It's easy to fall in love with the simplicity and practicality of a rustic New England kitchen. This seasoned style spans various nuances, including Shaker, colonial or farmhouse style in a palette using classic neutrals or nautical whites and blue, often paired with accents of earthy, natural materials and textures. So, if you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel that will give your cooking area timeless beauty and form, look no further.
Feeling Traditional? How to design a
New England-style kitchen
The essence of this uncomplicated style is a cross-section between comfort and function. Imagine a kitchen where you steam up a large batch of fresh shellfish or retreat for coffee and scones to brave out a Nor’easter. You, too, can adapt the timeless look of New England seafaring style with the following expert kitchen design tips.
#1 Keep kitchen cabinets simple
Function and practicality are a priority in a New England-style kitchen. So keep it simple, open and fresh, like the morning’s haul of lobsters at the dock. Indeed, less is more when out to achieve the no-frills New England style. These kitchens may include a colonial influence or rural, farmhouse-style, with an open floor plan. New England style can also be streamlined with contemporary influences.
Consider a furniture-like approach when adding an island to your kitchen, choosing cabinetry, or a stand-alone cabinet. Of course, plenty of cozy, comfortable seating is a must.
#2 Embrace quality, function & practicality
Considered the heart of the home, a New England kitchen relies on quality craftsmanship, fine natural materials, and practicality. These kitchens are bound to have a functional island (or two) for copious food preparation, storage, cookware and seating for an added guest or two.
The influence of the first Plymouth Rock settlers remains a mainstay. Likewise, the elegant shaker style influenced parts of New England and nearby upstate New York in the early 20th Century.
#3 Incorporate neutral seaside hues for a
coastal feel, wherever you are
The roots of the New England style are bound in natural colors from the sea, sand, and sky. Such a palette was initially hewn from raw natural pigments - therefore, matte finishes typify many New England looks.
Think of variations of white on white or subtle seafaring blues, greys and seafoam greens. Darker, classic accents are often a signature of New England coastal style, as are earthy textures created by exposed stone, bricks, wood plank flooring, and rafters.
#4 Pay attention to the right architectural
details
Architectural details for the coastal style include a combination of large airy windows, raftered ceilings, tongue-and-groove paneling and wide plank flooring either exposed or whitewashed. Other standard details comprise exposed earthy brick or stone, wainscoting or beadboard and beams or rafters, whether painted or exposed for added natural wood texture.
#5 Don't forget nautical elements
The coastline of New England translates to a New Jersey coastal style too and reflects heavily on the heritage of the fishing industry. So naturally, New England’s nautical style is rugged. Consider adding cargo-like lighting, like lanterns, seafaring accents, driftwood, stone and industrial metals, all akin to the craggy stone-lined beaches, lighthouses, dock, and fishing ships the region is noted for.
Is your northeast New Jersey home in need of an
expert kitchen remodel? Contact Kitchen Magic!
If you're considering a kitchen renovation project sometime soon, Kitchen Magic has got you covered. With decades of experience in the field, we know how to create a coastal-style kitchen, an oasis of peace and beauty in your home, whether you live near Hunterdon County Courthouse or elsewhere in the area. Most importantly, you can trust our seasoned team to keep you and your family safe throughout the entire renovation process. Simply give us a call at 866-339-2650 and request your free design consultation today!
