Classic Kitchens: Traditional, Shaker & Beyond
Classic kitchens span a spectrum between traditional and modern interpretations. At Extreme, our clients value longevity, craftsmanship and bespoke designs, seeking kitchens that are current without being overly trendy or too strictly traditional. They seek spaces that will age gracefully, connect with the character of their home and express their personal aesthetic.
In this journal, our designers share insights into the breadth of the classic kitchen style and how it can be tailored to suit individual tastes. Browse inspiring classic kitchen photos of our completed projects and ideas to personalise your classic kitchen through custom design.
What Defines Classic Kitchens?
A classic kitchen is not one fixed aesthetic, but rather a design philosophy anchored in balance, beauty and function. The term ‘classic’ encompasses shaker kitchens, traditional kitchens and other timeless styles that transcend fleeting trends. Common hallmarks include framed cabinetry, symmetrical layouts, natural materials and a subtle, curated palette. Whether inspired by Georgian symmetry, Edwardian ornament, or Shaker restraint, these styles are united by a sense of permanence.
The Classic Kitchen Spectrum: From Traditional to Contemporary
Classic kitchens can lean traditional or contemporary depending on material choice, detailing and spatial composition.
Traditional Kitchens
Traditional kitchens appeal to those who enjoy detailed features that add a sense of history. Cornicing, turned legs, plate racks and antique brass hardware all echo the roots of traditional kitchen design. Classic colour palettes typically include creams, olives and deep navy, complemented by aged timbers or softly honed marble.
Shaker Kitchens
A shaker style kitchen sits effortlessly within the classic design spectrum, with honest construction, simple framed cabinetry and clean lines. Unlike traditional kitchens which celebrate decorative detail, shaker kitchens embody the principle that beauty emerges from simplicity.
Contemporary Classic Kitchens
In contemporary classic kitchens the focus shifts towards refined simplicity, with pared back details and cleaner lines. Sculpted stone islands, seamless appliances and minimalist lighting create a modern look grounded in classic principles. Proportion and balance remain central, but the overall expression is sleeker, more confident and quietly luxurious.
Design Features That Shape the Kitchen’s Style
Below we explore ten defining kitchen features and how each can be interpreted more traditionally or more contemporarily within a classic framework:
Cabinetry Door Style
The door style sets the tone for the entire design. Traditional doors often feature raised panels, beaded frames or detailed joinery that conveys craftsmanship and warmth. Contemporary variations simplify this language with cleaner Shaker profiles or flat panels that create a calmer, more architectural aesthetic. Each approach maintains classic proportions, but the level of detailing shifts the look towards heritage or modern sophistication.
Worktop Thickness & Edge Profile
Worktop profiles have a significant influence on the character of a classic kitchen. Thicker profiles with ogee or bullnose edging create a more traditional look, reinforcing a sense of permanence and heritage. Slimmer profiles with crisp chamfered or pencil edges introduce a contemporary clarity. The choice between the two defines not only the style, but also the visual weight of the kitchen.
Mantles & Chimney Features
The cooker elevation is often a focal point in classic kitchens, and its execution strongly shapes the overall aesthetic. Traditional designs may incorporate decorative mantles, corbels or deeply layered mouldings that evoke the charm of period homes.
Contemporary kitchen mantles simplify these features into clean, elegant forms. Stone-clad cooker hoods or flush extractors create a sculptural look without feeling ornate. Both approaches offer presence, but each communicates a different design era.
Cornice, Skirting & Cabinet Framing
Traditional kitchens rely on layered cornices, skirting and visible framework to create depth and decorative interest. These details anchor the furniture within the architecture of the room.
Contemporary versions simplify these details, with recessed plinths, minimal cornicing or frameless cabinets for a cleaner, more refined appearance. The bones of the design remain classic, but the execution becomes more modern.
Bespoke Island Design & Pilasters
The kitchen island presents a unique opportunity for expression. Traditional islands might feature turned legs, decorative pilasters or framed panel ends that introduce detail and craftsmanship.
Contemporary islands favour monolithic forms, waterfall edges or cantilevered seating that feels sculptural and bold. Both are timeless; the distinction is whether the character comes from ornament or from form.
Appliances
Appliances can either be celebrated or concealed, depending on the desired style. Traditional kitchens often embrace range cookers and visible fridges, adding character and a lived-in feel.
Contemporary classic kitchens favour seamless integration, with appliances hidden behind cabinetry and hobs blending into the worktop. Premium appliances such as Sub-Zero Wolf and Gaggenau offer high-performance while retaining refinement.
Kitchen Handles & Ironmongery
Hardware plays a pivotal role in defining classic style. Traditional designs often feature brass knobs, cup pulls and backplates in warm, antique finishes to add richness and patina.
Contemporary classic kitchens adopt sleeker hardware, such as slim bar pulls, matte black fittings or even handleless systems.
Glazing & Cabinet Inserts
Glazed cabinetry provides an elegant opportunity to introduce transparency and texture. Traditional kitchens often feature Georgian-style glazing bars or dresser-style displays that celebrate craftsmanship and ornament.
Contemporary classic kitchens reinterpret this with reeded or smoked glass, steel-framed doors or illuminated open shelving. The style of glazing can subtly shift the kitchen’s aesthetic without altering its core qualities.
Kitchen Splashback
A kitchen splashback can be expressive or understated, depending on the chosen direction. Traditional kitchen designs may have tiled backsplashes or framed marble sections that echo the features of period architecture.
Contemporary schemes often favour continuous stone, composite slabs or mirror, creating a seamless and luxurious backdrop. This surface becomes a key point of balance between tradition and modernity, depending on the material chosen.
Lighting
Lighting defines mood and function. Traditional kitchens use lanterns and aged-metal sconces; contemporary ones use simple pendants, downlights or LEDs. Both work beautifully when layered well.
The classic kitchen aesthetic continues to inspire. Our role at Extreme Design is to find that precise intersection where tradition meets individuality and the amenities for modern life. We invite you to contact a designer to explore how we can create your own personal interpretation of a classic kitchen.