Classic vs. contemporary in your kitchen

Using modern integrated appliances alongside traditionally styled kitchen units is a bold way of combining styles in your space, whether you work your white goods behind cabinet doors or prefer a bolder exposed finish.

For contrasting textures, go for visible metallic appliances. Working a modern stainless steel fridge, oven, or microwave, for example, alongside traditional oak cabinetry offers character and statement, giving personality to your kitchen.

Dissimilar colours allow for a striking mixture of contemporary and classic. Vibrant shades of pink, blue, and yellow make an immediate statement. Combine your colourful fridge, microwave, or vibrant island with traditional units for a stand-out look. This approach is especially effective in a larger space, where big and bold features create focal points instead of getting lost an open plan design.

Use your lighting and accessories to offer dynamism within your kitchen. Simple and effective, your lighting helps create focus while accessories give your space life and character.

Pick out beautiful vintage-inspired lighting to add world-wise charm to a modern kitchen. Introduce a metallic theme with industrial copper. Choose glass shades for an elegant finish. Incorporate traditional lighting into a minimalist scheme against chic, white units or bright cabinetry.

For a striking twist, incorporate colourfully decorative lighting that vibrantly contrasts against plain wooden cabinetry and marble surfaces. Styled in a smaller kitchen, this design offers a subtle statement without dominating your space.

Achieve an equally contrasting dynamic through the use of accessories. Find beautiful, cream-coloured metallic pieces with a country cottage feel that can stand out in a shaker kitchen design scheme. Placed against fresh white walls, mixers, kettles, and toasters are simple ways to inject a classic touch to your modern room.

Alternatively, give life to your family cooking space with bright, ultra-modern pieces dotted around your traditional design. Taking centre stage and creating a vibrant environment, create a fun kitchen perfect for enjoying family meals or entertaining friends.

Surfaces and walls are the dominating features of any kitchen, so can be particularly effective for creating juxtaposition. Consider the materials and colours you use, and how each can make the most of your kitchen.

Introduce a classic twist into your modern kitchen through the use of wooden surfaces or thick marble worktops. Combine with plain white painted walls and colourful glossy cabinetry for a stylish and interesting finish. Or offer depth by implementing a stonework kitchen island as a contrasting feature in a modern space, particularly when worked alongside stainless steel or acrylic units.

For a stand-out wall feature, explore charming tiled splashback designs that give your kitchen a classic feel. Using natural green or soft blues, choose an interesting and elegant pattern that makes a statement against plain white walls in your modern kitchen.

Similarly, give your classic kitchen a simple modern twist by styling a rustic copper splashback. Design alongside vibrant kitchen appliances for an eye-catching look in your large, open-plan space, with traditional, dark-wood surfaces and units offering character.

Contemporary and classic needn't be separated. Consider the ways you can combine the two in your kitchen through your appliances, surfaces, and walls. For more inspiration on how you can work contrasting styles together, explore our full range of kitchens.