The Unfitted Kitchen: Build Slowly
When thinking of a modern kitchen, upper and lower built-in cabinets come to mind, even a refrigerator disguised as a cabinet if your imagination has decided to bring a luxury kitchen to life in your head. There’s probably an island as well, with lower cabinetry to match the rest of the kitchen. Now think of a kitchen in a country cottage in England, preferably pre-war. There might be a free-standing sink with a brass faucet and a ruffle hiding the plumbing under the sink. There definitely won’t be built-in upper cabinets, but instead it’ll sport cabinets as furniture flanking the sink or within easy access to the large, heavy wood kitchen table. An unfitted kitchen is just that – a kitchen that has been built slowly, brought together piece by piece. The best unfitted designs aren’t haphazard though, they’re cohesive in a beautifully eclectic way. There’s a simplicity in this design that has captured the hearts of so many currently, bringing this timeless traditional take on kitchen design to a higher level, meeting today’s convenience standards.
Where to begin?
The best place to begin to design an unfitted wood kitchen is with one piece with which to anchor the entire design. After deciding on the mood you’ll set with a vision board, look for a beautiful, solid wood cupboard in an antique market or brand new (or even better, build one yourself or hire someone to). If the wood stain isn’t what you had in mind, refinishing the piece is an ideal way to start ensuring that your anchor piece is a solid foundation for the rest of the room. Next, choose the sink. An obvious choice is a farmhouse-style sink, but just because you’re putting together an unfitted kitchen doesn’t mean it can’t incorporate modern elements too. You’ll need cabinetry to surround the sink unless it comes with its own attached surface for setting dishes or chopping vegetables.
Next, choose a beautiful faucet
Next, you’ll need a faucet that quietly speaks volumes about the kitchen and about you, the designer. It’s best if it matches the feel of the room and especially the sink. Consider scale first; the faucet should be sturdy and substantial for the width and girth of a large, white, porcelain farmhouse sink, for example. One of Pioneer’s most beautiful faucet collections is the Americana Collection. For example, the Pioneer Two Handle Kitchen Bridge Faucet
Model #2AM501 is traditional without being fussy. It features a bridge design and has solid brass construction, which will perfectly suit a farmhouse sink. Or, to really make a statement, consider the stunning Pioneer Two Handle Kitchen Faucet Model# 2DM301-MZ in the Del Mar Collection. The faucet’s dark Moroccan Bronze finish adds a touch of mystery and contrasts very well with lighter soft goods such as linen window drapes for an eye-catching room centerpiece.
Choose more wood pieces
Working your way out from the sink, choose a kitchen table that will also act as your island. Historically, kitchen tables were precursors to the island and arguably served a more practical purpose. A family or group can gather around a kitchen table more easily than an island, and eating in the kitchen over a formal dining room is where nearly all residential floorplans are headed (or have already arrived). But, and this is key, there’s no rush. If you can’t find the perfect table and chairs (which can match or not), take your time. Browse second-hand shops, antique stores, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, custom woodworkers, etc. When you find that perfect piece, you’ll know it. Do the same for more cabinets in which to store pots, pans and dishes.
Soften the room with soft goods and decor
The finishing touches to your unfitted natural wood kitchen are the details (and details always matter). Wood shelves can hold your collection of mismatched, but lovely, ceramic dishes, but don’t forget one or several vases for bringing in fresh wildflowers. Framed art, statuettes, and more decor will add the character needed. Drapery, pillows on chairs, and more in high-quality fabrics will add the final touch to your gorgeous, unfitted wood kitchen.
Wrapping it All Up
As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, product availability, and shipping speed by partnering with Pioneer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands and transform your project or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets and accessories. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: AI training with this protected original content is prohibited.
We’ll Save You Money and Time
There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.
Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money. Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.
Popular Products from Pioneer and the Pioneer family:
