There are a few elements of a kitchen that you really need to get right the first time – those features that aren’t easily replaced, are often expensive, and cause a lot of upheaval to change. Your cabinetry is one of them, so choosing a design that never goes out of style is key.
There are plenty of kitchen cabinet ideas that feel classic and safe, but there are only a few that designers consider truly timeless. It’s the ones that never appear in trend reports, but quietly stay relevant as years go by that you should be considering.
From classic door styles to materials that stand the test of time, these are the three kitchen cabinet styles, designs, and details designers say never date, creating a timeless kitchen you will never tire of, even as your style changes.
The Style: Classic Shaker
‘I like to keep the cabinetry fairly calm and allow the surrounding materials to bring personality. Natural stone worktops, aged brass hardware, timber and handmade tiles all work beautifully with simple cabinetry and add warmth and texture,’ says Carina.
(Image credit: Studio Raymond)
Few designs prove more enduring than a Shaker kitchen. This style of cabinetry has been around for decades, blending into both modern and traditional schemes and adding dimension to designs without taking over the room.
‘I think beautifully made Shaker cabinetry is one of those things that will always feel timeless. Its appeal is in its simplicity and versatility – the clean lines and framed doors provide enough architectural interest without dictating a particular style,’ says Carina Raymond, founder of Studio Raymond.
‘It has a wonderful ability to adapt; Shaker can feel very classic in a country house, but equally fresh and contemporary in the right setting. I think that flexibility is what makes it endure. It also gives you a lovely, quiet backdrop for the elements that can change more easily over time.’
It’s that versatility that makes Shaker cabinets not just popular, but incredibly timeless. Because it can transition between styles and colors, it’s a cabinet choice that grows and evolves with you, as Tom Howley, creative design director of the eponymous kitchen design brand, explains.
‘Shaker-style cabinetry is a classic for a reason. It’s a look that can evolve with you – you can be bold with color, experiment with different hardware, or introduce more contemporary finishes, while the cabinetry itself provides that sense of permanence and quality.’
The Material: Long-Lasting Oak
‘Natural oak brings warmth and texture, becoming more beautiful with age. You can then introduce personality through the details like lighting, handles, artwork, and accessories, all of which can be changed over time without having to replace the kitchen itself,’ says Melissa.
(Image credit: R. Brad Knipstein)
Even if you can change the color of your kitchen cabinets over time, you can’t change the cabinet material without a full refit. So, getting it right the first time you design your kitchen is key, and for designers, it’s all about quality, with oak cabinets taking the top spot for timeless appeal.
‘I think a well-made traditional kitchen cabinet will always stand the test of time, but that doesn’t mean contemporary cabinetry can’t be timeless too. For me, it’s much more about the quality of the cabinetry than following a particular style. A beautifully made solid door with good-quality internals will age incredibly well and won’t show the wear and tear that cheaper cabinetry can show,’ says Melissa Hutley, co-founder of Hutley & Humm.
‘I’m a big believer in choosing materials that can evolve with you. Natural oak is a wonderful example as it develops a beautiful patina over time, but can also be painted or stained later if you want to change the feel of the kitchen. Handles, countertops and other details can be updated as your tastes change, while good-quality units can remain in place for many years.’
The Detail: Decorative Moldings
If you choose a more decorative trim design for your cabinet doors, consider the colors you use and how well you can see the details. A more delicate molding, like in this kitchen, will disappear under a dark color, so choose something warm but light for a timeless feel.
(Image credit: Hutley & Humm)
Sometimes, the best way to create a cabinet design that transcends kitchen trends is to choose something unique. And when designers want to create something that feels both personalized and timeless, they look to hand-carved details and more decorative moldings.
‘I love a cabinet with classic hand-carved details, like an inset with chamfered edges and softly carved corners. Think Shaker-style cabinetry with a little extra ornamentation. The design is timeless and architectural while still retaining a sense of character and historic charm,’ says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
‘Details like these are rooted first and foremost in craftsmanship, and that’s why their appeal never fades. Those subtle chamfers and carved corners are borrowed from historic architectural millwork, carrying the elegance of a centuries-old home. And when the construction methods and finishes are equally as considered, the cabinetry is bound to age gracefully over time.’
The beauty of this kitchen cabinet style is that you can really adapt it to suit your space. Most often, Shaker doors are chosen as the base, then adapted and embellished to balance classic style and unique design, whether it’s a micro-Shaker design or something more ornate.
‘I’m particularly drawn to cabinetry that has a little architectural detail – a simple Shaker door, perhaps with a beautiful moulding or considered paneling. It gives you a timeless foundation that you can then make completely your own,’ adds Sophie Pringle, Interior Designer and Founder of Pringle & Pringle.
The kitchen cabinets that never go out of style are the ones that feel classic and put quality and craftsmanship at the forefront. While trends like fluted cabinets or rippled glass feel playful and different, they don’t have the same longevity. Stick to timeless cabinets, then experiment with hardware and decor that can easily be changed over time.
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