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The traditional kitchen. Is it a vague, all encompassing description for today’s kitchen? Or is the traditional kitchen singularly specific in its style and design? Are there specific requirements a kitchen must have before being considered traditional? Formal and elegant by nature, the traditional kitchen is reminiscent of American and European kitchens of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Three common characteristics that can be found in these kitchens are the use of natural materials, vintage fixtures and detailed ornamentation.

A liberal use of natural materials gives a traditional kitchen its penache. Walnut, cherry and mahogany are woods of choice, bringing a richness to the kitchen with their boldness. Raised panel doors add to the depth of the cabinets. The addition of rope and crown molding, corbels and fluting is used universally used to crown the traditional look. Not only do these details look stunning, they add authenticity to the period of style for which the designer is striving.

A regular use of natural stone or tile is definitive in a traditional kitchen. Granite or tile, alone or in concert with each other gives the design its olde world feel. Traditional kitchen designers will also seek out vintage fixtures such as faucets, lighting and hardware. These reproduction type details will go a long way in defining the traditional kitchen, and can easily be found in many stores in most cities.

Kitchens of the Victorian era are the epitome of traditional. High arched doors lead into a kitchen that can only be described as elegant. Ceiling panels and ornate crown molding are signatures of Victorian tradition. Cabinets of heavy woods contrast richly with ornate wallpaper and tile or wooden floors.

The Italian kitchen is a fine example of the traditional kitchen. It is like the Victorian kitchen in that it, too, puts heavy emphasis on the cabinetry. Usually painted a light cream color, the cabinets often boast intricately raised panels along with rope trim and molding. Ornate tiling and custom carved reliefs add to the olde world feel in the traditional Italian kitchen, as do granite and marble tiled counter tops.

The Georgian kitchen is one more example of the traditional kitchen. Like the Victorian and Italian kitchens, the Georgian has its own, distinctive style characteristics. The addition of black accents is common here, such as a large center kitchen island. Utilizing a wall for stacking cabinets from floor to ceiling is a popular design element. The cabinets, made of dark walnut, cherry or mahogany generally have a formal, raised square panel and are topped with a generous amount of ornate crown molding.

Although the traditional kitchen is elegant and formal, the homeowner must not discount its functionality and convenience. It can be a kitchen to suit any need. The basic design elements are the same: The use of vintage or antique fixtures, natural materials and ornamental details yet the possibilities of the traditional kitchen are endless.

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