Decorating Rooms Kitchens Kitchen Decorating 32 Traditional Kitchen Ideas That Stand the Test of Time Explore the many elements that give a traditional kitchen personality and timeless style. By Abby Wolner Abby Wolner Abby Wolner is a freelance writer trained in journalism through Drake University. She is a former food writer and contributor to Better Homes & Gardens. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on July 21, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Werner Straube There's much more to traditional design than meets the eye. This style spans decades, though it’s typically rooted in Victorian-era style, around the turn of the 20th century. This means you can combine elements from different eras and locales, as long as they have an antique or timeless sensibility. To design a traditional kitchen, think about quality craftsmanship, effective use of space, and natural materials. Explore the many components that give a traditional kitchen personality and timeless style with our collection of favorite traditional kitchen ideas. 01 of 32 Symmetrical Design EDMUND BARR When designing a traditional kitchen, think about symmetry and order, which are key features of the style. Tall upper cabinets flanking the range hood in this kitchen offer both formality and tranquility thanks in part to their rich blue hue, paneled details, and glass doors. Without them, the kitchen would feel more modern. 02 of 32 Galley Kitchen Design Annie Schlechter The galley kitchen is the ultimate working kitchen layout and gives a traditional sensibility regardless of the era it was built. With Shaker cabinets and ceiling-height subway tile, along with brass and copper accents, this kitchen would look at home in any era. 03 of 32 Include Antique Furniture John Granen Incorporating antiques into a traditional kitchen makes it feel lived-in, especially in a new build. Using a table rather than a built-in island nods to the past when kitchens were mostly made up of freestanding furniture. 04 of 32 Paneled Range Hood Jason Donnelly Paneling and detailed molding mask this range hood, which may otherwise look too modern in the traditional white kitchen. The large hood tops a brass-accented stove and coordinates with surrounding white cabinetry and a marble kitchen island. 05 of 32 Make Traditional Glamorous Werner Straube Traditional kitchens can be glam, too. Consider using traditional materials in luxe finishes, such as deep natural woods, wine-colored leather, or a stunning brass-accented range hood. These sophisticated elements create a polished, upscale look in this traditional blue kitchen. Simple globe lighting suits the style without stealing the show. 06 of 32 Historic Details Jean Allsopp A white and gray palette creates spaciousness, yet this kitchen still feels cozy and traditional thanks to details like the beamed ceiling, trimmed range hood, and original wood floors. A marble backsplash behind the range features decorative corners, which makes it look elegant and intentional. 07 of 32 Coordinate Appliances Tria Giovan Modern appliances can stick out in a traditional kitchen, and while antique-looking appliances like this one are more and more common, not everyone has the budget. To get a custom look at a lower price, consider changing the handles and knobs or using appliance wraps or paneling to disguise existing appliances. 08 of 32 Incorporate Natural Wood Emily Minton-Redfield While painted cabinets are traditional, too, natural wood is a timeless cabinet finish that adds depth and warmth to a kitchen. Here, a coffered ceiling and period-appropriate lighting add to the traditional look. 09 of 32 Small Traditional Kitchen Helen Norman A small galley kitchen is ideal for traditional design. This style of kitchen dates to the early 1900s, when it was designed to maximize efficiency. Play up the vertical storage inherent in these spaces with glass-paned cabinets or hanging pot racks. 10 of 32 Choose Traditional Accessories Emily Followill Be sure to consider your accessories when designing a traditional kitchen. Original artwork, a patterned runner, and stools made of wrought iron and steel add to the timeless aesthetic of this kitchen. Ornate cabinet details, including mirrored glass panels and round molding, create a focal point around the sink. 11 of 32 Bright White Traditional Kitchen Werner Straube Traditional style can seem fussy to some, but this kitchen proves that even a heavily detailed space can be classic and fresh. This kitchen incorporates Shaker cabinets, beadboard, corbels, and a ceiling-height backsplash. With primarily white elements, the open kitchen doesn’t look too busy. 38 Beautiful and Functional White Kitchen Ideas 12 of 32 Incorporate Marble Surfaces WERNER SEGARRA Marble became a top choice in kitchens around the turn of the 19th century, the pinnacle of traditional design. For a timeless kitchen, marble never disappoints. Here, a marble countertop and backsplash are paired with a glam aesthetic, but natural stone suits just about any iteration of traditional style. 13 of 32 Traditional Kitchen Decor Jim Franco Decor has a lot to do with making a kitchen look traditional. Here, blue-and-white china (ubiquitous in antique and new versions) looks fresh but also adds a layer of historic detail. Any antique collection, displayed with care, will add character and authenticity to your kitchen. 14 of 32 Glass-Panel Cabinetry ED GOHLICH You can find cabinets with glass panels in many traditional kitchens. Rectangular panes are standard, while an X-shape is a good option if your style leans more rustic or country. 15 of 32 Go Bold with Tile Anthony-Masterson Tiled walls are a feature of the Victorian era, when awareness about hygiene and cleanliness was at a new peak. Given its historical roots, a ceiling-height backsplash will always look traditional, whether you choose classic subway tile or a unique tile shape, such as the arabesque pattern shown here. 16 of 32 Historic Paint Colors Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer Rather than bold colors, consider a warm, neutral palette in a traditional kitchen. Muddier, desaturated colors are period-appropriate, and they coordinate well with other traditional features, such as the stone corbels supporting the range hood in this classic kitchen. 17 of 32 Traditional Lighting Nicole LaMotte Lighting is an important consideration in any room, including your traditional kitchen. Look for simple styles as well as task lighting, like the brushed nickel globe lights used here. 18 of 32 Traditional Kitchen with Coffered Ceiling Anthony-Masterson Glass-front cabinets, vintage-style fixtures and hardware, and beaded-board accents steep this kitchen in classic charm. A coffered ceiling elevates the style with architectural details. White cabinets paired with a white ceiling add to the room's sunny atmosphere and make the kitchen feel spacious. 19 of 32 Use Historical Colors The Profile Company Painted cabinetry speaks to traditional style kitchens, often because a color or a finish reflects a home's historical origin. This remodeled kitchen of a late-1800s San Francisco rowhouse retrieves some of the home's Victorian roots and blends in a touch of Scandanvian style, thanks to the blue cabinets. 20 of 32 Glass-Front Kitchen Cabinets Werner Straube Displaying collections and personal treasures is an important characteristic of traditional kitchens. Glass-front kitchen cabinets let you showcase favorite dishes or sentimental heirlooms and add personality with color. Windows behind these glass-door cabinets add an unusual twist, opening the kitchen to natural light and outdoor views. 21 of 32 Custom Kitchen Details Stacey Brandford While contemporary design is recognized for its clean lines and sleek surfaces, traditional kitchen design often includes interesting details and embellishments. In the kitchen, cabinetry, countertops, and backsplashes provide perfect opportunities for incorporating special stylized touches. This sophisticated kitchen features a showy, two-tier mahogany island with walnut veneers and carved brackets. Carved detailing on the range hood, a marble backsplash inlaid with decorative tiles, and leaded-glass cabinet doors also contribute to this kitchen's traditional roots. 22 of 32 Contrasting Kitchen Cabinets Gordon Beall Mix cabinet colors, finishes, and counter depths for a custom, furniture-style look in a traditional kitchen. This oak sink cabinet, with chunky faux feet, inlaid detailing, and contrasting countertop, adds to the casual character of this relaxed kitchen with painted cabinets and a beaded-board backsplash. 23 of 32 Furniture-Style Kitchen Island Emily Followill Another popular way to incorporate the look of furniture into a traditional kitchen is with the island. Fluted corner posts, built-in shelves, and a warm wooden top personify this spacious kitchen island as a piece of freestanding furniture. The dark painted finish highlighted with lighter tones contrasts with the perimeter cabinetry, which is painted dove white with a dark glaze to carry the furniture finish throughout the room. 24 of 32 Traditional Kitchen with Blue Accents Werner Straube Blue is a timeless choice when adding color to traditional style. A pretty Delft-style tile backsplash energizes this white kitchen and introduces color that's picked up throughout the space in decorative accents, such as the pendant lights and barstools. 25 of 32 Elegant Kitchen with Fine Details Edmund Barr Intricate molding details, rich marble countertops, and a classy black-and-white marble tile floor exude elegant, traditional style in this upscale kitchen. The elaborate tin ceiling adds one more thoughtful detail for the finishing touch. 26 of 32 Customized Kitchen Island Richard Leo Johnson A vintage dresser nestled into the kitchen island and incorporated with a matching marble countertop adds an elegant touch to this stately kitchen. Traditional kitchen design strives to make the space feel less like a work horse and more like a cozy room in the home. Wood flooring laid in a classic parquet pattern further enhances the ambience. 27 of 32 Bring the Outside In Andreas Trauttmansdorff Mother Nature plays a comfortable roll in traditional design. This kitchen doesn't just rely on the outdoors view from the large windows to bring in the natural world. Plenty of materials within the traditional kitchen itself incorporate materials inspired by nature. A rustic stone-and-wooden-beam arch gives eye-catching attention to the kitchen's cooking niche. And black Marinace granite spread across the island features a fossilized look reminiscent of a riverbed. 28 of 32 Updated Traditional Kitchen Tria Giovan A new kitchen with modern amenities can still feature classic, traditional style, as demonstrated in this kitchen addition that looks and feels like it's original to the 1920s Georgian home. Look for fixtures with classic styling, such as these lantern-style lights and old-fashioned drawer pulls. Use materials with vintage charm, such as oak plank flooring. And incorporate modern appliances and features with traditional styling, such as the hearthlike surround over the professional range and cooking area. 29 of 32 Black-and-White Traditional Kitchen Ed Gohlich A simple black-and-white color palette injected with vintage-style elements offers a traditional look that transcends time and trends. In this kitchen, throwback-style pendant lights and cabinet hardware lead the charge in vintage traditional style, while a farmhouse-style sink outfitted with old-fashioned wall-mount plumbing and black soapstone countertops build on the antique appeal. 30 of 32 Crossing Style Lines Anthony Masterson Fans of traditional style can still have an appreciation for contemporary influence. To satisfy a desire for traditional warmth and clean lines, this homeowner outfitted her kitchen with classic traditional kitchen cabinetry, then accented it with whimsical pendant lights, geometric fabrics, and touches of abstract sculpture. 31 of 32 Rich Wood Cabinets Beth Singer All dark wood cabinetry can make a traditional kitchen overwhelmingly heavy. Instead, incorporate portions of cabinetry in dark hues (the large island and range hood are outfitted in rich cherry in this kitchen) with plenty of light elements, such as the white perimeter cabinets and countertops, and the sparkling white chandeliers above the island. 32 of 32 Farmhouse Kitchen Island Michael Partenio Clever design details in this traditional kitchen incorporate farmhouse design concepts found in other areas of the home. The cooking area resembles a cozy family room hearth with its bricklike tile backsplash and chimney-inspired range hood. The long kitchen island is reminiscent of a rambling farmhouse table. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit