15 Timeless Old-World Kitchen Design Ideas to Try

6. Farmhouse Sink

Apron sinks, a type of farmhouse sink, are a staple of old-world kitchen design. Designed as a heavy-duty sink for larger pots and pans, this large sink is also a deep, deep sink. One of the reasons farmhouse sinks are a hit with home chefs is their practicality, however, the exposed front creates a rustic, blissful look.

While farmhouse sinks are usually made of porcelain or cast iron, they can sometimes also be found in copper, each of which provides a unique look. A white porcelain sink combined with dark wood cabinetry provides a striking contrast, whereas a copper sink can develop a lovely time-worn patina that enhances its old-world charm.

7. Hanging Pot Racks

As space was limited in old-world kitchens, they were functional as well as ornamental, making the storage solutions available at that time more versatile. Hanging pot racks, especially wrought iron forged or wooden racks are your best bet to maximize space and flaunt your beautiful cookware. This suspends pots and pans, offering functional storage while also making an artful statement in the kitchen.

We started with a pot rack of shiny copper pots that gave the kitchen an immediate old-world European feel. This is a small, but important thing that makes the kitchen feel more alive and useful while maintaining the home’s historic look.

8. Arched Openings

Amongst the most stunning architectural elements found in old-world kitchens are arches. These arched doorways and windows bring a sense of elegance and grace; they soften the lines in the kitchen, making the space feel more inviting! Arches known to Mediterranean and Tuscan kitchens are one design keyword that is regular in both inside alongside outside-air ranges.

Whether in windows, doorways, or even a kitchen hood shape, arches give the space an old-world sophistication (Girard 2020). When remodeling a kitchen, the introduction of an arched doorway to the pantry or breakfast nook can give the space a small old-world touch but one that has a big impact.

9. Statement Range Hood

In an old-world kitchen, a statement range hood becomes the focal point. The same can be seen in many European kitchens, where the range hood was built out of stone and wood, complete with ornate carvings or moldings to create a more stately appearance. These big, decorative hoods command attention and lavishness as part of a professional cookery-grade preparation range.

Go with aged copper, stone, or wood for the range hood to impart a sense of old-world charm. With depth and increasingly complex details — think corbels or scrolling patterns — it can become a thing of beauty itself, a combination of function and art.

10. Open Shelving

Kitchens in the old world weren’t about tucking things behind sleek cabinet doors, open shelving was used to showcase beautiful ceramics, vessels, and kitchenware. Use open shelving made with reclaimed wood or wrought iron to showcase your best pieces, while keeping your most used ones close at hand!

The airiness of shelving cabinet designs works well to make even a kitchen feel more spacious if paired with other natural materials like stone and wood. Use some, for example, vintage jars, copper pots, or hand-painted plates, to create a vintage look and feel.