Traditional kitchens are timeless and classic. They evoke a sense of warmth, comfort and familiarity. When it comes to styling a traditional kitchen bench, texture is key. The right textural elements can make the space feel cozy and lived-in. Rattan, ceramics and greenery are three textures that work beautifully together to create an inviting traditional kitchen bench styling.
Rattan brings natural flair. Ceramics add visual interest with their smooth, cool finish. Greenery infuses life and freshness. Skillfully combined, these textures make for an elegant yet comfortable kitchen. This guide will explore how to style a traditional kitchen bench using rattan, ceramics and greenery. We'll look at ways to incorporate each texture and recommend accessories to tie everything together. With some thoughtful styling, it's easy to achieve a bench that feels timelessly chic. Ample texture creates depth and dimension for a space that nourishes the soul.
Here are our top tips and inspiration to create a heartwarming traditional kitchen;
Using Rattan
Rattan is a popular material choice for adding natural texture in a traditional kitchen. Its benefits include:
Durability: Rattan is extremely durable and resistant to weather, stains, scrapes, and general wear and tear. It can last for years with proper care.
Sustainability: Rattan is a natural material that's renewable and eco-friendly. It's harvested from rattan palms without damaging the plant.
Lightweight: Rattan is a lightweight material which makes it easy to move and rearrange. This is ideal for open shelves, baskets, and other kitchen accessories. Easy to Clean: Rattan has a smooth surface that can easily be wiped down. It won't absorb spills or odors.
Stylish Look: The woven texture and neutral tan colors of rattan give it a timeless, natural style perfect for traditional decor. It provides visual interest and warmth.
Affordable: Rattan is an affordable option compared to other natural materials. It can be an inexpensive way to incorporate texture.
Variety: Rattan comes in many weave styles, colors, and shapes. There are endless options to suit any design aesthetic. Rattan adds natural character and timeless style to a traditional kitchen. Its durability, sustainability, lightweight nature, and affordability make it a practical and stylish texture choice.
Incorporating Ceramics
Ceramics are a classic material that add elegance and visual interest to any kitchen. When styling a traditional kitchen bench, look for ceramics in natural tones that complement the rattan and greenery.
Types of ceramics to use are;
Terracotta: Terracotta ceramics in earthy reds, oranges, and browns pair beautifully with rattan and foliage. Opt for terracotta planters, vases, bowls, or servingware. The raw, matte texture provides a nice contrast to the sheen of rattan.
Stoneware: Neutral stoneware in whites, creams, and grays helps ceramics stand out against the rattan. Stoneware planters, mugs, and canisters add subtle pattern and texture.
Earthenware: From crockery to planters, the matte finish and handmade imperfections of earthenware ceramics add organic charm. Stick to neutral earthenware to let the greenery pop. -
Porcelain: For a touch of elegance, include white porcelain vases, candleholders, or decorative objects. Metallic accents on porcelain can also introduce a hint of glamour. Aim for simple, artisanal-style ceramics that feel handmade over mass-produced. The organic shapes and unfinished textures will magnify the traditional style.
Adding Greenery
Greenery is an essential element for creating a cozy, lived-in look in a traditional kitchen. When styling your kitchen bench, consider incorporating real or faux plants and flowers. Real plants provide an authentic, organic feel and can liven up the space. Herbs like rosemary, thyme and basil add fresh scents and flavors when cooking. Succulents like echeveria and jade plants are low maintenance. Ferns or ivy offer a natural, woodsy vibe. The downside to real plants is they require proper sunlight, watering and care. Faux plants are a realistic, low maintenance alternative. Silk plants capture delicate details and textures. Well-crafted artificial greenery looks authentic. Mix real and faux varieties together on your kitchen bench for maximum styling impact. Position them in rustic ceramic pots or woven baskets. Let their leafy tendrils spill over the countertop edge for a casual look. Greenery brings nature indoors and completes the cozy, traditional aesthetic.
Texture Combinations:
When combining rattan, ceramics, and greenery for your kitchen bench styling, think about mixing up the textures in an intentional yet organic way. Rattan offers a natural, textured look that pairs beautifully with the smoothness of ceramic pieces. Add in soft, leafy greenery to provide yet another texture. Aim to incorporate rattan baskets or trays as a base layer. These can hold your ceramic dishes, planters, vases, or other accessories. Consider different sizes and shapes of rattan pieces to create visual interest. Next, bring in ceramics with varied glazes and finishes, such as matte, glossy, speckled, or crackled. Place some pieces in rattan containers, while positioning others separately on the benchtop. For example, you could display a ceramic utensil holder or olive oil cruet in a round rattan tray. Finally, weave in fresh greenery to make everything feel more organic and lively. Small planters with trailing ivy or herbs add great texture. You can also use loose leafy branches, ferns, or eucalyptus in rattan or ceramic vases. The green colors and soft shapes complement the other elements beautifully. Varying the textures in this way results in a warm, inviting, and casually styled kitchen benchtop that still feels pulled together. The mix of natural and handcrafted materials creates cohesion and visual interest. Most importantly, the abundance of textures makes the space feel comfortable, relaxed, and full of character.
Accessories:
Accessories play an important role in bringing together the textures and materials used in a traditional kitchen. They allow you to layer in complementary decor that enhances the overall aesthetic. For a traditional kitchen with rattan, ceramics, and greenery, consider accessories in natural materials like wood, wicker, stone, and metal. These will seamlessly blend with the earthy textures already present.
Some ideas include:
* Wooden cutting boards, utensil holders, napkin holders, and trays
* Wicker baskets for storing fruits and vegetables -
* Marble mortar and pestles for grinding spices - Hammered metal containers for storing dry goods
* Stoneware crocks for holding kitchen tools In addition to functional accessories, decorative accents can provide the finishing touch. Look for pieces that have an artisanal, handcrafted quality to complement the traditional style.
In summary, there are many ways to style a kitchen benchtop in a traditional style using texture. Rattan baskets and trays add warmth. Ceramic vases, jars, and canisters provide visual interest. Greenery from plants and herbs bring life. Combining natural textures like wood, rattan, ceramics, and plants creates an inviting, cozy feel. Accessories can be functional like a utensil holder or purely decorative. Proper lighting highlights the textures and materials. Clever storage solutions keep the look tidy. Finishing touches like fresh flowers and decorative bowls pull the look together. With thoughtful styling using texture, you can create a beautiful, traditional kitchen that feels comfortable and lived-in. The key is layering natural materials and playing with height, color, and shape. Keep the look cohesive yet collected over time for a welcoming kitchen.