Jazz up traditional style kitchens

The traditional style will forever be sought after, making it an endearing choice, reminiscent of history and solid time-honoured values. Today's take on the charm of yesteryear is more glamorous than ever.


Particularly bespoke

One of the main tenants of a traditional style is a reliance on bespoke (or a custom designed), detailing of elements in the kitchen. From beautifully carved inlays in the wooden cupboard doors to taps that appear to be handmade. Splash backs can feature hand-glazed tiles instead of mass-produced factory specials and flooring and paint can appear as if applied manually. The core of the concept is to create a room that seems gently crafted, with love and patience.

This gives the owner an opportunity to include personal detail and individual statements like tiles collected on travels for the sink splash back, carefully chosen material for kick plates and romantic lighting, ideal for an eat in atmosphere.

New Romantics

Color in many nuances is creeping back into fashion in all aspects of home décor. The traditional kitchen in particular lends itself to swathes of pale shades or sudden bursts of surprising brightness.

The use of colour is especially effective if elements of the kitchen room have a traditionally earthy feel to them. For instance if wooden beams and plinths are exposed or brick or stonework is evident. The use of a blush on cupboard doors and even appliances like a cooker, will soften the feel.

Don't leave out any details

Like icing on a cake, the finishing touches can make such a difference. Accessories are particularly important, cementing detail that brings out the look. Handles that are large and ornate blend well with traditional styles, giving the user a sense of dated quality. They also prove more effective with heavy wood veneers.

Cornicing and cupboard edge detail that offers eye-catching elements enhances the edges, making the wood work seem formal and finished, unlike many modern styles that rely on raw edges and plain surfaces. The island outlay is particularly successful in the traditional kitchen and the inclusion of turned legs an important feature.

Wordly Wise

There are many styles that are "traditional" in their origins, lent from many nations around the world. The terms does not necessarily refer to "country" but has its roots in styles that mimic certain customs. Many kitchens have taken a leaf out of the Italian family kitchen. These feature tiled floors, wooden doors, airy, open rooms and herb gardens at hand.

English Manor homes offer more of a cottage feel, often basing their kitchen around age-old fireplaces the size of small carports. These ancient hearths are excellent for a modern conversion to house a stylish AGA, with rustic tiled backing or used as a serving area with character. Rose gardens feature outside and in with floral décor and fresh flowers.

French Colonial makes use of pale color's, Lacanche cookers and lavender. Basing the look on painted wood and butcher blocks creates endearing countryside appeal.

The discerning kitchen owner might be influenced by Mexican or Spanish themes and borrow ideas from these styles to create a dream kitchen. Mosaic tiles and rough surfaces define the colorful and playful atmosphere traditionally set around a courtyard or garden atrium.