, most commonly manufactured using natural woods, follows the original and traditional style of cabinet making. Not only does genuine wood offer superior quality unmatched by other composite imitations, but wood is also incredibly sustainable, which is good for the planet.

Handcrafted quality:

Shaker-style kitchen cabinetry is among the most sought-after and respected of all kitchen styles. Not only does it look stunning, but it is also versatile enough to blend in with any kitchen design, from traditional to modern.

Focus on functionality:

The traditional and unmistakable features of the Shaker kitchen offer a simple yet effective design solution, ideal for any kitchen style or theme. Shaker offers aesthetically pleasing but incredibly functional and practical kitchen cabinetry, making it the most popular and in-demand of all kitchen styles.

Minimalist design:

Opting for a Shaker kitchen design and installation is a great way to achieve the optimum minimal look and feel. For example, Shaker cabinet doors use traditional design elements, featuring clean lines that deliver a minimalist and modern feel while retaining an elegant and classic quality.

Square edges:

The distinctive squared edges are a traditional and notable feature of the authentic Shaker cabinet designs. The simple square appearance provides a durable, robust and straightforward design element where less is often more! Shaker still maintains and follows this intrinsic form of values regarding kitchen design.

Lack of ornamentation:

Shaker style doesn't rely on complicated and intricate decorative features; the traditional kitchen design is simple and unadorned. The original ethos behind the Shaker design is about producing quality through practicality and functionality, where appearance should not be a factor.

Versatility:

The Shaker kitchen style is versatile and can beautifully complement any kitchen design or theme. Whatever your preference, from a modern, classic, timeless, rustic country kitchen or even a barn conversion kitchen. Shaker will blend everything seamlessly and, most of all, effortlessly due to its facile timeless design.

Timelessness:

Ask any kitchen designer, and they will agree; the Shaker-style kitchen is timeless. Its versatility and high-quality production make Shaker the most sought-after across the extensive kitchen range.

What makes a modern shaker kitchen?

The modern-day Shaker has yet to veer too far from its original design. Many elements are identical, ensuring it remains the most recognisable of all kitchen styles. You can still expect clean lines, simple hardware, and a neutral colour palette, typically found on the original cabinets. The Shakers' classic recessed panels are a notable feature that makes them stand out from any other kitchen style on the market. The door panels could be natural wood or something more affordable and are then painted in straight lines, in neutral but bold colours, depending on your preference and taste. Shaker kitchen countertops are usually quartz or granite, which delivers a durable and high-quality finish, perfectly complementing the classic Shaker style. Other modern elements you can incorporate into the Shaker kitchen are stainless steel appliances, under-cabinet lighting and open shelving. Similarly, you can add oversized windows, open floor space and even an additional kitchen larder for extra storage; this will offer a bright and breathable kitchen zone to work, rest and play!

Visit the Plum Kitchen showroom for traditional and modern kitchen inspiration.

Our modern kitchen showroom contains many trending new kitchen displays for 2023, from traditional designs to the more modern contemporary handleless kitchens and all in between! Our team are always on hand to guide you through our complete package, where you can discuss your ideas with a professional, friendly kitchen planner. We will explain every stage, from planning, kitchen installation, electrical, plumbing, and building work to soft furnishings and appliances. We can also discuss the available finance options to find the best solution, ensuring you receive the most suitable kitchen to add value to your home and a place for family and friends to enjoy. Our stunning kitchen showroom is just off the M42, so easy to explore from South Birmingham, Alvechurch, Solihull, Barnt Green, Redditch, Studley, Bromsgrove and the greater West Midlands and Worcestershire areas.