A guide to the signature features of todays kitchen designs.
In fact, its usually some combination of all these factors.
Traditional
With roots in 18th and 19th century homes,traditional kitchenshave a formal and ornate style.
Credit:Werner Straube
Furniture-like cabinetryis a defining feature of traditional kitchens.
Architectural details likecoffered ceilings, molding, columns, and wainscoting are prominent.
Signature elements of traditional kitchens include:
Susan Gilmore
2.
Credit:Werner Straube
Modern style has roots in the early 20th-centuryGerman Bauhaus, a movement focused on simple forms and functionality.
There are no decorative trim or accents in the architecture.
Schiebout highlights neutral colors, straight lines, and high-end functional appliances as part of the modern kitchen.
Credit:Susan Gilmore
Modern kitchens are visually smooth, with little contrast in color or shape.
Signature elements of modern kitchens include:
Edmund Barr
3.
Contemporary kitchens embrace trends in everything from technology and materials to patterns and finishes.
Credit:Edmund Barr
Light and dark saturated colors in cool shades and striking stone and stone-look countertops and backsplashes create visual energy.
The contemporary kitchen also often includes mixed metals and bold pops of color.
Signature elements of contemporary kitchens include:
Jay Wilde
4.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Transitional
Transitional kitchenscombine traditional and modern styles for a look that is simple and relaxed.
These kitchens are not as formal as traditional styles or as sleek as modern kitchens.
Black and brass finishes are popular, and lighting, including eye-catching pendants, often leans modern.
Credit:KIM CORNELISON
Appliance designs are kept simple and have stainless finishes.
Signature elements of transitional kitchens include:
KIM CORNELISON
5.
Scandinavian
Scandinavian kitchensstand out for their serene feeling.
Credit:Tria Giovan
Functionally, these spaces feature a practical layout and efficient storage solutions that give everything a place.
Other practicalities that increase productivity and neatness include smart appliances, undermount sinks, and pantries.
Scandinavian kitchens are kept visually bright by mixing predominantly white surfaces with natural and artificial lighting.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
The neutral palette is accented with light woods and stone to add variance and texture.
Signature elements of Scandinavian kitchens include:
Tria Giovan
6.
Organic
Rooted in modern and Scandinavian styles, the organic kitchen is bright, clean, and minimal.
Credit:Nathan Schroder
Earth-tone colors and neutrals cover everything from painted cabinets to walls and accents.
Open shelving is also key to the style, according to Hess.
This style is ideal for smaller living spaces.
Credit:Brie Williams
Signature elements of organic kitchens include:
7.
Industrial
Industrial kitchensare a low-maintenance style that looks and feels large and unpolished.
The inspiration comes from industrial spaces, like factories and warehouses.
Credit:Joyelle West
Color palettes tend to come from the materials themselves.
Stainless steel can also be found on countertops, kitchen island carts, and cabinetry.
Large stainless-steel, and often professional-grade, appliances give the vibe of a commercial kitchen.
Signature elements of industrial kitchens include:
Nathan Schroder
8.
Cottage
Acottage style kitchenis sweet and bright, featuring antique and vintage-inspired details.
Because it mixes features of old and new, it always looks homey and comfortable, says Hess.
Vintage-inspired appliances and antique faucet and sink styles are common sources of cottage charm.
Hall-Bradley notes that cottage kitchens often feature small islands, including movable rolling islands or butcher-block islands.
This style looks best in an older or classic style home, adds Hess.
Signature elements of cottage kitchens include:
Brie Williams
9.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse is homey, bright, and sunny.
I see fresh flowers and a tray of homemade goodies on the counter, says Schiebout.
Farmhouse kitchenshave clean, simple lines, but they are not as angular and hard-edged as modern styles.
The foundation is often a white palette, including white walls and cabinetry.
Wood floors and pops of black, through plumbing and light fixtures, offer some contemporary contrast.
Sliding barn doors, shiplap, and exposed wooden beams are integral to the style, adding farm-building-inspired character.
A large island is often a gathering place in this casual kitchen style.
And you cannot forget the walk-in pantry, adds Schiebout.
Signature elements of farmhouse kitchens include:
Joyelle West
10.
A variation of colors can be found on the cabinetry, walls, flooring, and even appliances.
A vintage butcher block or wooden table makes a great country kitchen island.
Farmhouse sinks and wooden beams harken to the rustic farmhouse nature of the country kitchen style.
The look complements compact and closed-off kitchens.
Find something that fits your personality as well as your home.
