It’s hard to pin down what makes a New England style kitchen, apart from the use of rustic and coastal design elements. Here’s a quick guide on how to get the updated New England look for your kitchen.
Natural Color Palette
New England homes are among the oldest homes in the country and usually feature colors made from natural pigments. Many homeowners favor light shades of blue paired with white because it evokes a coastal feel while others choose all-white with dark-colored cabinetry or kitchen island for accent. You can also choose to leave brick walls exposed for a more rural look.
Functional Kitchen Cabinet Design
When designing New England style kitchen cabinets, function must not be sacrificed over style. A good kitchen remodeling contractor or designer should be able to balance getting the most storage space while choosing the right design elements. Raised or recessed cabinet doors are among the most popular traditional styles while many homeowners choose tongue-and-groove vertical paneling for a more textured look.
Kitchen Island
While a kitchen island can be found in many kitchen styles, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a New England style kitchen without one. Islands are an important element of English kitchens that serve a large household. It dominates the kitchen as it serves as the preparation area, a staging area prior to dinner service and an informal dining space.
Nautical Design Elements
Given the proximity of New England homes to the coast, nautical elements are an essential part of their designs. In addition to natural color palettes as described above, décor, such as industrial metal dining chairs and cargo lighting as well as furniture made of driftwood and shiplap, can give your New England style kitchen an authentic look. Certain types of décor, such as wall-mounted fish or old anchors, may be a bit too much, but a good eye can make them work as part of an ensemble.
STL Design and Build is the leading kitchen remodeler and deck builder serving St. Louis and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (314) 798-9856. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.