Incorporating Classic Design Elements into Modern Kitchens - Express Kitchens
Incorporating Classic Design Elements into Modern Kitchens

Mar 25,2025 / CABINETS

Incorporating Classic Design Elements into Modern Kitchens

Let’s Talk Kitchens—Because We Practically Live in Them

Alright, let’s be real. The kitchen is where life happens. It’s where you make coffee before you can function, where your kid dumps their school bag on the counter, and where you somehow always end up standing during every party.

So, if you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel, I get it—it’s a big deal. You want something stylish but practical, modern but timeless. You don’t want to redo everything in five years because you followed a trend that didn’t last. The good news? You don’t have to pick one style over the other. You can have a kitchen that blends classic charm with modern convenience. And no, it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience (well, mostly).

Grab a coffee (or a glass of wine—no judgment here), and let’s talk about how to get a kitchen that’s beautiful, functional, and actually works for real life.

Classic Kitchen Features That Never Get Old

Some things just work. Like your favorite hoodie, a perfectly cooked steak, or Friday night pizza. These classic kitchen features are the same—they've stood the test of time and always look good:

  • Shaker-Style Cabinets: Like your go-to jeans, Shaker cabinets just work—clean, unfussy, and ready to slide into any kitchen style without a fuss. They’re the quiet hero of cabinetry, looking equally at home in a farmhouse or a sleek city loft. No drama, all charm.

A modern kitchen with white Shaker-style cabinets, a gray stone island, stainless steel appliances, and stylish pendant lighting. Decorative elements like a fruit bowl and potted plants add warmth.

  • Natural Materials: Wood and stone are the kitchen equivalent of that well-worn leather jacket- they only get better with time. Synthetic stuff tries, but it can’t fake that lived-in warmth or the stories your marble countertop collects. Real materials keep it honest 

A modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, white marble countertops, and elegant black hardware. Decorative plants and unique sculptures add a touch of artistry.

  • Farmhouse Sinks: These deep-bellied beauties are the kitchen’s MVP, tackling giant pasta pots and cookie sheets without breaking a sweat. That iconic front? Pure personality - like a smile in apron form. Form meets function, and they’revery good friends.  

A contemporary kitchen with white cabinetry and a striking black farmhouse sink. The clean, minimalist design is highlighted by a quartz countertop and a geometric backsplash. Fresh greens and kitchen herbs add a natural element, while modern appliances and a well-organized workspace suggest functionality and style.

  • Glass-Front Cabinets: Perfect for displaying fancy dishware, cookbooks, or even just a few sentimental pieces that make you smile. They provide an elegant way to showcase your favorite dishes or decorative items, adding visual interest and depth to the space. Incorporating glass-front cabinets can make your kitchen appear brighter and more spacious, creating a welcoming atmosphere. 

An inviting kitchen featuring deep blue cabinetry paired with white marble countertops. The space is enhanced by elegant glass-front cabinets that display white dishware, adding to the room’s airy feel. Accents like a gold chandelier and brass hardware provide a touch of luxury, while fresh fruits and rustic bread on the counter invite a sense of homeliness. Light blue walls and natural light streaming through the window create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Custom Cabinets: They keep things light, airy, and just a little bit fancy, like open shelving’s more polished cousin. Peekaboo storage for the win. You ever try to fit way too many snacks into a cabinet that just wasn’t built for real-life storage? That’s why custom cabinets are a game-changer. They’re designed for your space, so you’re not wasting an inch. 

A spacious kitchen blending rustic and modern elements, featuring an L-shaped island with a dark wood base and sleek white marble countertop. White cabinetry lines the walls, complemented by minimalist gold hardware and a matching faucet. Natural light floods the space, highlighting a casual dining area and a classic white stove. Decorative touches include a dried flower arrangement on the island and a patterned rug, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Thinking about Googling “custom cabinet shops near me”? Smart move. Visiting a cabinet store near me lets you touch the finishes, open the doors, and imagine what will work best for your space (and your snack obsession).

Why You’ll Love Custom Cabinets:

  • Perfect Fit: No weird gaps or wasted corners. Everything has a place.
  • Your Style, Your Rules: Want sleek black cabinets? Done. Prefer light oak with vintage handles? Go for it.
  • Built to Last: These aren’t flimsy, mass-produced cabinets. They’re solid, well-crafted, and made to survive everything from cooking marathons to toddler destruction.

Adding Modern Touches Without Losing the Classic Charm

Here’s where we get the best of both worlds. A modern kitchen doesn’t have to feel cold and futuristic—it just has to make your life easier. Here’s how to mix old and new without it feeling forced:

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Maximize space with pull-out pantry shelves, hidden spice racks, and soft-close drawers. These smart upgrades enhance organization and efficiency. Once you try them, you'll never look back! 

An elegant kitchen cabinet arrangement in muted gray tones, showcasing an open storage design. The shelves are meticulously organized with a variety of dishes and kitchenware, including plates, bowls, and teapots, creating a harmonious display. Gold handles on the drawers add a touch of luxury, complementing the dark countertop. This kitchen design balances functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it ideal for those who appreciate both accessibility and style in their cooking space.

  • Classic Colors That Always Work: Timeless shades like white, navy, forest green, and warm neutrals create an elegant foundation. They blend effortlessly with any style and never feel outdated. A classic color scheme ensures lasting beauty.

This inviting kitchen boasts rich green cabinetry that provides a warm, earthy atmosphere, perfectly complemented by dark wood flooring. The cabinets are adorned with brass hardware, adding a touch of elegance. A white island with a wooden countertop sits at the center, enhancing the room's traditional charm. White pendant lights hang above, illuminating the space with a soft glow, while open shelving displays an array of glassware and ceramics. The kitchen features a classic tile backsplash with blue and white patterns, contributing to its vintage aesthetic.

  • Hardware with Personality: Upgrade your kitchen’s look with matte black, brushed gold, or vintage-inspired pulls. These small details add charm and sophistication with minimal effort. A quick swap, a major style boost!

This sophisticated kitchen seamlessly blends modern design with classic touches. It features elegant white cabinetry with gold hardware, set against a striking black island at the center. The white marble countertops and backsplash add a luxurious feel, complemented by modern appliances and sleek pendant lights. Natural light filters through the window, casting a warm glow on the fresh greenery and decorative elements scattered throughout the space, creating a welcoming and stylish cooking area.

  • Mixing Materials: Pair sleek quartz countertops with rustic reclaimed wood shelves for the perfect contrast. A modern light fixture over a classic island creates a striking balance. Blending textures brings warmth and character. 

This kitchen showcases a striking contrast with its deep navy blue cabinetry and luxurious marble countertop featuring dramatic white veining. Gold hardware adds a touch of sophistication, complementing the white subway tile backsplash and the open shelving that displays neatly arranged kitchen essentials. The large kitchen island is accompanied by modern wooden stools, providing a cozy dining area. Large windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing the sleek and modern aesthetic.

Choosing Cabinets Without Losing Your Mind

Cabinets are everything in a kitchen. They set the tone, store your essentials, and determine how much you’ll love (or hate) your space. If you want to make the best choice, do yourself a favor and visit cabinet companies near me or a cabinet shop near me before making a final decision.

And please - let the pros handle the installation. Nothing will make you lose your mind faster than a misaligned cabinet door that just won’t close properly.

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling: Keeping Things Cohesive

If you’re giving your kitchen a glow-up, it might be time to show your bathroom some love, too. A well-thought-out kitchen and bath remodeling project keeps your home looking cohesive. Plus, you might as well get all the renovations done at once instead of living in construction mode twice.

Ways to tie it all together:

  • Matching Cabinet Styles: If you love shaker cabinets in your kitchen, they’ll look just as good in the bathroom.
  • Consistent Fixtures: Choose faucets, lighting, and hardware that complement each other for a seamless feel.
  • Smart Layouts: A well-designed space isn’t just about looks—it’s about making life easier.

The Big Question: How Much Is This Going to Cost?

So, how much does it cost to remodel a kitchen? That depends. If you’re doing a full gut job, expect a higher price tag. If you’re making smart upgrades (like refacing cabinets instead of replacing them), you can keep costs in check. The key is knowing where to splurge (good cabinetry, quality countertops) and where to save (trendy light fixtures, decorative accents).

Finding the Right Pros (Because DIY Isn’t Always the Answer)

Unless you’re a professional contractor (or have way more patience than the rest of us), you’ll probably want to hire help. But not all kitchen remodelers are created equal. Before committing, do your research:

  • Check Their Work: Look at before-and-after photos.
  • Read Reviews: See what real customers say.
  • Ask About Customization: If you have a vision, make sure they can bring it to life.

Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen, Your Rules

At the end of the day, your kitchen should feel right for you. Whether you go all-in on a full remodel or just make a few thoughtful upgrades, blending classic charm with modern convenience will create a space that’s stylish, practical, and perfect for everyday life.

And remember - don’t stress too much about trends. Choose what you love. After all, you’re the one who’s going to be cooking, snacking, and making memories in this space for years to come.

Now, who’s ready for some kitchen daydreaming?