Kitchen renovation is one significant investment a homeowner does not make every year. Thus, choosing a kitchen style that fits the homeowner’s long-term preferences is essential. Years ago, the kitchen style always followed the house style, but that rule of thumb no longer applies.
For example, a country house traditionally had a country-style kitchen. Now, however, homeowners are choosing different styles and even mixing styles from different types of kitchens.
Various Kitchen Design Styles
The following is a list of homeowners’ most popular kitchen style choices.
Traditional: Classic and Detailed
Traditional-style kitchens are classic and inviting. They often have wood cabinets made of cherry, oak, or walnut. The cabinet doors and backsplash tiles, as do the cabinets, usually have detail. The cabinets have raised or recessed panels instead of contemporary flat panels.
Dark to medium-colored wood cabinets are the focal point of the traditional kitchen, with standard stainless-steel appliances and sink features. Countertops can be granite or marble. There is a contrast between the wood and wall color, such as a crisp white wall.
Some other colors that are used include cream, pastels, grey, or green. The kitchen details can be seen in the crown molding and decorative lighting.
Contemporary: Clean and Sleek
Contemporary style refers to design that is “in the now.” Streamlined surfaces characterize this kitchen style but borrows some traditional ideas to make the space livable.
These kitchens are often free of detailing and focus on the artistic combination of materials and colors. One can create this appeal by using horizontal lines or concrete flooring. Many contemporary kitchens have cabinets with clean lines.
Contemporary kitchens do not follow a certain template but often have a bold color choice that might not be expected. The materials used are what makes a contemporary kitchen stand out from others.
Transitional: A Mix of Features
This style combines different elements of traditional and contemporary design to best suit the homeowner’s preferences, offering him or her flexibility. Transitional design combines the clean lines of contemporary style with the comfort of a traditional kitchen.
Shaker-style cabinets are an example of a transitional style. Granite, marble, or another natural countertop or flooring can be used in transitional kitchens. Transitional kitchens might use traditional tile in a different way, for example, in a non-traditional pattern. This allows the homeowner to create a space that best fits their lifestyle.
Beach: Light and Airy
Kitchens with a coastal style should have an uncomplicated yet functional design. White cabinets and white tile lend to an easy, beachy feeling. A beach kitchen usually incorporates a lot of sunlight through large windows or skylights.
Blue accents in the backsplash and paint color invoke reminders of the ocean. Some kitchens are painted a bright white to show off kitchen accessories and backsplash. Striped fabric might be utilized in the kitchen for chairs, stools, or curtains. Beachy accents in the room can be inspiring and fun.
Eclectic: Personalized and Rich in Color & Texture
This kitchen style includes rich colors and textures chosen based on the homeowner’s taste. It is a highly personal and unique style. A feature presentation is often included in eclectic kitchens; for example, it might be a brightly painted wall or unique tilework above the stove.
Ethnic kitchens can also be characterized by a perfectly combined mix of styles. Mismatched materials, such as multiple wood grains throughout the room, are usually present. These cabinets can be painted or stained in a bold, rich color. The kitchen is usually a reflection of the homeowner’s tastes and personality.
Modern: Sleek & Sophisticated
Like the contemporary style, a modern kitchen is minimalistic with clean lines. It is characterized by frameless cabinets and simple hardware, or sometimes no hardware at all. Countertops are made of granite or concrete without any embellishments, appliances, or accessories.
Color palettes include grays, white, and black, with stainless steel appliances with pops of color throughout. Fixtures are high-end and look luxurious. Finishes can be either matte or ultra-shiny. Lighting is often metal—chrome, stainless steel, or black.
Craftsman: Organic & Functional
In the early 20th century, the Arts and Crafts movement during the Industrial Revolution brought about the Craftsman style. Kitchen tabletops, cabinets, and furniture were made by hand and intended to last for years.
The cabinets in a craftsman kitchen really stand out. Cabinet styles with authentic details, like shaker cabinets, give it a polished look. A deep sink is stylish and serves a purpose. Sometimes, these types of kitchens use antiques as an addition.
The colors are warm and muted—think soft greens, yellows, or shades of brown. Natural materials are used throughout the space. These kitchens also incorporate a rustic and inviting feel reminiscent of simpler times.
Farmhouse: Cozy & Simple
This is another style that incorporates rustic elements. It is decorative and has many details. Wall paneling, rustic yet modern touches, and Shaker cabinetry define this look. It might also include open shelving with the cabinetry.
Other features of a farmhouse kitchen include apron-front sinks, natural wood floors, exposed beams, butcher blocks, and farm tables. Decorative touches such as baskets, personal knickknacks, copper pots, or china are on display. The overall feel is one of coziness, with an emphasis on natural materials.
Rustic: Raw & Natural
Homeowners who like unfinished surfaces and distressed finishes will gravitate toward a rustic kitchen. A wood, brick, or stone wall is a common feature of rustic kitchens. Materials in the rustic kitchen are natural, and sometimes wood is left untreated. Sometimes, indoor plants are used to enhance the natural atmosphere.
Warm colors are used throughout the space. Antique pendant lights add to the rustic design. This kitchen style is comfortable and earthy.
Mediterranean: Warm & Elegant
Mediterranean kitchens incorporate art and culture into their style. Like Mediterranean homes, they are usually found in warmer-weather locations with Spanish influences, like California and Florida. They incorporate Grecian, Spanish, and Italian influences.
Warm woods, bright walls, and indoor-outdoor living characterize Mediterranean kitchens. The style is elegant but may include a modern twist with the appliances. Often, there are artistic backsplashes, tile mosaics, or terra cotta accents. The furniture is heavy and made from high-quality wood.
Asian: Peaceful Fusion
Kitchens with an Asian flair invoke a feeling of peace using natural materials and curves. These kitchens might include dark cabinets with a light stone tile backsplash. Sometimes, homeowners contrast a light backsplash with a black granite countertop.
Warm wall colors like yellow and red might be used as an accent, but the overall color palette is neutral. There are minimal furnishings for an uncluttered appearance, and the space is used as efficiently as possible. The overall impression is soft and elegant.
Industrial: Unfinished and Simple
This kind of kitchen does not appeal to every homeowner, yet industrial kitchens can make a statement. Featuring an open-concept style, they are often found in loft condos or apartments. They include exposed walls and pipes, wood beams, and a mix of materials. Concrete countertops add sleekness to the space.
The color palette is toned with black steel, copper, or brass lighting. Chalkboard is another material used in industrial kitchens to add function and an unfinished look. Industrial kitchens are often dark, combining metals and dimmer lighting.
Scandinavian: Light, Bright, and Practical
Scandinavian style is defined as minimalistic and bright. Wood is a central kitchen feature, and the cabinets are often light. Built-in appliances and hidden storage spaces are common features. The Scandinavian design is utilitarian, and homeowners can get many uses out of the furniture in the room.
Most Scandinavian kitchens continue the cool scheme by using whites and neutrals for the walls. These kitchens are uncluttered, with little adornment or decorative features. Floors are made of wood, and any furniture is light in color and modern in nature. The overall feel is modern and minimal.
Midcentury Modern: Colorful and Bold
The Midcentury modern-inspired kitchen style blends colors in the appliances or countertops. The color combinations are the focus of the classic midcentury kitchen. Retro accessories add some personality to the room.
Cabinets are often flat-front and not ornate. A patterned floor, such as a black and white checkerboard, adds a feeling of playfulness to the space. Much of the kitchen is white, with splashes of color. Shades of green, such as apple green, are often seen in this type of kitchen. It might also have a nod to glam with chrome finishes. While the kitchen has modern conveniences, it has a throwback retro flair.
Shabby Chic: Rustic Yet Soft
Shabby chic is a style in which items with wear and tear or a vintage vibe are chosen. This style has a feminine and soft touch and incorporates elements from rustic design as well.
For example, a distressed table or flooring might add a rustic feel. Floral decoration, whether it’s fresh flowers on the kitchen island or a floral touch in the window treatments, is usually found.
This kitchen’s color scheme is white, pink, or gray. Old knickknacks found at a garage sale may be displayed, and lighting might be a chandelier.
Southwestern: Warm and Artistic
These types of kitchens are often found in the Southwest corner of the United States. Decorative tiles on the floor and the backsplash are often found in the southwestern kitchen. There may also be decorative arches that lead to other rooms.
An artistic element is usually found in a southwestern kitchen, such as a large painting as a focal point or hand-painted tile for a unique backsplash design. Desert or earth tones such as bright yellow, dark orange, red, brown, and turquoise are utilized.
Which Kitchen Style Should You Get?
With many different kitchen styles that exist and come along, one may ask which style to go with. Not only are kitchen trends something customers refer to often, but they are also long-term fads. These may include resale value, feng shui, and much more. That decision depends on the homeowner’s preference.
There are many kitchen styles to choose from. The homeowner may pick a kitchen style that incorporates their personal tastes or mix several different styles, depending on the overall décor of the house.
No matter the style, cabinets are an integral part of every kitchen. Although kitchen styles may vary, they bring out the charm of each home.
