How To Update Your Kitchen While Staying True To The Age Of Your Home

If you’re living with creaky kitchen cabinets, older appliances, chipped countertops, and cracked tile, you have one or more clear signs that your home is in need of a kitchen remodel. So what’s stopping you from taking the leap? If you’re the proud owner of a house that was built in the 1800s or early-to-mid 1900s, you may be fearful that a new kitchen design would clash with the other more traditional rooms. We’re here to tell you that new doesn’t have to mean contemporary. Here are some tips to help you update your kitchen while staying true to the age of your home.

Match the period of your home by maintaining its original layout.

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One stark differentiator between a traditional and contemporary kitchen is the layout. In more modern kitchens, we tend to see kitchen islands and open concept designs that were less popular in the past.

A good way to match the period of your home is to mimic the original layout as closely as possible throughout your renovation.

Classic kitchen cabinets make a great update in a traditional home.

If contemporary kitchen cabinets aren’t your style, don’t worry. You’ll be able to find a wide selection of classic designs that have been minimally modified for today’s tastes and preferences. Let’s take a look at Shaker style cabinets, for example.

This timeless design has remained a popular choice for decades and will continue to thrive for years to come. At The RTA Store, we’ve taken the same classic look that has been loved for years and added functional luxuries like soft-close doors and drawers.

These, and many more of our cabinet styles, will fit right in with your older home. You can even add traditional details like crown molding, valences, plate racks, and glass door fronts.

Mix and match cabinet styles and countertop materials to preserve authenticity.

One way to keep a kitchen true to the age of your home is to mix and match your kitchen cabinets. With contemporary kitchens, the goal is often to create a very seamless design. This wasn’t the case in the past. By strategically mixing and matching your cabinetry, you can create a unique contrast in your kitchen and also preserve its authenticity.

Some stylish ways to mix and match cabinetry is to have one natural wall and one finished wall. You could also have all of the same wall cabinets but then use a different style for a hutch or cupboard. In regards to your countertop, opt for butcher block on your kitchen island, in contrast to natural stone or another material used elsewhere in the kitchen. Then add an apron front sink to complete the look.

Find modern appliances with classic style.

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That large stainless steel or matte black refrigerator can make any room instantly feel modern. If that is something you’re trying to avoid with your kitchen remodel, shop for large appliances that are reproduced in a retro style. You’ll find everything, from refrigerators and ranges, to small appliances like toasters and stand mixers, in classic shapes and colors with vintage charm. Or consider tucking away those small appliances with smart, inside cabinet accessories made specifically for clearing off kitchen countertops.

At The RTA Store we help make your dream kitchen a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) and Pre-Assembled kitchen cabinets, and accessories with the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let us make your kitchen dreams come true with the help of our free room design tool!