A recent client came to us looking for a design team for their kitchen renovation. They have a 100+ year colonial style home in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and were in desperate need of a renovation. The original kitchen and dining room were very small, compartmentalized, and lacked functionality.

They wanted the modern conveniences of a functional, new kitchen, but weren't sure how to begin the process. When we met with them we shared our philosophy that interior design should respect and speak to the architecture of a home. This historic home had architectural charm, and we aimed to create an open functional kitchen that complemented this colonial charm, with handcrafted cabinetry and modern appliances. As we walked through the design process, our client could see how each design decision was both respectful of history and filled with modern convenience.

In the end, we crafted a kitchen that our clients said felt as though it had always belonged in their home. We made a space where an antique-inspired island housed the latest in culinary tech. They were so excited they’d finally found a design team who understood how to blend old-world grace with new-world convenience. At Sharp & Grey, we love helping clients find harmony between the past they cherish and the future they envision.

The Essence of Modern Colonial Design

Creating a modern colonial kitchen begins with a deep respect for colonial architectural roots. Colonial homes are known for their symmetry, balance, and meticulous craftsmanship, and these elements serve as the foundation of a design style that honors the past without ignoring the present. A modern colonial kitchen melds classic features like crown moldings, custom millwork, distinguished wood cabinetry, and natural stone with contemporary elements like open layouts, streamlined finishes, and the latest appliances.

To bring this timeless design, we embrace materials that are classic and timeless while staying fresh and functional. For example, wood and stone—a hallmark of any kitchen—are often paired with understated, muted color palettes. Tones of white, soft neutrals, and earthy shades give a grounded, inviting warmth to these spaces, setting the perfect stage for modern upgrades that feel right at home in a classic setting.

Sharp & Grey’s Main Line Modern Kitchen Renovation

Our featured project, a stunning example of expertly blending old-world charm with modern luxury, was a mainline classic modern renovation updating a 1960s center hall colonial-style home. The original kitchen was small and outdated, so we opened up the space by removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room. This created a spacious, cased opening that allowed for a more generous kitchen footprint while allowing us to add more architectural detail. This home lacked some of the character and charm typically found in older colonial-style homes, so we enhanced the space with custom cabinetry, natural stone, and elevated lighting to add additional character.

Working with historic homes presents unique design opportunities. In this renovation, we retained classic materials like custom cabinetry and natural stone countertops, ensuring the colonial aesthetic remained intact. Modern appliances, while subtle, brought this kitchen into the 21st century and were seamlessly integrated into the traditional design, reinforcing the room's historical charm without overwhelming it. The result was a modern colonial kitchen that effectively doubled in functionality, achieving a perfect blend of modern living and timeless elegance.

Design Elements that Define a Modern Colonial Kitchen

Several core design elements define a modern colonial kitchen, and each plays a vital role in maintaining both charm and function:

1. Open Layouts: One of the most transformative aspects of a modern kitchen is expanding the layout, something we do well here at Sharp and Grey. We love the challenge of making a small space both functional and inviting. Opening up cramped kitchen spaces allows for more natural light and flow, creating a spacious, airy feel while respecting the structure’s original character.

2. Material Choices: The careful juxtaposition of rich, traditional materials with sleek, modern accents adds depth to the design. Warm wooden beams,  stone countertops, and unlaquered metals offer authenticity. Updated fixtures and tailored cabinetry bring a touch of sophistication and modern functionality.

3. Color Palette: Our modern colonial kitchens favor a neutral color scheme, typically incorporating whites, soft neutrals, and earthy hues. These shades enhance warmth and establish a sense of timelessness that is the perfect canvas for more modern  elements.

By thoughtfully blending these design elements, we’re able to create kitchens that look as if they belong in the home yet cater effortlessly to today’s lifestyle needs.

Crafting a Personalized Modern Colonial Kitchen

At Sharp & Grey, no two kitchens are ever the same. We offer comprehensive full-service design that gives you a fully custom design taking into account your family and lifestyle. We are committed to personalizing all of our clients' spaces. You can see that in how we approach each project, ensuring it reflects not only the homeowner’s lifestyle and personality but also the unique architecture of their home.

In the Classic Colonial Kitchen renovation, we created custom cabinetry to enhance storage, providing a tailored solution for a functional kitchen that doesn’t sacrifice style. A large, practical island serves as the centerpiece of the kitchen, offering space for meal prep, family gatherings, and additional storage—all while honoring the colonial style of the home. This approach to personalization allows us to craft spaces that feel unique and intimate, while maintaining the character and beauty of historic homes.

For those interested in creating a custom kitchen that honors classic architecture, we suggest starting with custom hardware, unique tile patterns, and tailored lighting fixtures. These elements can subtly introduce personality while maintaining the traditional essence that makes the traditional colonial style so appealing.

Antiques and Modern Touches

A modern colonial kitchen embodies the best of both worlds: the timeless grace of tradition and the sleek sophistication of modern innovation. The kitchen renovation projects we’ve undertaken, particularly the Classic Colonial Kitchen, serve as inspiration for those looking to integrate this unique design concept into their homes. With each project, we strive to bring forward our clients' vision while honoring the character of their home, turning a kitchen into a harmonious blend of form and function.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“Libby has a great eye, and we are absolutely thrilled with our kitchen, which involved taking down a wall and reimagining the layout. She is very easy to work with, and she listened to and addressed our needs and wishes. We appreciated how much she paid attention to the age and style of our 1925 home in her design. She also designed a new laundry room which is both beautiful and functional, just like the kitchen. Highly recommend Libby and her team at Sharp & Grey!”

Work With Sharp & Grey

If you’re inspired by the timeless charm of colonial architecture and the convenience of modern design, a modern colonial kitchen may be the ideal renovation choice for your home. At Sharp & Grey, we’re passionate about creating spaces that honor the past while embracing the future, and we’d love to work with you to transform your kitchen into a stunning modern colonial masterpiece.

Explore our interior design portfolio or reach out to us today to learn how we can bring your vision to life. Let’s create a kitchen that embodies the best of both tradition and modern luxury—a decorous, functional space your family will love for years to come.

Contact us here to schedule a discovery call.

Talk soon,

Libby