Timeless Elements
Partner Content: Keep it classic with Design Studio West
PARTNER CONTENT
Keep it Classic
Just like you can build a whole new style around your favorite blue jeans—from heels and a blazer to sneakers and a tee—you can easily give your kitchen a different look with new accessories, dinnerware, linens, even plants or flowers. It all starts with a timeless foundation. “Choose items with simple, clean lines rather than those overly accented with details,” says Karl Utzman, a designer with Design Studio West. Introduce trends with small pieces that can be easily swapped when tastes change. Karl shares his advice on choosing true classics that you can then dress up or down.
Wood is always in. Look for woods in the weathered tones we see in nature. “I like cerused wood because it captures the character of the grain, and lends an appearance of having aged in the natural environment, like driftwood,” Karl says.
Marble countertops are classic but high maintenance. Karl recommends granite or natural quartzites with a flamed or antiqued finish as opposed to a polished, shiny surface.
Go with a classic subway tile backsplash. “It’s been popular for more than 100 years,” Karl confirms. However, he likes to put a spin on it—literally. Karl uses the long rectangular tiles in a vertical design rather than the standard stacked fashion. Or try an angled herringbone pattern. “Give a new look to the same shape,” he says. It will feel fresh now and a decade from now, too.
Pendant lights will never go out of style—as long as you choose simple forms. Karl likes bell jar, farmhouse- or schoolhouse-inspired fixtures. He cautions against going glitzy and glam when it comes to lighting because “they just won’t stand the test of time,” he says.
Custom is King
Opt for quality. Splurge on factory-produced, factory-finished cabinetry with clean lines in white or gray. You can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true Shaker-door style. Try Shaker cabinets with a twist. Add a custom bevel or an applied molding detail for a simple presence with just a little more personality.
Learn more: Contact Design Studio West.
