A kitchen in a classic style is cozy, luxurious, elegant, sophisticated. And many more epithets can be listed. After all, classics are the mother of all styles and trends in interior design. Here every detail has its own meaning. It is important that everything is balanced. And the cozy, luxurious classic did not come close to the grotesque. In this article we have collected detailed information about the features of this style and you can easily implement it in your home.
Design Features
A number of distinctive characteristics:
- The classic style presupposes ideal proportions, order and the absence of too pretentious compositions, thanks to which the interior ensemble looks perfect.
- The design welcomes the presence of geometric patterns in the form of a cage or strip.
- In the kitchen, they prefer to install linear or corner sets with symmetrically arranged appliances and furniture.
- The use of expensive materials, such as natural wood, iridescent crystal, polished stone and elegant textiles, is appropriate here.
- Despite the fact that this style is more revealed in spacious rooms, thanks to pastel colors and elegant elements, classics can harmoniously complement a small kitchen, adding visual spaciousness and lightness to it.
Small kitchen design
in a standard apartment
Most standard apartments were designed even before dishwashers, microwaves and other small household appliances began to be widely used. That's why they are so small. For example, Khrushchev apartments were designed when refrigerators were slightly larger than a cabinet. This is why we can often find Khrushchev apartments with a refrigerator in the hallway. In modern houses of the P44-T series, kitchens are at least 10 m2. Such spacious kitchens are much more comfortable than mass-produced kitchens from the times of Khrushchev and Brezhnev.
A typical kitchen implies a typical arrangement of furniture. That is, in a typical kitchen it is very difficult to arrange the furniture any differently than what the architect intended when designing the house. To be precise, you can arrange the furniture differently, but you will have to sacrifice comfort.
Small typical kitchens!
What colors are typical for classics?
For the classics, choose a restrained, calm and lighter palette, which is diluted with precious metals or emphasized with natural textures.
The interior does not imply bright accents. Monochrome or contrasting color combinations are used for decoration. The main ones are white, black, brown, gray, burgundy, green, emerald colors.
Pastel beige, pale yellow, soft pink and blue are considered quite common. Sometimes the interior contains rich red, malachite, blue, turquoise, burgundy or sea green colors.
The photo shows a black kitchen with a bar counter, made in a classic style.
An integral part of the classic style is the white palette, which is used in ceiling, wall or floor decoration. Cuisine in milky, cream or vanilla colors is considered an indicator of delicate taste.
To diversify the sterile and austere look of a white kitchen, you can choose a design in two colors. A snow-white palette will go well with natural shades, gold elements, bronze, silver or patina. The traditional solution is to combine a light kitchen with a dark countertop.
The photo shows a kitchen interior in a classic style with olive-colored furniture.
A truly chic choice is a brown kitchen with a pronounced natural wood texture. For a classic style, they prefer nutty, chocolate tones or a deep shade of black coffee.
The photo shows a beige island kitchen-living room in a classic style.
Interior solutions for decorating a corner kitchen
A corner kitchen is a practical and convenient option for placing kitchen furniture. Cabinets placed on the floor create an angle shape and can be in the form of columns or floor-mounted. The set includes a corner sink, work surface, refrigerator, oven.
Corner set is suitable for a small kitchen. This form is often chosen when decorating due to the fact that it involves the walls and corner of the room, thereby providing space for a work area and possibly a countertop instead of a separate table.
With bar counter
The bar counter is ideal for a corner kitchen, because it is sometimes not possible to place a dining table separately from the furniture. It can accommodate two or four people, and it can also be used as a work area for cooking.
The stand is ideal for working with a laptop and you can harmoniously place a basket of fruits and sweets on it. This is a multifunctional place that can be used to store kitchen accessories.
There are the following types of bar counters:
- single-level is just a tabletop;
- multi-level - you can build a refrigerator and other household appliances under the bar counter;
Bar counters are often equipped with a shelf for glasses and other small items and utensils.
With a sink in the corner
This is the most popular type of layout for a corner kitchen. A sink is installed in a trapezoidal cabinet. If the kitchen has right angles, a round sink would be an ideal solution, as the furniture itself will look smaller.
With washing machine
Installing a washing machine in a corner kitchen occurs either to save space in the bathroom, if you want to purchase a large bathtub or jacuzzi, or it is a necessary measure, since there is nowhere else to put the washing machine.
The washing machine can serve as an additional work area. The disadvantage is that the washing machine is forced to be hidden in a cabinet with a door and it is not safe to place the washing powder next to food.
With window
Under the window in the corner kitchen, you can set up a designer work area with a sink placed under the window, a refrigerator installed on one side of it, and a hob on the other. Such an interior will allow you to harmoniously arrange furniture in any kitchen area and layout.
The window can be decorated with curtains or roller Roman blinds, and a flower pot can be placed on the windowsill.
With stove
A stove in the corner is more of a forced layout option, since rarely does anyone install a hob in a corner. To install the stove in a cabinet, you should choose trapezoidal models.
Right angle
This interior is suitable if the kitchen has a small area and the budget for kitchen layout is small. You can install cabinets with sliding rectangular drawers, but this will cost more. The disadvantage of this design is the inaccessibility of the corner cabinet.
With beveled corner
Ideal for corner sinks when there are no plans to install a dishwasher. The slanted cabinet is easy to use; you can simply remove kitchen utensils or accessories from it. Disadvantage: the cut corner is much larger in size than the straight one.
Kitchen furniture and appliances
A kitchen set in a classic style is made from solid wood or a very good imitation of it from chipboard. An ideal addition to the design would be a marble sink with copper or gold faucets.
To paint facades, light enamel or translucent varnish is used, which preserves the uniqueness of the natural pattern. The doors are distinguished by characteristic features in the form of panels, milling with a beautiful contour pattern or frosted glass and stained glass inserts. Handles made of artificially aged antique or satin bronze are used as accessories.
A traditional interior element is a sideboard, antique chest of drawers or buffet. In a spacious kitchen, choose a U-shaped set, a spacious island or a bar counter. Also, if there is enough space in the room, there is a sofa. Basically, it is a model with rounded armrests, a curved back and decor in the form of soft pillows.
The dining group is complemented by a square, round, oval or rectangular table with a smooth tabletop and carved chairs.
The photo shows a classic-style kitchen with an island and a wooden sideboard with glass doors.
In order not to disturb the classic composition, a refrigerator and an oven are built into the set. If such an opportunity is not provided, collectible retro models are selected.
The photo shows a dining area with a wooden table and a corner sofa in a classic-style kitchen.
The stove with a hood is stylized and decorated in the form of a fireplace. This solution undoubtedly becomes the central element of the entire room. Also, the exhaust portal can be built into a niche and equipped with lighting, and its outer panel can be decorated in accordance with the general style.
The photo shows a kitchen in a classic style with a suite with light facades decorated with gilding.
Kitchen layout
Kitchen set shape
The shape of the kitchen set is most often dictated by the area and shape of the kitchen space. There are these types of shapes: straight, L-shaped, U-shaped and with an island. Let's look at all the options and determine what the pros and cons of each of them are.
Direct kitchen
For kitchens larger than 10 m2, a straight kitchen is not very convenient, because it has the longest perimeter of the working triangle. What is a "work triangle"? This is an invisible triangle, the vertices of which are on the refrigerator, sink and hob. The longer the sides of this triangle, the more mileage the housewife puts in while preparing food.
What if the kitchen is small?
If the kitchen area is less than 8-10 m2, then the shape of the set does not matter - in all shape options the working triangle is minimal. In small kitchens, another problem is to fit everything you need for cooking and storage.
L-shaped (corner) and U-shaped kitchen
They are the most convenient, since everything a housewife needs to prepare food is always at arm's length. Also, in such kitchen sets there are always secluded corners where you can hide “visual noise” from the eyes: rags, detergents, cutting boards and small household appliances.
Kitchen with island
The most inconvenient form of kitchen set, although it looks impressive. The fact is that due to the rupture of the working surface, the cooking processes will have to be divided. Leave some of them on the main work surface, and move some to the island. And since a lot happens unconsciously in the kitchen, it often turns out that the housewife cooks only on the main work surface, forgetting about the island. And all because transferring processes to the island is inconvenient and requires additional actions.
The greater the distance between the hob and the sink, the more convenient it is to cook. This is the main working surface. And it must be at least 90 cm, and free from small household appliances!
Repair and finishing: what materials to use?
Finishing materials in a classic style should be characterized by unshakable strength, reliability and durability.
Which apron is suitable for a classic-style kitchen?
An excellent material for cladding an apron would be small tiles or smooth stone. A wooden apron will add home comfort and some historicity to the atmosphere.
The photo shows a corner set with a dark marbled apron in a classic-style kitchen interior.
A work area decorated with mosaics or skins with photo printing with landscape motifs will look very stylish and beautiful. For finishing, you can choose glossy or frosted glass with backlight.
How to decorate the walls?
A classic kitchen interior with walls decorated with textured plaster, wall panels or washable wallpaper, which are often decorated with frames of white moldings, will be perceived very harmoniously.
Mirror surfaces and columns are appropriate in the design. They are coated with gilding, bronze and mother-of-pearl, and also carved or patinaed.
The photo shows a classic-style kitchen with walls decorated with wallpaper and decorative panels.
Floor finishing options
A floor surface finished with marble or granite looks truly luxurious. Natural parquet boards have an equally ideal look. For a more budget-friendly option, laying waterproof laminate with imitation wood or ceramic tiles with a stone texture is suitable.
The photo shows light tiles on the floor in a classic-style kitchen interior.
Examples of ceiling design
You can emphasize the sophistication of the classic style with the help of a smooth whitewashed ceiling with plaster stucco decoration. An excellent solution would be a tension or hanging structure in a matte finish. Sometimes artistic painting or stained glass is used to decorate the ceiling plane.
A mixture of innovation and tradition
Yes, you read that right. Modern classic design is a unique phenomenon that combines the features of traditional design with the addition of fashion trends. To better understand all the nuances, we suggest understanding its characteristic features:
- Restrained colors in muted tones. Beige, white, pastel shades... However, bright accents are also acceptable - the main thing is that they are not too large and are combined with the main palette.
- Simple silhouettes. No curls, intricate designs or extravagant curves. Comfortable furniture that has been tested over the years is what you need.
- Neutral gender. Wood, stone, carpet or laminate - you are free in the selection of materials. But avoid complex textures and patterns. In this case, the floor is needed to emphasize the overall appearance, and not to draw attention to itself.
- Working with textures. Here you will need leather, textiles, wood, rattan, good wallpaper and much more. The main indicator of “correctness” is high quality and pleasant tactile sensations. This applies to walls, the choice of furniture and accessories. But don’t overdo it with embossed surfaces—you risk overloading the room. Yes, and it’s difficult to remove them.
- Moderation in details. There is no need to buy all the decor that you like - everything should be in moderation. Therefore, decorations are selected to match the decor, and harmony plays a key role.
- Combination. Don’t be afraid to bring modern trends into a classic interior - built-in appliances in the spirit of minimalism, suspended ceilings, glass facades.
If something confuses you in the finished design project or after renovation, feel free to redo it or remove an unnecessary element - the kitchen should look holistic.
As you can see, in order to decorate a modern kitchen in an elegant classic style, you will have to make some effort and pay attention to every segment of the room: there are no trifles here.
Is there any point in trying so hard? Let's look at the photo to see for yourself!
Decor and accessories
The kitchen design is decorated with an antique clock with a Roman dial, plaster stucco, gilded forged items and other exquisite accessories.
Open shelves can be filled with snow-white porcelain dishes, alabaster figurines or ceramic figurines. Paintings with still lifes or autumn landscapes, framed with wooden and gilded baguette, are perfect for walls.
The photo shows a classic kitchen with a large wall clock located above the dining area.
Also used as decoration are mirrors framed in elegant metal frames of a warm shade. Garden flowers or vases with white, yellow and peach roses will help create a joyful atmosphere in the room.
What curtains are suitable?
Curtains for classic kitchens are made from noble silk, satin or brocade fabrics. For curtains, dense textiles are used that match the tone of the furniture upholstery.
The photo shows blue-beige curtains with lambrequins on the window in the interior of a kitchen-dining room in a classic style.
Curtain ensembles have voluminous drapery and are decorated with fringe, tassels, tiebacks, rich lambrequins and light tulle. French awning curtains are often used in interiors to add elegance and nobility to the interior without overloading it.
Materials
Classic kitchens are traditionally made from natural wood (for example, cherry, ash, linden, birch, walnut, acacia, oak). Such furniture groups are distinguished by a long service life and the highest performance characteristics: strength, resistance to humidity, and the ability to retain their qualities for a long time. The furniture contains inserts made of stone, ceramics, and metal.
However, modern craftsmen often use high-tech materials of artificial origin in their work, which allow them to create genuine furniture masterpieces. Classic style kitchens can also be made of MDF. Thanks to special impregnation, this material acquires exceptional strength, resistance to deformation and water resistance. Products made from MDF are affordable.
Lighting nuances
For a classic style, lighting in the form of volumetric crystal or glass chandeliers with a forged metal frame is ideal. Sources of additional light will be wall sconces with elegant shades or floor lamps. The dining table can be decorated with an exquisite candelabra, and the work area can be equipped with built-in spotlights.
The photo shows a classic-style kitchen with a corner unit decorated with lighting.
Design of a kitchen-living room in a classic style
The kitchen-living room opens up more space for self-expression while embodying the classic style. Here you can experiment with composition and zoning, because the classics still gravitate towards pronounced centers. Leave a few of them: a relaxation area and a work area, a dining table and a bar counter, a fireplace or a massive sofa with a coffee table.
Classic kitchen ideas at home
The decor in a private house has an atmosphere as close as possible to nature, so natural stone, wood and ceramic materials will look very harmonious.
The photo shows wooden beams on the ceiling in a spacious classic kitchen in a country house.
With a spacious layout, it is possible to implement various architectural techniques, for example in the form of arches, columns, stucco rosettes, ceiling beams and other details. Large faceted mirrors or paintings in heavy wooden frames are especially suitable for interior decoration in a country cottage.
The photo shows a classic-style kitchen with a wall decorated with a beveled mirror and a fireplace with stucco decoration.
Kitchen in a classic style - photos of real interiors
The multifaceted and varied classic style opens up many more options for kitchen design than might seem at first glance. That's why we've put together a whole gallery so you can get some inspiration!
Photo in the interior of a small kitchen
For background decoration in a small room, it is better to choose white, gray and other pastel colors. Here it is preferable to use light-colored flooring and furniture.
To save usable space in a small kitchen in a Khrushchev-era apartment, it is recommended to install a straight or L-shaped set with a top in the form of open floor panels or lightweight cabinets with glass inserts.
The photo shows the design of a small-sized kitchen with a bay window, made in a classic style.
It is advisable to match household appliances to the color of the set, decorate the window with light flowing curtains, and replace the ceiling chandelier with a compact lamp with diffused light.
Fashionable interior styles for corner kitchens in 2022
A corner kitchen in a modern style is a practical option for large and small spaces. Modern corner-shaped kitchen solutions offer many options for arrangement, while maintaining practicality and versatility.
Classic
Classic-style corner kitchens are equipped with a bar counter in which a minibar is organized or glassware is stored.
A classic kitchen is often combined with a living room, with separate work surface areas and a dining area.
Colors - light and woody shades.
High tech
A style that uses a built-in refrigerator with chrome fittings. The style assumes straight lines and no textiles.
Metallic colors, red and blue colors. Kitchen facades are usually made glossy, and household appliances must be built into the unit.
Scandinavian style
This style uses environmentally friendly materials for the manufacture of furniture, kitchen units, and interior elements.
The facades are usually white and milky, or wood-like, with light-colored walls. Dark colors are used in small quantities or completely excluded. So there can only be a dark color of the table, chairs, picture frames, decorative elements, or the facade is made in light shades of wood.
A combination of a light-colored front set and a wooden table is often used. You can make a modern style for such a kitchen, or make it a retro style.
Modern
This kitchen design style is distinguished by the colors used, mainly shades of black, graphite, and dark brown. Some interior elements stand out in purple and blue. The location of the lighting plays an important role; lamps of different textures and colors are placed both on the ceiling and on the walls. The division of zones is carried out without the use of partitions, but with the help of furniture and interior items. Usually they separate the cooking area and the dining room.
Neoclassical
The style is classic, which is embodied with the help of modern materials, and the furniture is selected according to the criterion of practicality. The style is similar to American interiors, with matte facades. Gloss is not used, it does not fit into the style.
Household appliances are built into the set without vintage decor on the doors of boxes and cabinets. The choice of neoclassical elements is varied, so you can control both the price category and make the most natural style possible.
Mediterranean style
A corner kitchen in this style gives a feeling of warmth, sun and comfort. The main differences of the Mediterranean style:
- no glamorous furniture;
- natural ecological materials;
- multifunctionality, simple design elements, homely atmosphere of the room;
- national design elements.
An economical option that can be implemented without expensive decor and furniture. Style is created using the simplest solutions.
Provence
Associated with France, lavender fields, the Eiffel Tower. One of the most popular designs that epitomizes aesthetics and versatility. Wooden materials, tablecloths and curtains made from natural fabrics are used: linen, cotton.
A kitchen set in the Provence style has a facade made of solid wood, transparent doors in cabinets and shelves. The main distinguishing feature: no gloss, bright colors. The rustic style of Provence will fill the kitchen with comfort and warmth.
