There are countless kitchen styles, but ultimately, they fall into one of two established categories—“Traditional” and “Modern.”
If you plan to build your home or simply remodel your kitchen, knowing the differences between the two major kitchen types will help you decide which cabinet design and material to use.
The Focal Point of Every Kitchen – The Cabinets
There’s no question that kitchen cabinets are the focal point of any kitchen. It’s not to say that they are entirely necessary—many people get by with open shelving only—but cabinets are definitely preferred overall.
Knowing what traditional and modern cabinets look like makes a difference, as they will dictate the overall design of your kitchen.
So, if you want to fast-track your kitchen project, start here and determine the differences between traditional and modern kitchens – much more each kitchen style’s cabinet design.
The Traditional Cabinets
First, look at the “Traditional” cabinet, known as “Old World Style.” It is hefty and large and generally dark in tone.
They are often textured and rustic, and the natural wear they endure is a welcome part of their slowly evolving appearance. It’s a warm, familiar vibe that fans of the style love.
They often feature designs added for texture. They often have raised panel or Shaker-style doors that open with knobs or handles.
Traditional cabinets can be fashioned from a variety of woods. Although mostly made of wood, they may also have glass fronts.
Houses can be designed to appear old-fashioned and will utilize the traditional look in their rooms.
Older houses are of traditional design because of their age. It’s what was standard for the most part.
Country houses, cottages, and farm homes are typically traditional, and their look extends to the interior and exterior. They are beloved for their “hominess.”
Any wear and tear that occurs (unless it’s severe damage in need of repair) is left untouched so that it may add character.
The traditional look is so important to our architectural history that it is still used today. Interior designers either build homes with the classic design or are hired to do so.
Many homeowners find the traditional look the most attractive, and traditional cabinets are essential to the overall design.
Old World-style rooms and furniture generally have a darker stature. The kitchen cabinets are finished in brown wood shades.
Of course, the colors will vary in darkness and lightness, and signs of wear will vary.
Some will appear very worn, and others barely untouched.
It’s not unheard of for relic cabinets, which are made to imitate age and deterioration (also called distressed cabinets), so they look older than they actually are.
They are usually finished in the matte style, but when intensity is preferred, the deeper reds may be polished for a striking finish.
When folks want the traditional look to dominate and be truly effective, they also make sure other elements reflect the style.
For instance, arched doorways, wood floorboards, a stone fireplace, and wood beams on the ceiling all contribute to the classic aged feel.
The Modern Cabinets
Modern cabinets are more compact and sleekly designed. Like European-style cabinets, they often feature flat panels or minimalist slab doors.
The materials are not made of natural wood like their traditional counterparts but are products of modern wood technology.
Laminate materials, glues, glass, or metal are some components that may be found in modern cabinets.
Color-wise, moderns tend to be the opposite of traditional, forging the dark colors for lighter shades like whites, greys, silvers, bronze, or combinations of these and lighter or brighter colors.
There is definitely a greater variety of colors applicable to the modern style.
Homeowners can range from plain, neutral to wild. The options are there to accommodate any whim, from a specific scheme or an array of colors.
Minimalism is key. Light is designed 
to highlight open areas and make the rooms seem larger than they are.
Modern homes feature greater space, and furniture is intentionally chosen to be of smaller stature and spread out accordingly, all in the service of creating space.
A modern home will most likely have granite counters and glass tables, and appliances should be compact.
Tiled walls and solid floors are also components of the modern look.
Conclusion
Obviously, the choice between a traditional or modern kitchen depends on personal preference. To say that one is better than the other would be entirely subjective.
If you’re dealing with an older home, working with its traditional look would make more sense.
The kitchen cabinets should ideally be made of solid wood.
On the other hand, a newer modern kitchen is likely to feature sleek cabinetry made of laminates, glass, metal, or a combination of these.
Let the design dictate its style; you’ll find working with either much easier.
