Traditional Kitchen Design Elements That Create a Supremely Cozy Space
Most common comment, hands down, when a regular visitor comes to my house:
“Your house looks different every time I come over…”
I’m never sure if that’s a good thing or not but I’m choosing to take it as a compliment!
I’m passionate about home styling (as opposed to full remodeling) because it allows me to keep our home fresh, current and aligned with my current needs without constantly feeling pressure to overhaul our home. Plus, I think for much people it feels doable TODAY rather than a long-term goal we’ll get to… someday.
Every so often I focus on a space to refresh and right now, that’s our kitchen.
In this post I’m going to walk you through some trending traditional kitchen design elements I’m seeing in design inspo and give you some easy styling ideas to help you incorporate them into your space- no remodel required.
Traditional Kitchen Design Elements I’m Loving Right Now
To get the ideas flowing, I headed to Pinterest and pinned a bunch of kitchen and dining room inspo to my board. Then, I scrolled through and looked for commonalities that run throughout.
This is always the first task in my 5-step decorating method, you can learn more about that here if you’re interested!
The pattern that emerged? Every image was a cozy, lived-in space with traditional kitchen design elements.
Think:
- Breakfast nooks with layered lighting, cozy pillows and warm textures
- Cottage accents like chinoissorie lamps, collectible vintage plates as wall decor, and pretty, eclectic dishes – THINK GRANDMA’S HAND-ME DOWNS
- Countertops that look realistic, like someone actually cooks in the kitchen
I compiled a list of the styling I saw repeated over and over, and I’ll be using it to inform my update moving forward.
If you’re wanting to bring some warm, familiar traditional kitchen design elements into your home this year read on!
Styling Elements For A Traditional Kitchen Design Aesthetic
Stovetop Kettle
I’m trying to drink more water (who isn’t?) so to aid my efforts I added a pretty kettle and a wood bowl full of lemons to my counter. I figure I might as well make the ritual enjoayable! Plus, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded every time I walk by!
I went with a traditional copper kettle that I hope will become an heirloom kitchen element one day. There are tons of options online but I love the variety of new and vintage items available on Etsy.
I also am a fan of this classic tea kettle, which comes in a ton of traditional colors and is a good price point.
Finally, I’m on the hunt for a special mug to dedicate to the practice. I might thrift one, but I also have my eye on this one because I love dragonflies!
Banquette Seating
Instead of eating in my car all the time (horrible habit, hope to leave it behind), I have been making an effort to sit at the dining table and eat my breakfasts and lunch in a civilized manner- even if it is alone most of the time.
I deserve a nice place to sit!
I’m absolutely dying for a built-in banquette in the area off the kitchen, but I’m not ready to commit yet.
As a temporary fix, I pulled some vintage benches out of the basement and arranged them in a banquette “style” arrangement. I threw a vintage rug underneath the table and added a few throw pillows. No spend, but a big upgrade that will work for now.
Eventually, I plan to add a comfortable seat on the side of the table that looks out the window over my garden and mountains so that this daily pause feels like a little luxury.
I found this vintage inspired banquette option for under $1000 (a STEAL) and I’m thinking about it… but it would require me to get a much smaller dining table.
What do you think? Should I just go for it?
Historic Color Palette + Warm Woods
Cottage Paint Colors For Cozy Kitchens
I’m obsessed with this blue-green color, and in a lot of the photos I’ve saved the walls, millwork, or both are covered in something similar.
This is solely based on my observations, but a lot of the traditional kitchen design inspo I find has COLOR. If you’re wanting to bring back a little bit of that timeless character back into your kitchen, adding a little bit of variety can go a long way.
I’m not sure if I’m ready to fully commit to painting the walls, but I’ll absolutely be pulling from this cottage-inspired paint color palette when selecting linens, curtains and other textile layers for my updates (keep reading for more on that!).
A lot of these are pulled from the Historic Collection by Sherwin Williams, but there are also a few shades I pulled from the neutral section of the fan deck.
VIntage Wood Elements
Although it’s not a paint color, don’t forget to incorporate vintage wood for warmth and character that is fundamental in traditional kitchen design.
Consider thrifting these vintage wood pieces for instant warmth and character:
- Dining chairs
- Sideboards or hutch cabinets (if you have space)
- Plant Stands/Small Accent Tables
- Freestanding butcher blocks
- Dining tables (obviously)
Cafe Curtains
Full curtains are beautiful, but they are a substantial design and financial investment.
Why not dip your toes in the “kitchen curtain” waters by adding a few intentionally placed cafe curtains? This breakfast nook is truly a dream come true, largely in part to the delicious layers of coordinating fabrics, patterns, and colors.
Consider yourself inspired!
I’m planning to add patterned panels on tension rods across just this one bank of windows behind my table this season and see how I like it.
I bought these panels for another project and I’m going to use them in my kitchen. I love the green color, the subtle pattern and the quality. Plus, they’re a great price point!
A Cutting Board On The Counter
This is a staple for me in form and function and a dedicated work surface is a hallmark of a classic kitchen. I’ve incorporated my Boos cutting board on my countertop in every house we’ve lived in for the past 15 years and it’s still going strong. Mine is the heavy-duty maple version, used by tons of professional chefs and home cooks for generations. If cared for properly, this will be a daily-use staple as well as an heirloom that can be passed down to future generations.
Tabletop Bread Storage
Another vintage-inspired traditional kitchen design element that makes sense to bring into your kitchen is a dedicated bread storage solution. If you’ve been on the sourdough train like me, you need a place to keep that delicious fresh loaf within easy reach!
I personally love using my vintage cake dome (so pretty!). But a case can also be made for an old-school bread box. Again, you can opt for a vintage copper for timeless style, or branch out a bit with something pretty and timeless like this option from Williams Sonoma!
Marble Accents
No marble countertops? No problem! It’s easy to bring this classic surface material into your kitchen decor for a timeless look.
Look for marble:
- Lazy Susans
- Trays
- Footed Bowls
- Utensil Crocks
- Salt + Pepper shakers
Heirloom Cooking Tools
A brass pot rail filled with pretty copper is always in style. But those collections take time and effort to build!
You can start small by investing in high quality cooking tools such as measuring cups, heavy duty stainless steel utensils (ladles, whisks, serving spoons).
One of my ABSOLUTE favorite, most luxurious purchases are my matching set of greek salt and pepper mills. They come in nickel, brass, or copper and feel AMAZING in your hands. Finishing a soup or pasta dish with a generous dose of fresh cracked pepper feels like a movie and this is exactly the type of subtle traditional kitchen design element that will give your kitchen a been-here-forever feeling.
Vintage Runner Rugs
A gorgeous kitchen runner is a staple element if you’re looking at great traditional kitchens. It’s a finishing layer that infuses all the hard surfaces of a kitchen with a little bit of softness and warmth.
Truly, nothing beats vintage here so ETSY and thrift stores are definitely your friends!
That being said, kitchen rugs get notoriously dirty and some folks prefer to buy something newer. Luckily, there are a ton of great vintage inspired runner rugs out there to choose from! Rejuvenation is one of my favorite spots for a vintage look at a new price!
Table Linens
Bring back tablecloths! That might be my most important PSA for this year.
A pretty fabric tablecloth adds instant softness and a lived-in feel to your space. Instantly elevated.
After almost a year of research and indecision, I finally just pulled the trigger on a timeless, European linen table throw.
If my table was smaller, I might have bought the more affordable version… but they didn’t have one that was big enough for my 60″ table. It is a STEAL at under $60 and comes in a ton of colors. There is a 70″ round option and 3 rectangular lengths.
If you’re craving more of a fun infusion of pattern, consider a fun block print pattern, classic stripes, or even lace (which according to Pinterest Predicts is BACK).
I like the Galley And Fen shop on Etsy for cute cottage inspired table linens! They have a lot of cute copper too… but be forewarned that things sell out quickly.
Chair/Bench Cushions
One final element that I thought might never come back around but I’m really liking?
Dining chair cushions!
I started noticing these on Greenrow last spring when I was working on an alpine cabin cottage project and thought, hmm. Why do I like these so much?
I’m not really a ruffle person am I? And I don’t really have much red in my decor… but something about this particular chair/cushion combo really resonates with me.
And since then, I’ve been noticing them all over!
So soft! So cozy! One of those small traditional kitchen design elements that anyone can add.
If you decide to embrace this styling strategy, think neutral! Look for a subtle pattern with a vintage look that complements your existing color palette (but isn’t too matchy matchy!).
Your turn!
Which of these traditional kitchen design elements seems doable for you?
Have fun hunting for pieces that work with your space and speak to your soul.
Enjoy the journey.
xoxo,
