As one of the main rooms in any property and perhaps the most significant home expense, deciding on a kitchen style to suit your period home is arguably one of the biggest design decisions you will have to make. Successful bespoke kitchen design depends, not only on the choice of style but, crucially, on whether the vision fits the space and suits the style of the property.
To get you started, discover the key considerations for your kitchen renovation project to help you make the right decision for the style of kitchen that will suit your home best.
Bespoke kitchen design considerations
The style and period of your property
In order for a new kitchen to blend into the architectural story of a fine period home, really good bespoke kitchen design is sensitive to the history and style of the rest of the house as well your personal preferences.
The Victorian kitchen remains one of the most popular interior design inspirations for those seeking bespoke kitchen design, offering a nostalgic nod to the past and classical country house kitchens. Kitchen cabinets are often painted, and sometimes glass-panelled to display elegant crockery and silverware. As an alternative to a kitchen island, a cook’s table can make a stunning centrepiece in a Victorian setting, and offers increased storage space and extra worktop space for food preparation and entertaining. Warm lighting should also be used to create a relaxed, homely and comfortable feel, which is ideal for a bespoke kitchen design.
Original Georgian kitchens were often located in a wing or subsidiary building to keep cooking smells and the risk of fire away from the main house. Owners of grand houses did not like to spend money on their back of house spaces and consequently most original Georgian kitchen designs were kept pared back and understated. Detail costs money, and detail takes time to clean. The door frames were therefore typically square and the cabinets were usually devoid of mouldings and decoration. The Georgian era can therefore be evoked with bespoke kitchen design that reflects this simplicity with a focus on elegant proportions, symmetry and the use of robust natural materials like timber and stone.
The Edwardian kitchen was a revolutionary time in history, transcending the dark Victorian kitchen into a bright and spacious room. Notable design features of an Edwardian kitchen include white glazed tiles, deep wooden cabinets and delicately wallpapered walls. The Edwardian kitchen became not only much more accessible and stylish but also cleaner and safer. Utilitarianism and viability were also at the core of the Edwardian kitchen, giving rise to the kitchen appliance. Bespoke kitchen design aiming to reflect the Edwardian era would be bright, airy and practical – a room you’d be happy to spend lots of time in.
Contemporary kitchens in popular demand today tend to be minimalist, often Scandinavian in feel. Modern kitchens are typically streamlined spaces with flat fronted cabinets and high-gloss finishes and simple designs that reflect clean lines and minimal aesthetics. Most notably, there is an absence of ornamentation. These kitchens allow characterisation and personalisation through rugs, cushions, vases, and other items.
The benefits of modern and classic kitchens
With benefits to both contemporary and period bespoke kitchen design, an architectural joinery specialist will be able to assist you with kitchen design choices to make sure your interior design preferences are well matched to your property.
Modern kitchens often emphasise technology, adding smart appliances throughout the space to improve the kitchen’s functionality. Storage space is another feature appreciated in modern kitchens, with innovative storage solutions to create a clean and uncluttered appearance. Modern kitchens are also a superb way to express your personality, offering a wealth of colour customisation options for the kitchen island, splashbacks and appliances.
While the average lifespan for a modern-day kitchen is around 5 to 10 years before it will appear to look dated, a bespoke kitchen design that is sensitive to the architectural style of the house can outlast passing interior trends. Sturdy and traditional wooden cabinetry can easily be repainted to infuse new colour and life into the space. Equally, the kitchen’s upholstery and accessories can also be changed to suit new kitchen design visions and fashion trends.
”If you are interested in creating a bespoke kitchen design, consider working with Artichoke, kitchen joinery experts to turn your dream kitchen into a reality.”
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