Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel with the help of Jackson Stoneworks or with our online Kitchen Visualizer, knowing which style resonates with you can be a big help. Read on for the need-to-know details about 10 popular kitchen styles, including color palettes and key features of each look.
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.
Traditional
Traditional kitchens are comfortably refined, with luxurious finishes, intricate architectural elements and classic details. Unlike modern and contemporary-style spaces, traditional kitchens welcome a bit of ornate millwork and well-curated collections.
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 surrounds, 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.
Contemporary
Contemporary kitchens fully embrace the latest in technology, materials and trends for an of-the-moment look with clean lines and minimal adornment.
Key features of contemporary-style kitchens:
- Flat-panel cabinetry
- Waterfall counters, 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.
Modern
Modern kitchens emphasize form and structure rather than surface ornamentation — think of smooth surfaces like concrete and steel, strong horizontal lines and plenty of open space. The polar opposite of traditional style, modern kitchens embrace a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the emphasis on the architecture.
Key features of modern-style kitchens:
- Frameless cabinets with flat-panel doors
- Continuous backsplash material, such as a glass sheet or stone slab
- Minimalist faucets in polished nickel, chrome or matte black
- Clean-lined pendant lights, recessed and integrated lighting
- Concrete as a flooring material, countertop surface or even on the walls
Color palette: The focus of a modern kitchen is on the architecture, which means the color palette tends toward crisp and clean white, subtle neutrals and black. When brighter colors do appear, it’s often in the form of accessories.
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.
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 engineered 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.
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.
Tell us: Which kitchen style is your favorite? Share in the Comments.
