Top 10 Dutch Kitchen Design Ideas for Small and Old Homes

Published: 1 Aug 2025

Dutch kitchen design is a smart mix of beauty and simplicity. It comes from old Dutch and colonial-style homes, where kitchens were warm, clean, and practical. Today, this style is still loved for its soft colors, wooden touches, and neat layout. In this blog, you will discover 10 beautiful and practical Dutch kitchen ideas that can make your kitchen stylish and easy to use. Want a cozy look with simple charm? These ideas will help you design a space that feels just right.

Table of Content

What Is Dutch Kitchen Design?
10 Dutch Kitchen Design Ideas
Tips for Blending Modern Function with Historic Style
Conclusion
FAQs – Dutch Kitchen Design

What Is Dutch Kitchen Design?

Dutch kitchen design is a warm and classic kitchen style. It first started in Dutch Colonial homes, inspired by houses in Amsterdam and the European countryside.

This design looks simple and beautiful. Many people still love it today because:

It uses natural wood like oak or pine for cabinets.
The colors are soft, like light blue, white, or warm earth tones.
It has a vintage touch, with open shelves, copper pots, and old-style lights.

Dutch kitchen design feels both cozy and timeless. It works well in both modern and traditional homes.

It’s also close to other styles like:

Colonial style
European country kitchens
Traditional kitchen design

If you want a kitchen that feels calm, charming, and long-lasting, Dutch kitchen style might be perfect for you.

10 Dutch Kitchen Design Ideas

Ready to give your kitchen a timeless upgrade? Dutch kitchen design blends old-world charm with smart, modern touches. In this section, we will explore 10 beautiful and practical Dutch kitchen design ideas to help you create a warm, functional space that feels like home.

1. Hearth-Style Range Hood

A hearth-style range hood looks like a cozy fireplace built above your stove. It’s one of the most iconic features in Dutch kitchen design. This hood creates a warm, welcoming feeling and becomes the center of attention in the kitchen. It reminds you of old-style Dutch homes where cooking was a family event.

Why it’s iconic: The hearth-style hood adds charm, depth, and tradition to your space. It frames your cooking area beautifully and makes even a modern kitchen feel timeless and classic.

Materials to use: You can use different materials depending on your kitchen’s look:

Wood – adds warmth and rustic charm
Brick – gives an old-world, farmhouse feel
Tile – easy to clean and great for a modern twist

2. Dutch Blue Cabinets

One of the most loved features in Dutch kitchen design is the use of soft blue cabinets. This shade is often called De Nimes or a muted dusty blue. It’s not too bright and gives a peaceful, classic feel to the kitchen.

These blue cabinets look beautiful when paired with brass handles or mixed metal hardware like brushed gold or matte black. The warm tones of the metal add a lovely contrast to the cool blue, making your space feel both elegant and welcoming.

Tip from a Kitchen Specialist: For a balanced look, use blue only on your lower cabinets. Keep the upper cabinets white or off-white. This keeps the kitchen light and open, especially in small spaces.

3. Exposed Ceiling Beams

Exposed wooden beams are a classic feature in Dutch kitchen design. They bring a warm, old-world charm to your space. These beams make the ceiling look higher and give the kitchen a cozy, country-style feel.

If your home has original wooden beams, keep them. Clean them well and make sure they’re strong. You can even sand and polish them to bring out the natural wood’s beauty.

4. L-Shaped Layout with Island

An L-shaped kitchen with an island is one of the smartest choices for small Dutch kitchen designs or homes with unusual room shapes. This layout gives you more counter space without making the kitchen feel crowded.

The “L” shape keeps your work area open and easy to move around. The island adds extra room for cooking, storage, or even casual dining. It’s perfect for older homes where the kitchen may not have a regular shape or size.

Why this works well:

Makes the kitchen look bigger and more open
Allows better movement between the sink, stove, and fridge
Adds a modern touch while keeping the Dutch charm

5. Inset Shaker Cabinets

Inset Shaker cabinets are a classic part of Dutch kitchen design. Their clean and neat look fits perfectly in traditional or Colonial-style homes. Unlike regular cabinets, their doors sit flush inside the frame, which gives them a smooth and tidy finish.

This style brings a timeless feel to your kitchen — simple, but full of charm. The Shaker design is known for flat panels and square edges, which create a calm and organized look.

Tip from a kitchen specialist: Want to make them feel softer and more welcoming? Add a small quarter-round trim at the bottom. It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference.

6. Stand Mixer Cabinet Lift & Baking Station

Are you someone who loves baking? Then this idea is for you! A stand mixer cabinet lift makes it super easy to use your heavy mixer. You don’t need to lift it every time. Simply open the cabinet, and the lift raises the mixer to counter height. When you’re done, it hides away neatly.

Now add a baking station near this setup. A good idea is to place a dropped countertop under a window. It provides a smaller space for kneading dough, rolling cookies, or decorating cakes. Plus, the natural light makes baking more fun.

This setup creates a practical kitchen for bakers. You get smart storage, a comfy baking spot, and everything in one place.

Tip: Use drawers nearby for baking tools like whisks, rolling pins, and measuring cups.

7. Open Pantry or Plate Wall Display

An open pantry or plate wall display is a smart and stylish way to store your kitchen items. It gives you both visual beauty and functional storage.

You can use it to show your favorite dishes, mugs, or kitchen jars. It’s perfect for small or awkward wall spaces that usually go unused. Instead of hiding your items in closed cabinets, this design keeps everything easy to reach and adds charm to your kitchen.

Tip: Add a beadboard panel at the back of the display wall. It gives a classic, vintage Dutch look and makes the wall feel warm and cozy.

8. Marble or Honed Quartzite Countertops

If you love a natural, timeless look in your Dutch kitchen design, marble and honed quartzite are great choices. These materials are popular in period homes because they bring both beauty and character.

What’s the difference? Let’s keep it simple:

Carrara Marble: This is a soft white stone with light grey lines. It gives a calm, vintage look. However, it can scratch and stain easily, making it best suited for light use.
Quartzite: Quartzite looks like marble but is much stronger. It’s harder, more durable, and doesn’t scratch as easily. Perfect for busy kitchens.
Caesarstone: This is a man-made quartz surface. It’s not 100% natural, but it still looks nice. It’s powerful and comes in many colors, but it doesn’t have the natural charm of real stone.

Tip from a Kitchen Designer: Always test your countertop material before installing it. Spill a little lemon juice or oil and see how it reacts. This simple test helps you know if the surface will stain or stay clean over time.

Want something beautiful and long-lasting? Go with honed quartzite. Want that classic, elegant look? Carrara marble might be for you. But remember—each choice needs care, so pick what suits your lifestyle best.

9. Antique Accessories & Textiles

Want to give your Dutch kitchen a warm and homely feel? Try adding antique accessories and textiles. This includes items such as peg rails, blue-and-white plates, and vintage rugs. These small items can make a big difference.

A peg rail is a simple wooden strip with hooks. You can hang aprons, cups, or baskets on it. It looks lovely and keeps things tidy. Blue-and-white plates are a classic Dutch touch. You can hang them on the wall as decor. They add color and a traditional vibe. Vintage rugs add softness and comfort. They also bring a cozy, lived-in feel to your kitchen floor.

Real-Life Tip: Place a vintage-style rug under your dining table or in front of the sink. Hang a few plates above the stove or near open shelves. These touches turn a plain kitchen into a warm, inviting space.

10. Dutch Farmhouse Sink with Apron Front

A deep, wide sink with an exposed front, often called an apron-front sink. Traditionally made of fireclay or ceramic.

This type of sink is a signature element of many Dutch and European farmhouse kitchens. It brings both historical charm and modern function.

Material options: Classic white fireclay, enameled cast iron, or even copper for a warm patina over time.

Design benefits:

Extra depth makes washing large pots easy.
Creates a visual centerpiece in the kitchen.
Works beautifully with butcher block, marble, or stone countertops.

Tips for Blending Modern Function with Historic Style

Bringing modern function into a Dutch kitchen design does not mean losing its old-world charm. You just need the right balance. Here are some simple, beginner-friendly tips.

Seamless Appliances

Use built-in or panel-ready appliances that match your cabinets. This helps them “disappear” into the design. For example, a fridge with a wood panel looks more classic than a stainless-steel one. It keeps the space clean and in style.

Hidden Storage

Old Dutch kitchens didn’t have clutter. You can follow this by using hidden drawers, pull-out racks, or corner shelves. These smart storage solutions keep everything organized but out of sight.

Maintain Original Footprint

If you’re remodeling an old home, try to keep the kitchen’s original shape or layout. It respects the history of the space and often gives a better flow. Instead of knocking down walls, use open shelves or glass doors to make the space feel bigger.

Keep Flooring & Windows (If Possible)

Original wooden floors or large windows are treasures in Dutch design. If they’re in good condition, keep them! They add warmth, character, and authenticity. You can add a simple rug or soft curtain to blend them with modern elements.

Conclusion

Dutch kitchen design is all about beauty, function, and comfort. It brings together old charm with modern needs. From soft colors to wooden shelves and open space, every part has a purpose. It’s perfect for those who want a kitchen that feels warm, clean, and easy to use.

Now it’s your turn. Look at your space. Think about your style. Select Dutch kitchen ideas that suit your taste and daily needs.

FAQs – Dutch Kitchen Design

What is the Dutch word for kitchen?

A: The Dutch word for kitchen is “Keuken.” It’s a simple word that matches the simple charm of Dutch kitchen style.

What makes a kitchen ‘Dutch’ in style?

A Dutch kitchen mixes functionality, simplicity, and comfort. It often includes natural wood, clean lines, open shelves, soft colors, and cozy details. It feels timeless and practical, just like home.

Can I create this look in a modern home?

A: Yes! Dutch design fits both classic and modern homes. Just add traditional touches like wooden counters, ceramic tiles, and simple lighting. Pair them with modern layouts for a fresh and balanced look.

How to make small Dutch kitchens feel spacious?

Go for light colors, like soft white or pale gray. Use open shelves instead of bulky cabinets. Pick compact, smart storage—like hooks, sliding drawers, and wall-mounted racks. Dutch design loves open, airy spaces, even in small kitchens.