How to create an ‘old money’ kitchen

If you thought your kitchen was merely somewhere to feed the family, think again. Interior fashions touch every part of the home, with aesthetics evolving for specific rooms.

One of the latest is the ‘old money’ kitchen. It is the complete opposite of shiny surfaces, sleek lines and flashy gadgets. Instead, the old money kitchen is a statement of quiet, traditional luxury.

Owners of old money kitchens are not rash with purchases or sucked into the latest fads. For example, you’re unlikely to walk in and find an air fryer on the worktop. Instead, old money kitchens are filled with pots and pans handed down through generations, solid materials designed to last a lifetime and subtle touches that speak quality. And if owners of old money kitchens do have gadgets, there will be somewhere discreet to hide them. 

The old money kitchen is a look you can create, even if you don’t own any heirloom serving dishes or a period property. Here’s how to get the look where you live.

Materials: the backbone of an old money kitchen will be solid, natural materials. Although these are an investment at the outset, they are durable, can be repaired and often look better over time. Think flagstone floors, terracotta wall tiles and wooden worktops that need oiling to keep them in good shape. 

Brands: old money kitchens pay homage to classic brands – those that gain a silent nod of approval from visitors. A front runner is Le Creuset – the iconic cookware known for its colourways and longevity. Also in the top ten are Aga, Rangemaster, KitchenAid and Wedgewood.

Cabinet styles: forget glossy, handle-free cabinetry. Old money is a little more ornate. Door and drawer fronts should be Shaker or classic, drawing inspiration from the Victorian period or original country cottages. Handles are everything and brass is a classic finish that never dates. Try cabinetry experts DeVOL, Martin More, Tom Howley and Humphrey Munson for inspiration. 

Big details: the best old money kitchens celebrate the past, especially items that are practical and not just for show. Hand’s down design winners include a butler or Belfast sink, a chef’s mantel, a freestanding butcher’s block, a wall mounted plate rack and glass-fronted display cabinets. Try fluted glass for subtle opulence. If there’s room, a pantry is functional and indicative of good taste.

Accessories: while the old money kitchen is a working one, there is always room for an accessory. The must-have are fresh flowers for that ‘just picked from the garden’ vibe. Perhaps what matters most are the vessels used to display the blooms. Chunky white earthenware, a Delph terrine or stone urn planted with bulbs, antique ceramic jugs and milk churns wouldn’t look out of place.

If you are looking for a new property to call home, whether you are a first-time buyer, second stepper or a downsizer, register your details with us for the latest homes for sale.