There are loads of ways to decorate a kitchen: you can make the room bold and eclectic, rustic and cozy, breezy and coastal, or surprisingly glam. And while all these options are worth considering, there’s something irresistible about designing—and spending time in—a classic kitchen.

Classic kitchens take cues from the kitchens that came before them. They’re filled with traditional cabinetry and quality materials. They’re lined with ornate trim and other historic details. And they’re dressed up with enduring accents, like striking window treatments, printed rugs, and full-blown works of art.

These designer-made classic kitchens range from sleek and simple to dramatic and opulent. But in every iteration, they’re elegant, traditional, and timelessly stylish—exactly the kinds of places you want to cook, host, and spend time in.

01 Keep It Simple With an All-White Palette

There are lots of ways to craft a classic kitchen, but one of the easiest is to start with a timeless palette. Paint your walls and cabinets white, and stick with classic hardwood floors. The palette will immediately set the tone in your space, giving you a classic canvas to work with as you layer in fixtures and décor.

02 Hang a Classic Chandelier

Vintage Crystal Raindrop Elegance Chandelier - Faceted-Glass Crystals and Rain Drops Display for Dining Room and Living Room Lighting

Chandeliers aren’t appropriate for every kitchen—but in a classic kitchen, they feel right at home. Keep an eye out for something that looks genuinely vintage, and don’t be afraid to go understated. Since chandeliers are so showstopping, you can stick with something subtle and still make a statement.

03 Line Your Backsplash With Marble

Industrial Modern Glass Globe Pendant - Sleek Chandelier with Clear Glass Shades, Suitable for Dining Room And Living Room

Marble is one of the most elegant materials around, so it’s a no-fail addition to your classic kitchen. Line your countertops with the sturdy yet stunning material—and consider lining your backsplash with marble, too.

04 Make Space for a Sprawling Island

Open-concept kitchens may be on-trend, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look classic. By building a sprawling island, you can capture some of the intimacy you’d get from a classic kitchen—while enjoying the flexible feel of a more contemporary space.

05 Invest in Kitchen Window Treatments

Window treatments are a must in any classic space—your kitchen, included. So spring for a set of printed curtains that bring the room together. Or keep it simple with a set of classic white blinds.

06 Paint Your Cabinets an Elegant Color

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Color isn’t off-limits in a classic interior. The key is to keep your palette sleek and sophisticated. So stay away from the trendy paint colors that are all over your feed. And stick with something elegant, like navy blue or forest green.

07 Line Your Walls With Art

Art may not be the first thing you reach for when decorating your kitchen. But it should be, especially if you want your space to feel classic. Keep an eye out for paintings, drawings, and photographs that’ll dress up your kitchen, and consider slipping them inside some lovely antique frames.

08 Craft a Subtle Statement Ceiling

Decorating your ceiling might sound a little avant-garde. But step inside any old building, and you’ll likely find ornate tiles or exposed structural beams lining the top of the room. Do some research to learn more about the style of your home. Then, craft a classic statement ceiling that honors your home’s history.

09 Let Your Dishes Double as Décor

Displaying your dishes is a time-honored tradition, one that’s left us with china cabinets, curios, and other display cases. And you can nod to this custom—without buying any new furniture—by lining your kitchen shelves with the prettiest dishes you own.

10 Snag a Truly Striking Stove

When shopping for a stove, function is the main priority. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice form. By snagging a retro stove, you can add nostalgia and style to your kitchen—making it feel both more classic and more stylish.

11 Trade Sconces for Picture Lights

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When it comes to lighting kitchen shelves, sconces and recessed lights are popular picks. But don’t overlook picture lights. Since the mounted lights are typically used to illuminate paintings, they’ll make an elegant addition to your kitchen. And they’ll give you all the light you need to brighten up your shelves.

12 Tuck a Dining Nook Inside Your Kitchen

Pressed for eat-in space in your kitchen? Tuck a dining nook inside it. By stocking up on classic bistro furniture, you can transport yourself to the streets of Paris every time you step foot in your kitchen.