Get the details on transitional, farmhouse, contemporary, and other kitchen styles.
Knowing which style of design resonates most with you before speaking to an architect or designer can be a big help. That's why we took time to do some research and put it all together in one blog. We looked at some of the best design sites/publications - Houzz, Country Living, Architectural Digest & more. Sit back, relax, & get creative. Enjoy the blog!
#1 Transitional
Transitional kitchens gracefully walk the line between traditional and contemporary, with just enough detailing to please folks in both design camps. Keep in mind that while there are elements of both traditional and contemporary styles present, transitional kitchens don’t veer too far in either direction.
Key features of transitional-style kitchens:
- Shaker-style cabinetry
- Farmhouse sinks
- Stone waterfall countertops made from marble and quartz
- Subway tile
- Stone slab backsplash
- Pendant lighting
Color palette: In transitional kitchens, serene neutrals are key. Whether you opt for cool or warm hues, the colors tend to be soft and subtle. For a richer look, consider deep blue or gray cabinetry.
#2 Farmhouse
Farmhouse-style kitchens balance the rustic appeal of regional, rural heritage with simplicity-loving modern sensibilities. And while Farmhouse kitchens today often incorporate modern elements, don't forget about adding well-worn antiques, reclaimed and repurposed treasures, and crisp white shiplap walls. Think simple, honest and homespun.
Key features of farmhouse-style kitchens:
- Shaker-style cabinetry
- Tongue & groove, shiplap and beachboard
- Natural wood floors, exposed beams, butcher block and farm tables
- Spacious pantry area
- Apron-front sinks
- Subway tile
Color palette: Farmhouse-style kitchens tend toward simple, natural hues with a timeless feel. Crisp white with black accents is a popular choice. Colors inspired by nature, historic homes and farm finds also work well — think of barn red, robin’s-egg blue, mustard, buttermilk and sage.
#3 Traditional
New trends come and go every day, but if you’re a classicist, investing in a traditional kitchen that unites timeless decorative details and easy functionality is a no-brainer. The elegant aesthetic may look simple, but every element is carefully considered. In a traditional kitchen, the cabinets feature stylish glass fronts or touches of ornate molding, the pendant lights are architectural statements, and the countertop is crafted of the most luxurious stone or dark-stained wood.
Key features of traditional-style kitchens:
- Raised-panel cabinetry
- Islands and cabinetry with furniture-inspired details
- Apron-front sinks
- Luxurious stone counters such as marble or quartz
- Intricate or curved countertop edge profiles
- Architectural details like custom hood that surround, decorative moldings and corbels
Color palette: Traditional kitchens favor rich colors that have stood the test of time. White is a popular choice for cabinetry, but it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for something different, consider soft shades of blue, green, beige or natural wood.
#4 Contemporary
Contemporary kitchens fully embrace the latest in technology, materials and trends for an of-the-moment look with clean lines and minimal adornment. With their sleek cabinetry and sophisticated color schemes, contemporary kitchens blend modern with a minimalistic aesthetic to create a distinctive look that transcends trends.
Key features of contemporary-style kitchens:
- Flat-panel cabinetry
- Waterfall counter, bilevel surfaces and other innovative island designs
- Cutting-edge appliances and smart kitchen technology
- Creative backsplashes
- Dramatic lighting
- Undermount sinks and minimalist faucets
Color palette: White is a popular choice for contemporary kitchens but it’s certainly not the only option. Color can be bright and bold or soft and subtle. Consider using crisp white walls as a jumping-off point for colorful cabinetry or an eye-catching backsplash.
#5 Industrial
Reminiscent of factories and warehouses, industrial-style kitchens are simple, utilitarian spaces where raw materials and tough fixtures and finishes take center stage. Favoring practical, hard-wearing surfaces and restaurant-grade equipment over ornament and excess embellishment, industrial-style kitchens are made to stand up to a lot of use.
Key features of industrial-style kitchens:
- Hardworking materials like stainless steel and concrete
- Found objects and salvaged materials
- Frameless cabinets with flat-panel doors
- Exposed piping and ductwork
- Utilitarian factory-style or filament-bulb light fixtures
Color palette: The raw materials used form the foundation of the color palette in an industrial-style kitchen. Think of concrete gray, architectural white and matte black, with an occasional pop of saturated color.
#6 Craftsman
Craftsman-style kitchens spotlight the simple beauty of natural wood and quality workmanship within a warm, cozy atmosphere. Craftsman kitchens are not the place to experiment with trends or veer too far from the plucked-from-nature aesthetic.
Key features of Craftsman-style kitchens:
- Handcrafted cabinetry made of oak, pine or maple
- Artful lighting with strong geometric lines
- Built-in storage such as bookshelves, wine cubbies and glass-front display cabinets
- Banquette seating
- Handcrafted tile
- Nature-inspired details like botanical artwork and earthy pottery
Color palette: Craftsman-style kitchens feature rich earth tones, vibrant greens and warm neutrals that coordinate well with natural wood.
#7 Beach
Beach kitchens are light, bright and open, with ample island space and a casual, easygoing style perfect for socializing with family and friends. Beach kitchens can lean contemporary, traditional or somewhere in between — the relaxed mood is more important than the specifics.
Key features of beach-style kitchens:
- Colorful appliances
- Light counters such as engineer quartz and recycled glass with cement
- Patterned tile
- Natural textures like jute, seagrass and rattan
- Nautical lighting
- Indoor-outdoor connections
Color palette: Beach-style kitchens gather inspiration from the colors of sand, sea and sky. White is a popular choice for walls and cabinetry, as it creates a crisp backdrop for pops of sea-inspired color. For a more vibrant take, look to greens and bold corals to add tropical flair.
What's your favorite? Let us know!
All the best!
Basya
