New England Colonial Kitchen Ideas

Are you planning to revamp your kitchen? Then, consider giving it a rustic, classy look by tapping into styles from the 17th and 18th centuries.

It’s easy to love the functionality, simplicity, and elegance of a vintage New England kitchen. Here we’ve listed the top five must-check New England colonial kitchen ideas:

What Are Colonial Kitchens?

Colonial kitchens are examples of old American classic kitchens, designs explicitly from the 17th or 18th centuries.

The oldest known colonial kitchen dates back to 1648, present in the inventory of the estate of a John Porter of Windsor. According to records, the kitchen included silver spoons, brass, iron, pewter, flax, hemp, arms, ammunition, and various other items.

During these times, most kitchens were separate buildings fitted behind the back of the house. People would keep their kitchens nearly 30 to 50 feet away to ensure the heat it generated wouldn’t spread across the main house.

How Do You Design A New England Colonial Kitchen?

Recreating an authentic New England Colonial kitchen can be tricky. Here are several tips to remember when trying to adopt a colonial style kitchen:

Cabinets and Countertops

New England-style kitchens are all about functionality and practicality. So, your goal is to keep it simple, elegant, open, and fresh.

Think open shelves combined with stand-alone cabinets, comfortable seating, hardware made from

polished pewter or silver, and countertops fabricated from granite or soapstone.

Remember that less is more when creating a no-frills New England style.

Kitchen Ambiance

The main challenge of modeling a colonial kitchen is incorporating appropriate colors, textures, and design aspects. However, there are several architectural elements you can use to create a charming and cozy feeling:

Floors and Walls

Wood was a popular material throughout colonial homes and kitchens since brick kitchens were

exclusively for the rich.

You may create a brick accent wall in the place of a fireplace or your breakfast nook.

Windows and Window Treatments

Colonial kitchens had a cozy feel and had small windows. Consider adding a row of transom windows above your cabinetry to offer a modern yet rustic look to your kitchen.

Paned windows and wooden shutters are common types of window treatment used in homes. Think

about painting the shutters white and hanging some gingham curtains to ensure a colonial feel.

Furnishings and Accessories

During colonial times, families would eat their meals in the kitchen around an expansive table. The

servants would use the same table to prepare food.

Add pie safes, elongated dough bowls, and farm tables to create the ideal New England colonial kitchen.

Add the Perfect Elements

Adding elements to your kitchen depends on how authentic you wish your interior to look. For instance, you may install a wide hearth in the heart of your kitchen.

Or you may decide to forgo a fireplace and choose a more contemporary design.

Top New England Colonial Kitchen Ideas

Create the perfect old-fashioned New England colonial kitchen by stealing one of the ideas below:

Elegant and Contemporary New England Colonial Kitchen

Ensure the perfect blend between a modern kitchen and a period-style flare by going for a

contemporary New England colonial style.

These kitchens feature a granite-topped wooden island reminiscent of large wooden tables of the

colonial days. In addition, you can integrate the feel of a colonial hearth by installing extensive arched cabinetry and a range hood.

Throw in a stone tile backsplash to complete the colonial look.

Rustic Wooden Kitchen

Go for a rustic wooden kitchen by integrating wood and stone into your furniture and cabinetry.

Typically, time-honored kitchens of the colonial times share a fireplace with the adjoining room.

Add a long, wooden table alongside Colonial-style chairs to create an eat-in bar that complements the warm tones of your kitchen’s floors, ceiling, and cabinetry.

Rural Kitchen Aesthetic

Painted woodwork was a status symbol during the colonial days. Select a rustic kitchen appeal by

throwing a distressed paint finish on your wooden island.

Add vintage baskets and ceramics to decorate rustic wood cabinets. You may even install an apron front sink to sell the look.

Modern Colonial Kitchen

Go for a more contemporary design by choosing a modern colonial kitchen style. These kitchens ensure the perfect mix of functionality and beauty with suspended cookware, utensils, and knives.

Moreover, these kitchens feature rustic ceiling beams, blue tilework reminiscent of Dutch Delft Blue

porcelain pottery, and a wooden bench.

Concrete countertops matched with simple wood cabinetry offer a rustic and practical feel to your

kitchen. The modest cotton window valance creates a cozy and welcoming vibe.

Tips to Remember When Designing a New England Colonial Kitchen

Here we’ve listed several must-remember tips when designing the ideal New England Colonial Kitchen:

 Natural and hand-finished hardwood cabinetry is critical to integrating the classic New England

look. Choose between custom wood cabinetry or refracted wood veneers to create a beautiful

colonial kitchen

 Selecting authentic North American lumber also means that you’re using a healthier, eco-

friendly product. Ensure a toxin-free home by choosing your wood of choice, including maple,

oak, or pecan. Each variety brings a colonial character to your kitchen space

 Accentuate the look of your colonial kitchen with traditional door styles boasting subtle yet

intricate detailing or raised panels. You may choose various door styles, such as Shaker, flat

panels, and raised panels

 Add beauty to your kitchen by deciding between natural wood grain or a unique finish and stain

over hardwood

 Traditional colonial kitchens included cabinetry with mid-wood tones. Today, you can find

similar cabinets, as well as light-colored kitchen furniture and cabinetry

The Bottom Line

The essence of a New England colonial kitchen is a cross between function and comfort. Remodel your kitchen and accentuate its beauty by installing beautiful colonial countertops and cabinets reflecting the architectural styles of the past.

At Period Designs Company, we offer you access to an extensive catalog of period-inspired furniture and cabinetry. Our Ohio-based company provides you with customized New England colonial countertops and furniture to enhance your kitchen’s functionality.

Venture onto our website and surf through hand-crafted and hand-finished kitchen furniture fabricated from optimum quality, sustainable, durable hardware. Adapt the timeless look of rustic New England colonial kitchens by booking your appointment today!