Kitchen Styles

Many homeowners want to remodel their kitchen, but they are at a loss for where to begin. There are a variety of kitchen styles to choose from so this comes as no surprise. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with their style options before beginning the design phase of their remodel.

Farmhouse Kitchen Style

Farmhouse kitchens are growing rapidly in popularity in large part due to their charm. Farmhouse kitchens often feature white cabinetry as well as open shelving. Some shelves are completely open while other use glass front cabinets. The hallmark of a farmhouse kitchen is an apron sink (also known as the farmhouse sink). These kitchens employ vintage pieces like pitchers and pottery. Wood floors are also common as farmhouse kitchens tend to use natural materials. A large table for family gathers is another element of farmhouse kitchens. These kitchens provide a homey, comfortable feeling.

Rustic Kitchen Style

Rustic kitchens are the cousin of farmhouse kitchens. They feature more distressed pieces such as cabinets or tables. There are a lot of wood elements in these kitchens such as exposed beams. They often feature reclaimed wood with raw edges. Raw edges provide a focal point for the kitchen, so it is best to use it on a large piece such as a kitchen island. Where there isn’t wood, these kitchens employ warm paint colors to create a cozy environment.

Cottage Kitchen Style

While at first glance it is easy to mistake a cottage kitchen for a farmhouse kitchen, there are a few distinct features. While both are often white, cottage kitchens use simpler backsplashes, sometimes even basic beadboard. They also use vintage hardware and employ colorful accents, such as eggshell blue curtains. These kitchens are a reminder of simpler times and help foster an environment of ease and relaxation. Beach house often use cottage style kitchens for just this reason.

Modern Kitchen Style

Modern kitchens place a premium on clean lines and minimalism. Cabinets are often frameless with no hardware or very sleek and minimal hardware. Cabinetry, countertops, and appliances feature clean horizontal lines. Another hallmark of modern kitchens is that kitchen islands often feature a waterfall effect. The island countertop continues down the sides for a seamless look. There are often few decorations or visible small appliances in these kitchens. This is so as not to detract from the natural beauty of the materials used for counters, cabinets, and the backsplash.

Traditional Kitchen Style

Traditional kitchens are very elegant and characteristic of the Victorian period. They often feature ornate architectural elements such as molding and corbels. Furniture pieces are very ornate as well. Tables and chairs may have turned legs, for instance, and it would not be unusual to see a lavish chandelier hanging in a modern kitchen. Dark, rich cabinetry is also common to traditional kitchens, but this is not always the case. A modern twist on a traditional kitchen is to use contrasting cabinetry with white wall cabinets and a dark kitchen island. This can help minimize the feel of a dark, enclosed kitchen if you are working with a smaller space or a space that lacks natural light.

Craftsman Kitchen Style

The craftsman style kitchen was a direct response to traditional kitchens. In stark contrast to the ornate details of traditional kitchens, craftsman kitchens place a premium on simplicity and handmade pieces. They feature a lot of rich toned wood, custom built-ins, and other handcrafted elements. Cabinetry is often simple with clean lines and lighting is kept simple and functional. While many people are familiar with built-in shelving, craftsman kitchens do not always stop there. Many craftsman kitchens use built-in seating around the kitchen table. You will most often see this in breakfast nooks. As an added bonus, many of these built-in seats are left hollow to provide additional storage.  

Mediterranean Kitchen Style

These kitchen feature arched entry ways, colorful hand painted tiles, and Tuscan hues. Arches are a prominent feature in the Mediterranean style, so they often find their way into places other than door ways. Some Mediterranean kitchens employ arched cabinetry, arched wall cut-outs, and even arched cooking alcoves. Mediterranean kitchens often have wrought iron elements as well, such as pot racks, to provide a bit of drama.

These are just some of the many popular kitchen styles to choose from. If one style doesn’t quite suit your tastes, there are a variety of blended options. Contemporary kitchens, for example, blend modern kitchens with more playful finishes and décor pieces. Transitional kitchens are a mix of traditional and contemporary kitchens, focusing on clean lines and projecting a welcoming feel. If you want to break from the mold completely, go with an eclectic kitchen. These kitchens don’t follow a specific style, but instead create their own theme. These kitchens are often a study in contrast, an example being soft bohemian elements placed against modern lights and appliances.