Each checklist point includes both classical and contemporary design options, guiding homeowners to create a kitchen perfectly aligned with their personal style. Whether you’re working with a professional kitchen design company or planning a renovation, these insights provide tailored inspiration to achieve a kitchen that balances functionality and aesthetic appeal.

1. Layout and Workflow

• Classical: Arrange the kitchen using the “kitchen triangle” principle (sink, hob, and refrigerator) to minimise steps, reflecting a traditional, efficient cooking flow.
• Contemporary: Prioritise open layouts with dedicated zones for cooking, preparation, and cleaning, allowing seamless movement. An open-plan style can enhance both functionality and a spacious, airy feel.

2. Cabinetry Style

• Classical: Opt for raised panel or inset cabinetry in quality woods such as cherry, oak, or mahogany. These materials bring warmth and sophistication, evoking a heritage look.
• Contemporary: Choose flat-panel or handle-less cabinets in sleek, high-gloss or matte finishes. Minimal hardware and clean lines add to the streamlined, modern feel, with shades like grey or crisp white.

3. Colour Palette

• Classical: Embrace soft, warm hues such as cream, muted greens, or deep navy for a timeless charm. Earthy tones bring warmth and complement traditional cabinetry beautifully.
• Contemporary: Use neutral bases like white, black, or grey, complemented by striking accents in bold hues like teal or mustard for a modern contrast. This style thrives on minimal but impactful colours.

4. Worktop Materials

• Classical: Marble or granite worktops with decorative edges like bullnose or ogee add an element of luxury. Their natural veining and rich tones blend beautifully with classical cabinetry.
• Contemporary: Choose durable quartz or polished concrete with sharp, straight edges, creating a minimalist, fuss-free finish that pairs well with sleek cabinetry and modern aesthetics.

5. Splashback

• Classical: Use traditional materials like subway tiles, marble, or travertine, incorporating subtle patterns or mosaics for added texture. These materials are both elegant and timeless, enhancing classic appeal.
• Contemporary: Consider glass, stainless steel, or large-format tiles, which minimise grout lines and offer a clean, seamless effect. High-gloss tiles add depth and reflect light for a sleek look.

6. Flooring

• Classical: Traditional choices such as stone, hardwood, or ceramic tiles in neutral tones add durability and elegance. Herringbone or chequered patterns lend a sense of classic sophistication to the room.
• Contemporary: Large tiles, polished concrete, or engineered wood in subtle shades enhance modern style. Smooth textures and minimalist patterns keep the floor understated yet elegant.

7. Lighting

• Classical: A chandelier or pendant light serves as a centrepiece, casting a warm, inviting glow. Consider under-cabinet lighting to enhance functionality in preparation areas.
• Contemporary: Recessed lighting or sleek pendants with modern designs add subtle brightness, while cool-toned lights provide a crisp, clean feel. LED strips can also accentuate modern cabinetry.

8. Hardware and Fixtures

• Classical: Select brass, bronze, or antique finishes for knobs, handles, and pulls. Classic designs, like cup pulls or round knobs, enhance the kitchen’s traditional aesthetic.
• Contemporary: Matte black, stainless steel, or brushed nickel hardware in streamlined shapes provide an understated, clean finish. Handle-less options enhance a minimalist look and feel.

9. Appliances

• Classical: Use panelled appliances to blend seamlessly with cabinetry, maintaining a cohesive look. Consider positioning the refrigerator out of immediate sight for a more traditional feel.
• Contemporary: Opt for integrated or stainless steel appliances with sleek facades and modern features. Appliances with touch controls add to a seamless, state-of-the-art kitchen environment.

10. Sink and Tap

• Classical: A farmhouse or apron-front sink in porcelain, paired with a bridge or gooseneck tap in a matching antique finish, adds vintage charm. These elements become functional focal points.
• Contemporary: Choose an undermount or integrated sink for a seamless worktop finish. Pair it with a pull-down or single-handle tap in brushed metal for a stylish, efficient, and clean aesthetic.

11. Mouldings and Trim

• Classical: Crown moulding, decorative corbels, and baseboard trims add elegance and formality, enhancing the kitchen’s grand, timeless look.
• Contemporary: Minimise moulding or keep it concealed for a cleaner finish. Sleek, simple lines in trim maintain the kitchen’s modern flow without unnecessary ornamentation.

12. Storage Solutions

• Classical: Use traditional wood shelving with corbels, larder cabinets, and deep drawers for accessible storage. These functional elements can also display charming, classic kitchenware.
• Contemporary: Maximise storage with hidden pull-out trays, deep drawers, and integrated shelving. Sleek cabinetry conceals clutter, keeping surfaces clean and visually uninterrupted.

13. Island and Seating

• Classical: A large wooden island with additional storage and traditional bar stools creates a gathering space. Use an overhang for comfortable seating.
• Contemporary: Choose a sleek, multi-functional island with integrated storage, and pair it with minimalist stools in metal or acrylic for a modern look. Consider a waterfall edge for a seamless effect.

14. Decorative Elements

• Classical: Antique pottery, copper pots, and open shelves displaying wooden cutting boards or ceramic bowls add character and charm to the space.
• Contemporary: Keep decor minimal, with one or two statement pieces like modern art or potted greenery. This keeps surfaces uncluttered, allowing for an open, airy environment.

15. Personalised Touches

• Classical: Framed artwork, small herb gardens, or Roman shades add warmth and a personal touch. Choose natural fabrics and vintage finds for a cosy, inviting feel.
• Contemporary: Bold wall art, sleek blinds, and potted plants add vibrancy and freshness. Neutral fabrics with clean lines complement the streamlined look, adding life without overwhelming the space.