Understanding Kitchen Design Styles

It’s easy to get caught up in the flurry of style names – Old World, French Country, Mid Century. There are so many kitchen design styles it can be a bit overwhelming to think about, not to mention trying to understand the differences between each style. Understanding the various kitchen design styles means first knowing the basic categories of kitchen design, and what defines them.

The Main Four Kitchen Design Styles

It is typical to see three main categories of kitchen design: traditional, transitional and contemporary. Many file modern within the contemporary group. When it comes to design, modern means something very different than contemporary. So we consider modern its own category. That leaves us with four main style categories: traditional, transitional, contemporary and modern. The difference between these categories is in the elements of the design.

First we have traditional style kitchens, which are defined by details and embellishments. They focus on ornate details that embody character and charm. Natural materials such as wood and stone are key in this classic style.

On the other end of the spectrum is contemporary design. Contemporary kitchens reflect styles of the present. They usually feature cutting-edge design and technology. Man-made materials such as stainless steel are key in a contemporary kitchen.

After that we have modern style kitchens. Many combine this category into contemporary because it is a popular look today. And many use this term interchangeably with contemporary. But they mean very different things when it comes to design. Contemporary means “belonging to the present,” whereas modern refers to an architectural style specific to the mid-20th-century. That is why we consider Modern as a fourth style of kitchen design, rather than part of contemporary.

Last, we have transitional style. This lands in the middle of the spectrum and it is the most popular style today. Transitional kitchens take classic design elements from traditional style, such as the cabinets, and mix in contemporary or modern touches to give it a fresh and updated look.

Traditional

Traditional kitchen design is all about character and charm. This is accomplished through embellishment and detail. Elements of a traditional kitchen include artistic embellishments such as etchings and carvings as well as decorative molding and trim. A traditional kitchen features natural materials like wood or stone, simple stains, and neutral tones. High, spacious cabinets or floor to ceiling cabinets are also key elements.

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Contemporary

By definition, contemporary design is what’s current and of the moment. Modern design, in contrast, is a design style specific to the mid-twentieth century. The two can easily be confused, however, modern design will never change. Contemporary style, on the other hand, will continue to evolve.

Contemporary kitchens are sleek and minimalist, often associated with cutting-edge or futuristic design. As a result, they feature technology as well as new trends and materials. Cabinet design, technology, and materials are all elements that contribute to a contemporary kitchen design.

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Modern

Modern design is specific to an architectural design movement in the 1950s-1960s, also called Mid-Century Modern. It is clean, simple and natural. Emphasis on horizontal lines is key. Modern kitchens strive to use fewer materials to maintain simplicity. Wood is often one of those materials.

A kitchen of this style features slab-style cabinets and frameless cabinet construction. Cabinet hardware is sleek and simple, or there is no hardware at all. Another characteristic of modern kitchens is that they rely on the natural beauty of materials. Showcasing wood grain on a cabinet or island is the only ornamentation a modern kitchen needs.

Transitional

A transitional kitchen is the marriage of traditional and contemporary styles. It borrows warmth from the traditional side and chic from contemporary. Transitional kitchens take classic design elements from traditional style, such as the cabinets, and mix in contemporary or modern touches to give it a simpler, fresh, updated look.

This is the most popular kitchen style today because it does not require a homeowner to commit to one specific style. The goal is to have a fresh look while staying rooted in traditional, classic design. Elements of transitional kitchens include sleek wood or shaker-style cabinets, natural surfaces, streamlined tile, simple accents, and neutral colors. They usually have a hint of embellishment and feature natural materials juxtaposed with man made ones. The beauty of a transitional kitchen is that you can adjust the scale of traditional or contemporary influence as much as you’d like, to fit your personal taste.

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Which Kitchen Design Style is Right for You?

A few factors go into determining the right kitchen design for your kitchen remodel. One factor will be the architectural style of your home and if you wish to stay true to this or deviate. Another factor is your personal style. Let’s say you have a rustic mountain home. Instinctively, a traditional kitchen might be your go to. The warmth and character of a rustic kitchen fits right into the traditional category. However, this isn’t your only option. Let’s say your personal style for decor has a touch of modern and you are updating your rustic mountain home to reflect the modern twist, not strictly the traditional aspects of the home. In this case you might want to consider a transitional kitchen. This will give traditional and modern touches to your kitchen.