What Makes a Kitchen Design a Classic Kitchen?

One of my favorite classic kitchen designers is Park and Oak so we’ll explore examples of their work which so beautifully incorporate classic design elements.

Park & Oak Classic Kitchen Design Ideas

Luxurious classic kitchen design by Park & Oak with two tone painted cabinetry and rustic elegance. #traditionalkitchen #classickitchendesign

Creative interior designers Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto bring clients’ dreams to life.

Simple yet sophisticated white coastal kitchen with contrasting wood tone island in a lake house - Park and Oak. #kitchendesign #classickitchen #whitekitchen #coastalkitchen #whiteoak #modernfarmhouse

Whether the project involves new construction, renovation, or furnishing…

Simple yet sophisticated white elegant kitchen with brass hardware, waterfall island, and farm sink - Park and Oak. #kitchendesign #classickitchen #whitekitchen #waterfallisland ##farmsink #elegantkitchen

as you can see, classic design details are interpreted with fresh style. Let’s look closer to demystify a few clues and be inspired by their choices.

1. Color Story Magic

In this glorious Hinsdale kitchen (just a stone’s throw from our former Elmhurst home!), a warm medium gray tone graces a rustically elegant classic kitchen design.

Lamp Room Gray (Farrow & Ball) paint color on cabinets in a beautiful custom kitchen with wood beams and subway tile - Park & Oak. #graykitchens #lamproomgray #paintcolors
Cabinets: FARROW & BALL Lamp Room Gray; flooring: character grade white oak; Kitchen island: white ash with custom stain; Range: Lacanche.

Even when you know you’re after a neutral color story, choosing colors for cabinets, walls, trim, and doors can be unnerving. You’ll be living with the choices for many years! Thank goodness, designers occasionally divulge trusted paint colors and ideas for color stories to give us a place to begin with sampling.

Need even more paint color ideas for grey? See THIS STORY. I love living with grey-blue cabinets I painted when we renovated our kitchen:

I decided on Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray at 66% saturation. Another beautiful grey close to this color is Repose Gray (Sherwin Williams), and I compare them in THIS.

Simple yet sophisticated white elegant kitchen with brass hardware, waterfall island, and farm sink - Park and Oak. #kitchendesign #classickitchen #whitekitchen #waterfallisland ##farmsink #elegantkitchen

Here are a few more possibilities to sample:

2. Simple Foliage Accents

Let’s face it. A sexy dark gray La Canche range needs no other embellishment and sets an elegant tone in any kitchen. But what if a fancy French range is not in the budget?

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

Lean into subtle details like those near the range to elevate a mood and provide a a pop of freshness. Whether it is a spray from your own yard or simple eucalyptus branches from the grocery store in a simple glass jar/vase, why not see if it perks up your space?

3. Organic Textures

There are endless possibilities when it comes to bringing in texture, and woven counter stools are just one.

Grey kitchen with classic design and luxurious finishes - Park & Oak. #luxuriouskitchens #traditionalkitchendesign

Will incorporating metals along with natural woven materials increase interest and character to the scheme?

Park and Oak designed beautiful kitchen with deep blue-black cabinets, rustic wood beams, and classic traditional details. #blackcabinets #sophisticatedkitchen

What about the life natural materials such as wood add to the overall warmth? What type of textiles for upholstery, patterns, prints, and motifs promote nature and well being?

Simple yet sophisticated white modern farmhouse kitchen with wood topped island and rattan stools - Park and Oak. #classicwhitekitchen #whitekitchendesign #coastalkitchen #whiteoak #shakerkitchen

In this Hinsdale kitchen, rattan brings modern rustic texture and character.

Lamp Room Gray (FB) painted cabinets in a traditional kitchen with classic style and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

In another classic kitchen by Park & Oak, you can see how bamboo and natural woven textures balance other classic elements and cool white.

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

4. Accenting With Rugs & Runners

What cozy warmth and personality a simple rug or runner adds to a kitchen!

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

Since there are countless options across a wide range of price ranges and colors, the only challenge is selecting a favorite. Beyond the aesthetic value, a runner can be a wonderful way to soften the hard floor surface upon which you may be standing for periods of time.

5. Art in the Kitchen

What an utterly cozy yet sophisticated look this kitchen by Park and Oak exudes with its framed oil paintings flanking the sink:

Sophisticated and elegant kitchen with dark gray cabinets and no uppers - instead framed art! Park & Oak Design. #greykitchens #darkgraycabinets #artinthekitchen

Infusing a kitchen with personal style and art (just like decorating any other living space) is a brilliant way to achieve a bespoke look. Bring in collected treasures, paintings, sculpture, and pieces that make you smile.

A backsplash reflecting your favorite colors, patterns, motifs, and textures is another way to add a personalized custom layer to your classic kitchen’s design.

Luxurious classic kitchen design by Park & Oak with two tone painted cabinetry and rustic elegance. #traditionalkitchen #classickitchendesign

If you’re me, a thrifted bust of David on the kitchen counter may be what is needed to feel at home in the kitchen (hahahaha – here he is in our former Arizona kitchen renovation):

6. Unlacquered Brass

There are a host of different ways to introduce this material. Aren’t these flushmounts handsome?

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

Do you like these bin pulls on cabinets?

This gorgeous classic two-tone Shaker kitchen by Park & Oak features a custom range hood, wood stained island, white cabinets, and coastal pendants. #coastalkitchen #twotonekitchen #whitekitchendesign

Good gracious, we must take another look at the kitchen above! So much calm without being one-note…I wouldn’t want to leave!

WE INTERRUPT THESE KITCHEN IDEAS FOR A RECIPE just like my mamaw used to make us when she visited. My mom never baked so we never had baking pans but this didn’t stop my granny from baking cobblers in Fireking oven-safe bowls! Have you tried this method my mamaw used for cobbler?

Don’t you love recipes where you only need one pan? Here’s a possibility which celebrates the prospect:

One Pan Perfect by Donna Hay - book cover
One Pan Perfect by Donna Hay

7. Wood on the Ceiling

Classic kitchens often celebrate nostalgia, simple lines, and texture from materials such as beaded board. Don’t forget you can use the material on the ceiling too.

A magnificent timeless kitchen by Paark & Oak with wood stained island, coastal pendants, and white Shaker cabinets. Love the peek into the butler pantry! #whitekitchendesigns #classicwhitekitchen #traditionaldesign

For new construction projects, beadboard can truly do wonders to create a timeless look. As for older kitchen ceilings with popcorn or texture (good heavens, if I never inherit another 1970s swirly sparkling paw-print pattern ceiling, I will be a happy camper), hello, lovely tongue and groove or bead board!

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

Bob Villa has tips for beadboard on the ceiling as well HERE.

8. Classic Kitchen Ingredients: Subway Tile

It matters not how many Pinteresting kitchen designs call for it, subway tile does wonders as a hardworking, economical, visually pleasing kitchen mainstay.

Simple yet sophisticated white modern farmhouse kitchen with wood topped island and rattan stools - Park and Oak. #classicwhitekitchen #whitekitchendesign #coastalkitchen #whiteoak #shakerkitchen

This simple material and classic pattern doesn’t fall from favor and leaves so much space for other decorating opportunities to personalize the balance of the design.

9. Two-Tone Textural Spaces

If you’re after a truly simple, neutral look with a bit of high contrast, opt for black and natural accents.

White brick and custom arched range hood in a classic kitchen by Park & Oak. #whitebrick #classickitchendesign #traditionalkitchens

In the kitchen by Park and Oak above, notice the harmonious balance of textures and serene color story. I spy Goodman pendants, and I love the gold glowing inside!

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

A black island need not be a monstrous focal point or feel austere, as evidenced by the kitchen above. Warm wood on the floor keeps the overall look natural and welcoming.

10. Banquette Design

Whether space is tight in a breakfast dining area or you simply love the architectural look of them, banquette seating is a classic choice.

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

Minimal, built-in, upholstered, or tufted, these benches which add so much cozy intimacy in restaurants make sense for warm dining moments at home too.

11. Handmade Tiles

What an opportunity to choose a beautiful timeless pattern to enhance the experience of cooking and baking every single day.

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

I am not always a fan of two-tone cabinetry for my own renovations, but to see the moody tone of the wall cabinetry above and the surrounding contrast…wow!

12. Coolness of Copper

What a brilliant pop a simple copper utensil holder or saucepan imparts!

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

Also, while swapping out your existing range for a dreamy blue number like this beauty below may not be possible…

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

If this shade of blue makes your heart sing, consider introducing it with decor, upholstery, or tile. It’s helpful to study how a mood is created as the blue works with the white cabinetry as well as the light wood work table.

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

That charming floor! I used the exact tile for a condo bath we renovated for our son, where it’s a cheerful pop of happy to enjoy daily.

13. Shaker Simplicité

I’m beyond charmed by the meditative, serene, simple yet sophisticated look of these lovely kitchen designs with Shaker style cabinets and graceful, undone charm.

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

So many takeaways for us here, and it’s easy to see how soothing blue-grey walls work wondrously with soft white cabinetry. Look away from a matchy-matchy look.

15. Dutch Oven as Decor?

Don’t you love it when a workhorse in your kitchen also doubles as a simple yet sophisticated design element? Me too!

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

Even if your specialty resides on a take-out menu, you can still adorn your range with a heavy charmer. I took a cue from the kitchen above and recently added a charcoal French oven to my range:

Hello Lovely's modern French kitchen with calacatta gold marble subway backsplash, Viatera Muse counters, and Staub French oven on Bosch cooktop. #staub
Hello Lovely
Hello Lovely's light grey and white modern French kitchen with Muse quartz, farm sink, Calacatta marble backsplash and Staub French oven.
Hello Lovely

Who needs to store their beautiful cookware out of sight? Not me!

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

(Time to start dreaming about the color of the decorative Dutch oven in your future.)

16. Farm Sink Fans

They aren’t just for farmhouses, and if you have avoided adding one to your kitchen design out of fear they will stain, fear not.

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

My own apron front fireclay farm sinks have taken a ton of abuse, and there’s not a day I don’t appreciate the beauty and function:

Psst. Isn’t this corner cabinet below genius?

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

As you can see, there isn’t a singular look for kitchens with farm sinks. They can star in modern farmhouse kitchens, coastal kitchens, urban country kitchens, traditional, and vintage modern spaces.

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.

More Kitchen Design Ideas: Park & Oak

Are we thoroughly blissed out and energized to make small, simple yet sophisticated tweaks to our own interiors?

Traditional kitchen with classic style, simplicity, and sophistication from Park & Oak. Come see inspiring photos and learn 16 simple yet sophisticated kitchen design ideas.
Park & Oak…certainly classic kitchen lovely indeed.

Thank you, Park & Oak!

NOW DO YOURSELF A SUPREME FAVOR AND click here TO SEE and SAVE MORE INSPIRING KITCHENS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!

Shop the Look!

*TAP ON IMAGES BELOW TO GO TO BUYING INFO*

Inspirational quote about women from Maura Quint on Hello Lovely Studio.

A Classic Beachy Home Tour to Inspire

Let’s peek inside India Hicks’ Hibiscus Hill home in the Bahamas!

Also visit THIS STORY for a French farmhouse kitchen inspired by a Hello Lovely favorite. See THIS ONE too if you love sophisticated European blue-green hues.

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

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White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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6 Comments

  1. Jeannie
    July 21, 2024 / 6:31 am

    Wow oh wow! This post is amazing! Every kitchen makes me want to cook! I love your blog and pin every single one. All of your hard work is the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you for all your daily inspirations. I look forward to reading them every single morning ❤️

    • Michele
      Author
      July 21, 2024 / 12:59 pm

      So happy to have you here. 🙂 Thanks for the kindness, for the enthusiasm and for the support through pinning – every bit of it helps this small business exist. xox

  2. Sarah
    July 21, 2024 / 2:07 pm

    Hi Michele,
    Wow and Wow! This post has ABSOLUTELY everything, from goegeous kitchens, to ceiling beadbaord with a Bob Vila link, a peach cobbler video, India Hick’s house tour and the 20 Things….
    This made my Sunday…..so inspirational. Thank you so much!
    Sarah

    • Michele
      Author
      July 21, 2024 / 5:26 pm

      Hahaha – are you making the cobbler? As soon as I get a quantity of fresh peaches, I plan to! Thanks so much for reading and taking time to visit me here – it’s so appreciated. Have a wonderful new week, Sarah. xox

      • Sarah Strawn
        July 22, 2024 / 1:03 pm

        Yes! Waiting for fresh peaches, as well.
        You are my hero! xoxo
        Your daily effort is so appreciated.
        With gratitude always,
        Sarah

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing