DESIGNING FOR THE FOODIE

By Becky Smith

Vintage recipes and nostalgic foods are rising in popularity, and so is the traditional kitchen. While design trends are continuously evolving, the traditional kitchen has that timeless quality many people find appealing. The warm, classic elements and materials, such as raw and stained wood cabinets along with hardwood, and small details like ornate faucets, crown moldings, or retro-inspired appliances, all help to create a lasting appeal.

Pale oak or blonde walnut mixed with warm earth tones work for almost any kitchen design now. A hardwood floor in a warm tone will add character to the kitchen, while stone or tile provides durability for a classic look. The traditional kitchen may also incorporate the glass-fronted cabinets, in a pine, walnut, or maple finish, to showcase Grandmother’s china or vintage pottery, creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere instantly. The perfect place for sharing all your family recipes.

Displaying these family heirlooms, collectibles, or other decorative items has also become part of the kitchen design as well as prioritizing functionality. More and more, new kitchens are abandoning their upper cabinets in favor of open shelving or light airy glass display cabinets. This allows for easy access to cookbooks and fresh herbs which is a huge plus for the home chef. Additionally, decorative items like furniture-style toe kicks, a freestanding hutch, or an antique-inspired island add details to help contribute to the overall traditional aesthetic.

Natural elements paired with luxe accents are where it is for the foodie who wants to create the at-home restaurant experience. Black or a variation of black, such as Benjamin Moore’s Onyx or Sherwin William’s Tricorn Black, is the color of choice to create a well-appointed kitchen. Whether it is used on the walls, cabinetry, or countertops, black can invoke the luxurious grounding for wood accents, French ovens, and all manner of finishes for hardware and fixtures that will create sophistication.

Establishing the perfect ambiance for enjoyable cooking is also important. Well-planned lighting in the traditional kitchen enhances the setting and a mix of task lighting, such as pendant lights above the island or under the cabinets, along with decorative fixtures like chandeliers or traditional style sconces work well. The countertops should also complement the cabinetry and overall color scheme. Natural material or a butcher block work well. These small details speak volumes when entering the room.

Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, and for those whose hobbies revolve around food, it is the disposition and character of the home as well. But beyond esthetics, the foodie kitchen should also provide convenience and ease of cooking. One kitchen design trend that everyone can appreciate is the solid surface backsplash. Not only does it contribute to the high-end design of the kitchen, but it is also very practical. Gone is the grout, which contributes to most of the kitchen’s stuck-on stains and grease build-up. With a solid surface backsplash, you can easily wipe away any spills and stains, just as you would your countertops.

For the cooking enthusiast, who is creating masterpieces in their kitchen, ample prepping space is a must-have. Easy vegetable cleaning, cutting, and clean-up fall into this category no matter what sized kitchen you have. As much as we all love a beautiful farm sink or a deep single bowl, there are some extremely functional sinks on the market now, and they are hard to pass up. For under $500, you can find large kitchen sinks that have all-in-one features including a drain board, cutting board, water purification faucet, cup washer, and an angled bowl. Talk about a workstation!

If you are remodeling or have a new build, kitchen gadgets are almost endless. Double dishwashers and steam ovens are musthaves for the kitchen that includes the extras. Remember when designing your kitchen, consider your own taste and lifestyle to help create an overall aesthetic that fits your personality. You won’t regret investing in either for years and years of enjoyment.