Borrow Traditional Kitchen Design from Northern Europe for a Cheerful, Functional Look

Inspiration for traditional kitchens may lead you outside the United States. For example, the long, dark winters of Sweden, Denmark, and Scandinavia have inspired kitchens with a bright, clean, sunny feeling. Walls and cabinets are often white with very simple brushed aluminum hardware on doors and drawers. The primary visual warmth is from wood-toned countertops or kitchen furniture. Color accents are from towels or decorative countertop items. The lines of cabinetry and furniture are on the Quaker-like, geometric side - a look that Americans may think of as contemporary, but have been traditional for decades in northern Europe. Windows are often large multi-panes with slender framework. Curtains? Heavens no! Pleated shades (most likely with dual cells) snug up against the top to maximize light during the day and insulate at night. So if you don't like clutter, adopt northern European traditional kitchens styles, then Americanize with red and blue accents.

More Pictures of Traditional Kitchens: