One of my favorite designers of timelessly classic kitchens is Park and Oak so we’ll explore examples of their work which beautifully incorporate traditional design elements that live large for modern needs.
Timelessly Classic Kitchens: Park & Oak
Creative interior designers Christina Samatas and Renee DiSanto bring clients’ dreams to life.
Whether the project involves new construction, renovation, or furnishing…
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. Psst. The perfect kitchen design may feel challenging to arrive at, but it’s still far easier than the mysteries of modern life in the 2020s!
1. Color Stories That Sing
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.
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.
Here are a few more possibilities to sample:
2. Simplicity With Natural 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?
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.
Will incorporating metals along with natural woven materials increase interest and character to the scheme?
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?
In this Hinsdale kitchen, rattan brings modern rustic texture and character.
In another classic kitchen by Park & Oak, you can see how bamboo and natural woven textures balance other classic elements and cool white.
4. Timelessly Classic Rugs & Runners
What cozy warmth and personality a simple rug or runner adds to a kitchen!
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:
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.
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?
Do you like these bin pulls on cabinets?
Good gracious, we must take another look at the kitchen above! So much calm without being one-note…I wouldn’t want to leave!
A Classic Cottage Home Tour to Inspire
I love the elegant simplicity and “undone” quality to this understated Shaker kitchen blessed with abundant white:
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!
Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
