Exploring How Classic and Contemporary Kitchen Design is Intertwined
In bespoke kitchen design, the distinction between classic and contemporary styles is now more blurred than ever. We no longer have to choose between the ornate elegance of a traditional space and the sleek minimalism of a modern one. Instead, we’re witnessing a beautiful intertwining of these two design philosophies, creating kitchens that are both timeless and ideally suited to the contemporary way of living.
As bespoke kitchen designers, at Papilio, we like to set a foundation for every kitchen project we embark on. We often start with a classic foundation of handcrafted, age-old techniques to ensure the highest quality. We can then suggest playful but engaging ways to create space, enhance lighting, solve everyday problems and create a space for the whole family. We can combine, for instance, shaker-style cabinetry, which is a perfect blend of traditional and modern with bold, contemporary colour. Another approach is to use a classic material like marble for countertops, but opt for a waterfall edge or a honed finish for a more modern feel.
For a sleeker, more contemporary finish, we’ve hidden appliances within cabinetry and countertops and have expertly fused traditional ovens like Aga and Everhot with state-of-the-art Miele hobs and extractions—the modern and traditional work in harmony within the aesthetic as well as convenience. Expertly chosen lighting can also add a hint of modernity to a classic or period architectural style and likewise add warmth and charm in a space full of clean and sleek lines. As bespoke kitchen designers, we have decades of experience in marrying styles to create a unique space.
Here are three examples of our latest kitchen design projects where classic and contemporary kitchen styles coexist in a beautiful, intelligent and inviting way.
The Contemporary Kitchen in Somerset
The Contemporary Kitchen in Somerset is a beautiful and honest example of how classic and contemporary design are intertwined. We selected an ultra-innovative and modern material called Fenix for the cupboard fronts in an off-white. The laminate material was ideal for the modern kitchen because it is scratch-proof and very hardwearing. Matching the Fenix with sustainable birch-faced ply for the kitchen island and stainless-steel worktops and splashbacks, the overall look was modern with a classic twist.
The North London Kitchen
For the North London Kitchen project, we incorporated classic materials such as Arabescato marble, complemented by soft, curved modern edges. The oak-finished cabinets introduced warmth and texture against a backdrop of contemporary, whitewashed walls and the deep, black-tinted glass on the appliances and tall pantry. The impressive North London property kitchen design thoughtfully highlights key period structural elements with a contemporary yet timeless lilt.
The Alpine Ski Chalet Kitchen in France
For the Alpine Ski Chalet Kitchen in France project, our design team embraced a traditional barn conversion, with solid wood beams, epic vistas and high ceilings to create a functional yet modern kitchen that pays homage to the barn’s rustic origins. Every detail, every element of this kitchen is meticulously crafted, reflecting our commitment to quality and quiet luxury. The Alpine Ski Chalet Kitchen was a joy to work on because we had the opportunity to use natural and engineered materials of the highest quality to design a contemporary kitchen with a classical nod to its original form.
