The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place for culinary creation and warm gatherings. But when it comes to design, should you embrace the sleek lines of contemporary kitchens or opt for the enduring charm of classic handmade kitchens? What if you could have both?
The contemporary classic kitchen is the perfect marriage of modern elements and timeless design principles. It offers a space that feels fresh and functional yet retains a sense of warmth and familiarity. The contemporary classic kitchen has the best of both worlds, and in our experience as a specialist bespoke kitchen designer, if you work with us, you can have it all.
So, what exactly is ‘contemporary classic’ in terms of kitchen design?
Contemporary classic style for a handmade kitchen is essentially a harmonious blend of aesthetics by ditching the all-or-nothing approach. By marrying the contemporary, such as engineered materials, modern lighting or stainless steel, with the classic, such as embellished wood, traditional marble or ornate ceramics, you can achieve equilibrium and the perfect bespoke kitchen.
For our Alpine Ski Chalet Kitchen in France, we designed a contemporary kitchen using classic and modern materials. We conceived a stunning alpine ski chalet kitchen in a barn conversion, transforming the space. Our client envisioned a functional yet modern kitchen that pays homage to the barn’s rustic origins. The wooden beams and windows, high ceilings, and spectacular natural vistas inspired us to create a luxurious yet honest kitchen with stunning feature pieces and state-of-the-art appliances, marrying natural timber with ultra-modern Richlite worksurfaces.
Another great example of a contemporary classic kitchen design is our Contemporary Kitchen. Using the architecture of the Somerset property as inspiration, we created a paired-back and honest handmade kitchen that featured classic marble and terracotta tiles married with engineered modern materials such as Fenix for the cabinetry and stainless steel worktops in the spacious, well-lit, beautiful space.
Our Georgian Manor Kitchen project is an interesting one. To most, it appears classic in design, featuring high ceilings from the architecture of the Georgian property, sash windows, an Aga cooker, marble worktops and oak veneers taking centre stage. Yet, not all is as it seems. The sharp angles and clean open shelving, contemporary and iconic In The Tube, 360° lighting by Dominique Perrault and Gaëlle Lauriot-Prévost and handle-free cabinet doors tell a more modern story. The result was a truly contemporary classic kitchen that will stand the test of time and style.
The key to a successful contemporary classic kitchen is balance. Engaging a bespoke kitchen designer like Papilio will ensure a much-loved family kitchen that is as unique as your family.
