Neutral Kitchens Don’t Have to Be Boring – This Design Proves Strong Materiality and Thoughtful Textures Are the Fundamentals of an Inviting Scheme
Slatted cabinetry, blue stone, and a custom island combine to create the most beautiful kitchen – take the tour
It's easy to fall into the trap of ticking every 'classic' design box when creating a kitchen for a historic property. It feels like a safe bet, but it's also incredibly predictable, leaving you with a scheme that lacks character and interest.
But straying from the expected is what has made this kitchen remodel, entrusted to Ashley Montgomery Design, so exciting. It blends historic charm with unique details and strong materiality – it expertly balances the best of old and new.
Article continues belowAdd Warmth with Earth Tones and Texture
Slatted cabinets have been introduced throughout the kitchen, adding abundant texture while still adding an err of timeless appeal.
You don't need to go bold on color to create a sense of warmth – the right neutral tones paired with textural finishes can do all the heavy lifting. That's exactly the approach taken in this design, where earth tones and slatted cabinet profiles combine.
'It was achieved by mixing a very earthy color palette. A warm brown-green on the kitchen cabinets with the character of olive wood. Creamy white range and farmhouse sink give that pop of sophistication, while the headboard cabinets add that extra layer of texture to break up the wall of cabinets,' says designer Ashley Montgomery.
The texture of the cabinetry is just as important to that warm, inviting atmosphere. The design is as timeless as a Shaker kitchen, but brings something new and unexpected to the space. They add depth and emphasize the color palette.
'We wanted something different and unexpected,' she explains. 'While I do love a classic Shaker, I felt this needed a bit more. We have a long run across the range wall, and by adding this detail, we brought warmth into the space. We kept the wall treatments simple with paint, so the cabinets needed to be the show stopper.'
Balance Closed Storage with a Furniture-Inspired Island
Closed storage has been expertly placed to feel accessible yet not overbearing, while the island adds a sense of furniture-like style.
Recent kitchen trends have emphasized the appeal of open storage to soften a room and create a more lived-in look, but that doesn't mean you have to replace your wall cabinets with shelving. An adjoining pantry meant nothing in this kitchen needed to be on display, so closed storage was embraced at every angle.
'For the kitchen ideas, I wanted it always to look put together – open display has its moments, but can sometimes clutter a space. We were working with a large window on one wall, which I look at as our 'open moment.' It adds lightness and ease to the space,' Ashley explains.
Even the kitchen island (a standout feature in the room) focuses on closed storage, but it is expertly balanced by a more freestanding silhouette. 'I wanted it to feel like a piece of furniture. We took the inspiration of a draper's table and made it a bit more functional with drawers on the front for ample storage as well as an overhang on the back for counter seating. It’s a true chef's kiss!'
The lesson here? You don't have to follow the status quo to create a kitchen that's soft and lived-in – success comes from understanding your space and how you use it.
Embrace Statement Stone for a Subtle Infusion of Color
The blue stone countertops wrap around the kitchen, adding a soft infusion of color to the neutral design. Here, the large windows allow plenty of natural light to highlight the various tones.
Contrast is king, especially in a neutral kitchen, and a statement stone is an enduring way to bring in an unexpected detail that adds balance to the rest of the room. Here, a blue stone is used for the kitchen countertops and the backsplash, providing a visual break from the neutral finishes.
'We wanted to combine an old-world feel with modern-day elements. Having the stone be a moment, but not too overpowering,' says Ashley of the choice to introduce the more colorful material, emphasizing the importance of a natural stone in the scheme.
'The blue Roma stone is the perfect subtle hit of color. By honing this stone, it saturates the color just enough to be this perfect soft baby blue. The design of the counter and stone choice helps balance a little bit of that modern contemporary feel with the old English details in the cabinetry.'
Let Lighting Do the Talking
The chandelier above the island truly becomes the star of the show, adding a soft, pleated detail above the harder surfaces. Another example of balance in the space.
Decorative details are so crucial to a characterful, lived-in design, and this scheme gets the balance just right, from the wooden cutting boards perched upon countertops to the aged brass accents and charming kitchen lighting choices.
'This home had so much character to begin with, and we wanted to honor that. Chunky, detailed trim and the original wood floors were a non-negotiable that we would keep in the home,' explains Ashley, acknowledging the need for the fixtures to be a bit lighter and softer.
'Since we chose a ceramic light over the window, I wanted something really soft over the island. This Urban Electric chandelier was perfect to add that touch of glam. It holds its own and is such a statement. The little bits of modern on a classic pleated shade tell the exact story of this kitchen. Keeping the old character while adding bits of modern charm,' she describes.
Quick Tips
The island offers the best of freestanding style and functional storage, with two rows of spacious drawers hidden beneath the wooden top.
- Use texture to add depth to neutral tones
- Take inspiration from nature's palette for a warm, timeless look
- Don't be afraid to add a statement stone
- Avoid following trends that don't work for the way use your kitchen
- Never underestimate the power of decorative pieces
Texture is one of the most important design details in a kitchen, especially in a neutral, pared-back space. It works just as hard as bold color and busy patterns, yet can often feel more refined and in keeping with a home's architecture.
This kitchen proves the emphasis is on balance. The slatted cabinets contrast the smooth finish of the island, and the built-in design is softened by the freestanding feel the island presents. It's neutral, but never boring. 'This room, while subtle, holds its own in a home full of color and pattern.'
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