Modern Colonial kitchens are a far cry from traditional 18th century kitchens but they still evoke a sense of permanence, strength, and warmth. Colonial kitchens focus on function with simple form, durable furniture and cabinetry, and plenty of seating for the entire family. If you want to create a welcoming oasis in your home, here’s how to achieve a modern Colonial style with your Norwalk, CT kitchen remodeling project.
Colonial Cabinetry
Colonial kitchen cabinets are usually very simple with a focus on quality workmanship and simple lines. There are many cabinet styles to choose from, however. If you prefer a more rustic look, choose knotty pine cabinets left natural or stained. Painted cabinets also work very well in Colonial kitchens although you should stick with the traditional color scheme of warm creams or white. A whitewash finish on the cabinets is another option that gives the appearance of age and comfort. If you want a more modern appearance, choose traditional cabinetry with leaded glass-front doors.
Large Work Surfaces
A Colonial kitchen always has plenty of work space, including a spacious kitchen island. Ideally, your kitchen should include dedicated zones for food prep, clean-up, cooking, and baking with room for the entire family to pitch in. This large scale extends to every area of the kitchen, including the sink. A deep farmhouse sink is ideal for capturing the workhorse environment of a Colonial kitchen but you can also move the sink to the kitchen island.
Colonial Color Palette
Colonial kitchens are rustic with a calm, neutral color palette that includes earth tones and muted shades. Cream and white are common for walls but you can also incorporate pale shades of yellow or blue. Cabinets and accessories often feature deep shades of gray-blue, brick red, brown, and olive.
Wood Elements
A rustic kitchen always uses natural materials, especially wood. Exposed rough ceiling beams are common in Colonial style kitchens, adding rugged charm and drawing the eye upward. Because most homes today do not have exposed ceiling beams, a handyman can instead use decorative real or faux wooden beams to get the look and feel of an authentic Colonial kitchen. You may also add beadboard paneling to the walls which may be left cream, white, or with a natural finish. Hardwood flooring is the traditional choice for a Colonial kitchen, but your handyman can bring your kitchen into the modern era with wood-look tile for reduced maintenance.
Other Features of a Colonial Kitchen
Traditional Colonial kitchens featured a central brick-lined hearth. This isn’t possible or practical in many kitchens today, but your Norwalk, CT kitchen remodeling project may include a modern take on the hearth with a brick wall and double ovens. Focus on creating an open layout in your kitchen with a large pantry for storing food and a large round, wood table that has room for the entire family. Butcherblock can be a good choice for a Colonial kitchen but it can be easily overwhelmed by the other wood elements in the kitchen. Instead, opt for marble or light granite to brighten the space.