This once-dated kitchen is now a timeless space with the coziest details – and its the classic color palette that's made it a chic, welcoming space

When you're remodeling or refreshing a kitchen, there are a lot of elements to consider. But perhaps among the most important are the colors and materials you introduce.

In fact, your kitchen color ideas can really dictate the overall look and feel of your space. Warm neutrals signal a more minimalist design, while others feel more classic and cozy.

And it was the color palette in this kitchen remodel that really set the tone. What was once an outdated space is now a warm, welcoming, and totally timeless kitchen – and it's thanks to the bark blue, warm white, and natural wood combination.

While wooden kitchen ideas might be back in style, the original kitchen here was nothing short of dated. The space was filled with orange tones, from the floors to the wood finishes used throughout, so it needed a complete rethink.

'We removed much of the early 2000s wood finishes and refinished the floors to create a calmer, more balanced backdrop. The goal was to soften the visual weight of the space, ensuring that each design element could breathe while still feeling cohesive,' says Sara Swabb, of Storie Collective who collaborated with Tanya Smith-Shiflett, of Unique Kitchens & Baths.

But the aesthetics weren't the only issue that the original owners had. The kitchen layout was confused and dysfunctional, featuring a too-small island and a peninsula that awkwardly divided the space.

'Additionally, what is now the breakfast nook was previously an office, making the layout feel disjointed and inefficient. The space did not work for the family's needs, limiting flow and interaction,' Sara adds.

To bring the scheme up to date and infuse personality and interest, the space required a rethink and some major changes. They opened up the kitchen, reconfigured the layout to create a more open, airy space, and converted the former home office into a dining nook.

'We refinished the floors to eliminate the red-orange undertones, bringing in a softer, more refined feel, and updated the cabinetry with a deep, rich blue-black and natural oak with custom detailing, striking functionality,' she explains.

The kitchen now is a stark contrast to what once was. The moody blue kitchen cabinets paired with the textured wood island is a truly timeless choice, adding interest and contrast to the scheme.

'We wanted the kitchen to feel rich but not heavy, warm but not overwhelming. The deep blue-black cabinetry anchors the space, while the fluted wood island brings in natural texture and warmth,' Sara explains.

'This combination allows for contrast while keeping the overall feel inviting and approachable. The mix of materials – painted and wood kitchen cabinets, stone, and brass – ensures the space feels layered and collected over time, rather than overly designed.'

There are so many beautiful details throughout the scheme that are key to creating the look and feel. Alongside the on-trend fluted wood detail on the island, an Ilve range cooker brings a more traditional detail that adds functional elegance, while vintage lighting and accessories bring a beautiful blend of old alongside the new.

'The client loves the best parts of mid-century modern and modern farmhouse aesthetics but wanted to retain the home’s traditional character. The result is a stylish, layered blend of old and new,' explains Sara.

But it's the new breakfast nook that stands out, adding a casual seating area full of textural interest. Even though it was once a separate room, it now feels like a crucial part of the finished kitchen.

'The breakfast nook is designed to be both functional and inviting. Originally an office, this space felt disconnected from the kitchen. By reimagining it as a cozy dining area, we created a natural extension of the kitchen where the family can gather,' Sara adds.

'The built-in seating fosters intimacy and comfort, making it a perfect spot for morning coffee, casual meals, or even reading. The upholstered bench adds softness, while the vintage-inspired floral fabric on the bench cushion and Roman shades bring in warmth and personality, a subtle nod to the early 1900s. The layered textiles and mix of materials make it feel seamless, comfortable, and beautifully intentional.'

Every element of this kitchen has been thought-out and perfectly curated. The rich hue of the cabinetry is replicated on the nook window treatments to tie the large space together, while the wood floor offers a nod to the old kitchen, but in a more timeless finish.

And the vintage details are the ideal finishing touch. From the lived-in style of the runner to the old style of the pendants and the brass finishes throughout the room, the kitchen really feels as though its always been part of the bones of the home.

From the dark blue kitchen cabinets to the textural natural materials, this kitchen is a masterclass in classic, timeless designs. It demonstrates how to weave a thread through your kitchen design while still giving each zone its own sense of identity.

The newly remodeled space feels bright, open, and functional, while still having that cozy, lived-in feel thanks to the soft furnishings and pretty vintage prints and patterns. Even if you don't have the option of opening up different parts of your home, you can apply the design elements here to small kitchen ideas, too.