Creating a Casual New England Style Kitchen

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. 

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 kitchen design tips. 

Simple Kitchen Cabinetry

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 choosing cabinetry, a stand-alone cabinet, shelving or the kitchen island. Of course, plenty of cozy, comfortable seating is a must. 

Quality, Function and Practicality

PHOTO CREDIT: Andy Ryan Photographer, 2019

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. As do the Shakers that later settled in parts of New England and nearby upstate New York in the early 20th Century. 

Neutral Seaside Hues

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.

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. 

Nautical Nuances

The coastline of New England reflects heavily on the heritage of the fishing industry. So naturally, New England’s nautical style is rugged. Consider adding cargo-like lighting, 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. 

Find the details you need to create a coastal-style kitchen by contacting award-winning Kitchen Magic to request your free design consultation – it’s easy, informative and there’s absolutely no obligation.  Simply call us at 800-272-5490 to request your free design consultation today!