5 New Kitchens With Classic Details
Timeless materials, thoughtful layouts and smart storage create inviting spaces for modern living
Classic kitchen designs endure for a reason. Features such as Shaker-style cabinetry, bridge faucets, warm wood accents and timeless finishes create spaces that feel welcoming and connected to a home’s architecture. But classic doesn’t have to mean predictable. In the following five kitchens, designers blend traditional elements with improved layouts, hardworking storage and thoughtful updates that support modern living while preserving a sense of character and charm.
Designer tip. “The space isn’t very large, so we removed many of the upper cabinets for a more open feel,” Belldina says. “The two towers were taken all the way to the ceiling to draw the eye up. To make up for the lost cabinet space, the lower cabinets were carefully planned with organization in mind. We incorporated rollouts and drawer organizers, creating easier access and a more functional, user-friendly kitchen. There’s also a large pantry closet (not shown) with all new coordinating shelving and organization that the client built and organized themselves.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “The homeowners felt very set on having an island in their kitchen,” Belldina says. “The existing island was oddly shaped and very crowded for the space. No matter how we tried to rework it we just couldn’t make an island work to allow ample room to move around people when seated. We convinced them to change the layout to eliminate the island and include a peninsula to provide better workflow and more space and seating to chat with guests while cooking.”
Project photography: Erin Ash Kelly
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“Uh-oh” moment. “The homeowners felt very set on having an island in their kitchen,” Belldina says. “The existing island was oddly shaped and very crowded for the space. No matter how we tried to rework it we just couldn’t make an island work to allow ample room to move around people when seated. We convinced them to change the layout to eliminate the island and include a peninsula to provide better workflow and more space and seating to chat with guests while cooking.”
Project photography: Erin Ash Kelly
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2. Connected Gathering Space
Designer: Parris McKenna Design
Builder: Alair Homes Toronto
Location: Toronto
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners’ vision for this space centered around creating a kitchen that felt open, connected and welcoming — both visually and functionally,” says Natalia Harhaj, operations manager at Alair Homes Toronto, which uses Houzz Pro software. “The solution was to reimagine the kitchen as a true gathering space, opening it up to improve circulation and sightlines while introducing larger windows and connections to the exterior. The goal was to create a seamless transition between inside and outside, allowing the kitchen to feel brighter, more expansive and fully integrated with the rest of the home’s design and lifestyle.”
Classic details. “The kitchen embraces a classic traditional aesthetic through a thoughtful layering of timeless materials and refined details,” Harhaj says. “We incorporated painted cabinetry in a warm, soft neutral — Honed Soapstone by Sherwin-Williams — to keep the space feeling light while still grounded, paired with natural wood accents to introduce warmth and depth. The millwork profile was kept intentionally classic, nothing overly ornate but enough detail to feel tailored and enduring. We also selected a subtle traditional tile with a handcrafted or lightly textured finish in a simple pattern to reinforce a sense of quiet elegance without competing with the rest of the space.”
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Designer: Parris McKenna Design
Builder: Alair Homes Toronto
Location: Toronto
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners’ vision for this space centered around creating a kitchen that felt open, connected and welcoming — both visually and functionally,” says Natalia Harhaj, operations manager at Alair Homes Toronto, which uses Houzz Pro software. “The solution was to reimagine the kitchen as a true gathering space, opening it up to improve circulation and sightlines while introducing larger windows and connections to the exterior. The goal was to create a seamless transition between inside and outside, allowing the kitchen to feel brighter, more expansive and fully integrated with the rest of the home’s design and lifestyle.”
Classic details. “The kitchen embraces a classic traditional aesthetic through a thoughtful layering of timeless materials and refined details,” Harhaj says. “We incorporated painted cabinetry in a warm, soft neutral — Honed Soapstone by Sherwin-Williams — to keep the space feeling light while still grounded, paired with natural wood accents to introduce warmth and depth. The millwork profile was kept intentionally classic, nothing overly ornate but enough detail to feel tailored and enduring. We also selected a subtle traditional tile with a handcrafted or lightly textured finish in a simple pattern to reinforce a sense of quiet elegance without competing with the rest of the space.”
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
Builder tip. “One approach we highly recommend is treating the pantry as an extension of the kitchen rather than a separate, purely functional space,” Harhaj says. “In this project, we designed and built the pantry with the same level of intention, mirroring finishes, cabinetry style and overall aesthetic so it could remain open and visually connected. This allowed it to feel like a continuation of the kitchen rather than something to hide.”
3. Open and Airy
Designer: Kallan Chavez of Kallan Interiors
Location: Edmonds, Washington
Size: 205 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This is my own home, and we had lived in here for close to six years and I had dreamed and schemed about this project,” says designer Kallan Chavez. “We knew that if we opened up the walls between the entry, formal living room and the kitchen we would be able to create a flow that made a lot more sense for how we used our home. By tearing down walls and creating a large island for the kitchen we were able to have a casual dining space that we use every day.”
Classic details. “The Shaker-style cabinetry, gridded windows, zellige tile in a brickset pattern, bridge faucet and millwork are a few of the elements that give the kitchen a classic traditional-transitional look,” Chavez says. “Some of the home’s original architectural details leaned traditional and I wanted to ensure the home’s integrity was considered throughout. The perimeter cabinetry is Stonybrook by Benjamin Moore, and we did a custom dark brown wood stain on the island. The walls are Simply White by Benjamin Moore.”
Other special features. Custom Roman clay decorative hood. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware. Vintage-inspired pendant lights. Furniture-style legs on island.
Designer: Kallan Chavez of Kallan Interiors
Location: Edmonds, Washington
Size: 205 square feet (19 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “This is my own home, and we had lived in here for close to six years and I had dreamed and schemed about this project,” says designer Kallan Chavez. “We knew that if we opened up the walls between the entry, formal living room and the kitchen we would be able to create a flow that made a lot more sense for how we used our home. By tearing down walls and creating a large island for the kitchen we were able to have a casual dining space that we use every day.”
Classic details. “The Shaker-style cabinetry, gridded windows, zellige tile in a brickset pattern, bridge faucet and millwork are a few of the elements that give the kitchen a classic traditional-transitional look,” Chavez says. “Some of the home’s original architectural details leaned traditional and I wanted to ensure the home’s integrity was considered throughout. The perimeter cabinetry is Stonybrook by Benjamin Moore, and we did a custom dark brown wood stain on the island. The walls are Simply White by Benjamin Moore.”
Other special features. Custom Roman clay decorative hood. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware. Vintage-inspired pendant lights. Furniture-style legs on island.
Designer tip. “When designing a kitchen, it’s imperative to think about the flow,” Chavez says. “You can add as many pretty details as you want, but if it doesn’t have the functionality you need, you will hate it. Think about the pain points of your current kitchen and how you would move through it if it worked better.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “Since this was our own home, we opted to live in it while the remodel was underway to save money,” Chavez says. “Although it was only a few months and we planned it during the summer, it still was not ideal. Anyone going through a remodel, I would recommend not living there while it’s being done. Having that separation is better for the homeowner and the build team.”
Tile: Zagora, Bedrosians
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“Uh-oh” moment. “Since this was our own home, we opted to live in it while the remodel was underway to save money,” Chavez says. “Although it was only a few months and we planned it during the summer, it still was not ideal. Anyone going through a remodel, I would recommend not living there while it’s being done. Having that separation is better for the homeowner and the build team.”
Tile: Zagora, Bedrosians
11 Stylish Kitchen Sink Setups
4. Lake Views Included
Designer: AJ Browne of Peregrine Design Build
Location: South Burlington, Vermont
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “As their family grew, the homeowners found their kitchen no longer supported the way they lived and gathered,” says designer AJ Browne. “Their vision was to create a bright, inviting kitchen that functioned efficiently while serving as the heart of the home, a place where family members could cook together, connect and spend time with Dad, the family chef.”
Classic details. Light gray cabinets. Soft, warm gray walls (Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore). Dark antique copper range hood. Soapstone island countertop. Polished nickel bridge faucet and cabinet knobs. “As a classic Colonial-style home, the design sought to honor its traditional character while introducing thoughtful modern updates,” Browne says. “One of the most debated decisions centered around the island countertop material. One homeowner was drawn to soapstone for its rich character and living finish, while the other preferred a more durable, family-friendly option. The compromise was full creative control of the powder room in exchange for the coveted soapstone island.”
Other special features. Marble-look perimeter countertops and backsplash.
Designer: AJ Browne of Peregrine Design Build
Location: South Burlington, Vermont
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “As their family grew, the homeowners found their kitchen no longer supported the way they lived and gathered,” says designer AJ Browne. “Their vision was to create a bright, inviting kitchen that functioned efficiently while serving as the heart of the home, a place where family members could cook together, connect and spend time with Dad, the family chef.”
Classic details. Light gray cabinets. Soft, warm gray walls (Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore). Dark antique copper range hood. Soapstone island countertop. Polished nickel bridge faucet and cabinet knobs. “As a classic Colonial-style home, the design sought to honor its traditional character while introducing thoughtful modern updates,” Browne says. “One of the most debated decisions centered around the island countertop material. One homeowner was drawn to soapstone for its rich character and living finish, while the other preferred a more durable, family-friendly option. The compromise was full creative control of the powder room in exchange for the coveted soapstone island.”
Other special features. Marble-look perimeter countertops and backsplash.
Designer tip. “We located the main kitchen sink to take in the sweeping west-facing views of Lake Champlain against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains beyond,” Browne says. “This was achieved by relocating the kitchen to the complete other side of the home and by utilizing an oversized push-out picture window that eliminated any frame or trim obstructions.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “When we realized that the home was out of level front to back by 2 inches,” Browne says. “This would wreak havoc on the installation of our cabinets — base and wall — and associated crown molding at the ceiling and needed to be dealt with. We custom-ripped strapping to install on both the floor and ceiling planes and installed a new level subfloor and drywall ceiling throughout.”
10 Tips for Designing a Kitchen That’s Easy to Keep Organized
“Uh-oh” moment. “When we realized that the home was out of level front to back by 2 inches,” Browne says. “This would wreak havoc on the installation of our cabinets — base and wall — and associated crown molding at the ceiling and needed to be dealt with. We custom-ripped strapping to install on both the floor and ceiling planes and installed a new level subfloor and drywall ceiling throughout.”
10 Tips for Designing a Kitchen That’s Easy to Keep Organized
5. Fresh Traditional Style
Designers: Debbie Midling and Ronelle Melton of PMS Remodeling
Location: Chico, California
Homeowners’ request. “The original space was divided and claustrophobic,” says designer Debbie Midling, who uses Houzz Pro software to manage and design projects. “They wanted to create an open space for the kitchen, living room and dining, and also make sense of the flow and function.”
Classic details. Warm off-white upper cabinets (Cloud White by Benjamin Moore). Blue-gray lower cabinets (Rain Cloud by Sherwin-Williams). Classic white subway tile. Maple island. “We wanted to not out-design the home, so we kept it traditional but with more function,” Midling says.
Designers: Debbie Midling and Ronelle Melton of PMS Remodeling
Location: Chico, California
Homeowners’ request. “The original space was divided and claustrophobic,” says designer Debbie Midling, who uses Houzz Pro software to manage and design projects. “They wanted to create an open space for the kitchen, living room and dining, and also make sense of the flow and function.”
Classic details. Warm off-white upper cabinets (Cloud White by Benjamin Moore). Blue-gray lower cabinets (Rain Cloud by Sherwin-Williams). Classic white subway tile. Maple island. “We wanted to not out-design the home, so we kept it traditional but with more function,” Midling says.
Designer tip. “If you can go to the ceiling with your tile behind floating shelves, go for it,” Midling says. “Also, connect spaces by carrying over an element, such as the same color and style of cabinets in the kitchen and the bench in a dinette.”
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Designer: Seashal Belldina of Interiors by Seashal
Location: Venetia, Pennsylvania
Size: 156 square feet (14 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “After raising their children in this French Provincial-style home outside Pittsburgh, the homeowners were ready for a change as they neared retirement,” says designer Seashal Belldina. “With rising new-build costs making it increasingly expensive to achieve everything they wanted, they chose to remain in their current home and renovate to make it suit their needs for this next phase of life. The original kitchen layout featured an awkward island and limited storage, so we reimagined the space with a functional peninsula to improve flow, custom cabinetry with abundant storage, premium appliances and warm European-inspired details that reflect their love of cooking and entertaining.”
Classic details. “We added a beautiful custom wood hood as the centerpiece of the kitchen and commissioned a local artist to apply a plaster treatment,” Belldina says. “Unlacquered brass sconces flanking the hood add to the old-world charm of this kitchen. Cremone bolts and grills were added to the custom oak cabinets to bring in that old-world charm.” The countertops and backsplash are Taj Mahal quartzite.
Other special features. “The couple’s beloved white German shepherd loved to nap under the existing built-in desk, so we created an heirloom-inspired piece in red oak that preserves her favorite spot while seamlessly blending with the design,” Belldina says. “It’s a dedicated coffee station, complete with drawer organizers for coffee and tea and topped with the same quartzite countertops.”