Kitchen design: can you have a modern kitchen in a traditional house?

Christchurch has a diverse housing stock; the combination of modernity and tradition is visible on every street. From the beautiful heritage properties through to the ultra-contemporary, the heart of the home is the kitchen. Today’s lifestyles place new demands on kitchens which older properties don’t accommodate. Kitchens have evolved from practical spaces where food was stored and prepared into communal and multifunctional spaces.

No matter where your home sits on the timescale, all homeowners share the desire for a kitchen space that works for the family and complements the property – and this is where people feel conflicted, how can a modern kitchen align with the architecture of an older house?

Embracing modernity in traditional spaces

The charm of an older house often lies in the architectural details and classic design elements of the period it was built in. However, the desire for a contemporary kitchen design doesn't have to work against these features. On the contrary, with the help of expert kitchen designers and experienced and skilled joiners, the delicate balance between tradition and modernity is found and new design elements can fit seamlessly into an existing structure, and here’s how:

Custom kitchen cabinet designs

Contemporary kitchen designs are all about clean lines and minimalist but highly functional elements. Finesse Joinery’s union of expert kitchen design and carpentry services enable the team to create custom storage solutions for integration into the overall aesthetic of the house.

The designs complement both the traditional and modern aspects of your home, for example:

• Combining different materials in the kitchen cabinet design such as wood and glass adds texture and contrast while blending the warmth of the traditional with a modern touch.
• Incorporating custom pantry cabinets with sleek, handle-less designs provides ample storage to keep the kitchen clutter free and retain the contemporary aesthetic. 



Merging style with functionality

Incorporating an entertainment unit into the kitchen area can be a game-changer and take your kitchen renovation to a new level. Exploring with different material options for a media and entertainment unit can again resonate with the traditional elements of the house or be used to make a contemporary statement; a designer entertainment unit that not only serves its functional purpose but adds an artistic flair to the kitchen.

Modern lighting design for kitchen ambiance

Lighting plays a pivotal role in kitchen design and the vibe you can create in it. Modern kitchen designs often feature sleek, statement lighting fixtures that are stunning focal points, they are no longer simply practical. Contemporary kitchen lighting design complements the more traditional features of your house and adds a modern touch without overpowering the overall aesthetic.

In answer to the question, "Can you have a modern kitchen in an older house?"—the resounding answer is yes. The key lies in thoughtful kitchen design to respect the traditional elements of the house while effortlessly integrating the modern features.

The good news is you don’t have to start your kitchen renovation journey alone. Contact Finesse Joinery to make an appointment with our kitchen design Christchurch team or visit the showroom at 423 Main North Road, next to Styx Mill Bridge in Christchurch to explore the possibilities.