Timeless Classic: A Throwback Kitchen Design Still Shining in 2025

Ever wonder how designers create such stunning spaces? The key lies in understanding functionality before anything else. Effective design prioritizes spatial flow, efficient layouts, and optimization for user needs—right down to decisions like relocating major components, such as the sink or refrigerator. Once we establish a strong foundation for functionality, we move on to what truly captivates everyone: the personality of the design.

Today, I’m taking you on a journey through a timeless classic kitchen and great room remodel we completed in 2019. Despite the trends that have come and gone, this design remains as relevant and beloved today as it was when we revealed it to our clients five years ago.

Functional Foundation

Our clients purchased their Plano home with the intention of remodeling. Built in 1988, the house retained its original '80s character and layout. What stood out about this property was the layout: a single-story, 3,900-square-foot design with two wings seamlessly connected by the kitchen and great room. The back of the home featured large windows, flooding the space with natural light and providing serene views of the pool.

While charming, the home’s dated features were unmistakable. The cabinets and paneling bore a pickled-wash finish, and the fragmented flooring disrupted the flow between rooms. The dual islands in the kitchen presented a cooking nightmare, and surprisingly, many cabinets were underutilized—a rare scenario for any designer.

Recognizing the potential in this diamond in the rough, our clients entrusted us with the challenge. The objective was clear: modernize the space to reflect their personal style while preserving the home’s inherent character. Our project scope covered approximately 1,100 square feet, encompassing the kitchen, wet bar, family room, and breakfast nook. Essentially, we were tasked with transforming a small house within a house. Though divided into distinct sections, the space required a cohesive design to maintain its open flow. With a clear plan in hand, we embarked on the journey to create a timeless classic.

Classic Meets Modern: Achieving the Perfect Aesthetic

With the functionality nailed down, we turned our attention to the design’s personality—timeless, elegant, and with just the right touch of modernity. Here’s how we achieved it:

CABINETRY

At the heart of the design are the custom-built island and range hood, focal points defined by their deep, charcoal-gray finish. We reallocated perimeter storage to accommodate a striking 68-inch custom range hood, transforming it into a statement piece that anchors the space.

To complement the dark focal elements, we selected soft white cabinetry with a subtle smoke-gray glaze for the perimeter. Raised panel doors introduced a sense of classic craftsmanship, while the clean, radius-edged profiles ensured a fresh, updated feel. Brushed nickel hardware unified the look, and functional enhancements—including integrated trash/recycle bins, blind corner pullouts, and utensil organizers—improved accessibility and workflow.

COUNTERTOPS & BACKSPLASH

The kitchen’s oversized island features breathtaking Winter Valley granite stone, characterized by its crisp white base and delicate blue-gray veining. Imported from Brazil, this stone marries durability with aesthetic sophistication, making it an ideal centerpiece for a high-use space.

For the perimeter countertops, we opted for Cambria’s Menai quartz, a dramatic deep black with shimmering silver flecks that evoke the image of a starlit sky. To maintain visual balance and brightness, we installed oversized glossy white subway tiles for the backsplash, enhancing light reflection while ensuring a timeless, versatile appeal.

APPLIANCES

A suite of professional-grade appliances integrates seamlessly into the design, elevating both utility and visual appeal:

Wolf 48-Inch Pro-Style Dual-Fuel Range: Featuring dual convection ovens and six sealed burners, this range delivers unmatched performance and style.
Sub-Zero 42-Inch Built-In French Door Refrigerator: Advanced dual-refrigeration systems preserve freshness, while customizable shelving offers adaptability.
Wolf Microwave Drawer: Discreetly installed below counter height for ergonomic ease.
Asko Fully Integrated Dishwasher: With whisper-quiet operation and exceptional cleaning power, this unit ensures minimal disruption.
Custom Best Wall-Mount Hood Insert: Providing a robust 1,200 CFM blower system, it combines performance with sleek, unobtrusive design.

WORKSTATION SINK

A standout feature of the oversized island is The Galley Workstation Sink, a versatile, four-foot culinary hub. Engineered to support food prep, cooking, serving, and cleanup within a single, ergonomic space, it exemplifies functional design at its finest.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Lighting served as the crowning detail, delivering both utility and visual drama. Oversized clear glass fixtures with gunmetal accents over the island introduced a bold, contemporary contrast, acting as a focal point within the space. To complement this statement, recessed lighting was strategically installed to provide overall illumination, while under- and over-cabinet LED strips added layers of light that served both task-oriented needs and ambient purposes, enhancing the room's versatility and visual appeal.

To unify the kitchen and adjoining great room, we installed 1,100 square feet of vein-cut, earth-toned porcelain tile. The material choice provided both warmth and durability, grounding the space in natural, timeless tones.

Why This Kitchen Still Shines in 2025

Exceptional design transcends fleeting trends by marrying form and function. Here’s why this project remains as relevant and visually compelling today as it was in 2019:

Neutral Color Palette: The soft white cabinetry and warm earth tones create a flexible foundation, allowing for evolving decorative accents.
High-Quality Materials: Durable, top-tier materials ensure longevity, functionality, and enduring visual appeal.
Classic Design Elements: High quality custom cabinetry, subway tiles, and brushed nickel finishes are design elements that never feel outdated.
Open Concept Design: The seamless connection between the kitchen and great room reflects the way families live today and will likely continue to in the future.

What Our Clients Say

Years after the remodel, our clients still praise the space for its functionality and timeless appeal. Personal touches, like seasonal decor or a bold area rug, have allowed them to evolve the space while maintaining its foundational beauty. This adaptability is the true hallmark of timeless design: a space that grows with its users without losing its identity.

Ready to Create Your Timeless Classic?

At the KLW Design Studio, we combine thoughtful functionality with enduring beauty to deliver spaces that stand the test of time. Whether you’re envisioning a kitchen update or a full-scale remodel, we’re ready to help transform your vision into reality.