If you’re on the verge of a renovation or you’re still pinning ideas and looks for “someday,” approach your must-haves for a new kitchen with a timeless perspective. Whether you’re looking for modern and contemporary or a classic and traditional style, every new design or remodel can stand the test of time when assembled with skill, direction, and the right kind of dream list.

Make sure your new design checks the following boxes:  your sanity (and wallet!) will thank you when you’ve put together a durable, eye-catching design that’s heavy on form and function!

1.     High Quality Materials

Quality, natural materials are not only the most attractive option for your new kitchen, but they’ll also give you greater durability as well as usability than a prefabricated option—and they won’t go out of style. Granite, quartz, and quartzite work well on countertops, and stainless steel or porcelain should be your go-to materials of choice for the kitchen sink.

2.     Layouts for Everyday Living

If you’re removing everything from your kitchen, remember to start again from scratch from every angle—beginning with the floorplan and layout of your new kitchen. What island size really fits in your space while maintaining a fluid walkway, and where does it make sense for your pantry to be situated? Consider the practical placements before moving into the design and aesthetic of your space and you’ll guarantee your long-term satisfaction with your updated kitchen.

3.     Timeless Color Palette

Choosing a timeless color palette for your space doesn’t mean you’ll end up with a completely neutral environment—rich, saturated colors can also lend a timeless appeal that incorporates interest, coziness, and a one-of-a-kind look. Remember to choose a palette of hues that flows well with the rest of your home and style. Start by narrowing down the colors you’re innately drawn to, and consider nature-inspired colors with blues, greens, creams, whites, and brown pigments that will coordinate well with a variety of finishes, fabrics, and other materials.

4.     Hardware to Last

Some of the smallest pieces in your kitchen can also make the biggest impact—cabinet hardware. Whether you’ve been dreaming of clean-lined hardware in a bright gold and modern finish or a polished nickel pull for a classic feel, choose a quality line of hardware and use it throughout the space to achieve a cohesive feel and a memorable impression.

5.    Built-in Organization

While the design aesthetic is incredibly important, if a space doesn’t function well, we can quickly tire of it or grow frustrated to keep the space in order. Incorporate some key built-in organization areas to maximize storage and usability in your new kitchen space—think cookies sheet dividers, a pull-out spice rack, and flatware organization. Lastly, consider installing a countertop and include some electrical outlets in your pantry. You can keep your small appliances plugged in and ready to use at a moment’s notice!

6.     Lighting

Lighting sets the mood for every room, and in your kitchen, placement is paramount. Choose an attractive wall-mounted fixture for the spot above your sink, eye-catching pendants to illuminate your island workspace, and well-placed cans (with dimmers!) evenly distributed throughout the rest of the room. Make sure the lights over your island are hung at the proper height to provide enough light without blocking your view of the rest of the room and that they are proportionate to the size of the island in both size and number of pendants or fixtures.