If home renovation or kitchen remodeling is on your agenda and you have been investing time and effort in looking at kitchen layouts and kitchen styles, don’t feel restricted by what you see in the stores.
There are plenty of other things to catch your eye. You can now design your kitchen to look exactly how you want it to. Contemporary charm or a touch of tradition—it’s up to you and what reflects your taste and personality the best.
If you’re not sure where to start with your kitchen design, take a deep breath and relax – there are plenty of options and resources available to you. This blog provides you with a glimpse of various kitchen styles and what sets them apart. A careful read will help you understand what style suits your kitchen interior the best and make an informed choice.
1. Traditional Kitchen Style
Traditional kitchens place an emphasis on warmth, comfort, and practicality. You will usually find traditional kitchens in large houses where space is not a constraint. Such kitchens typically have large windows.
Key Features of Traditional-style Kitchens:
-
Design
A traditional kitchen uses more natural materials, such as wood. To achieve an aged and vintage look for the wood, muted colors are often used in the paint.
-
Kitchen flooring:
Floors made of hardwood, stone, or tile are strange choices.
-
Decorative elements
Wainscoting, crown moldings, and corbels are used as tasteful embellishments to finish the kitchen with a high-class look. .
-
Color palette
Warm colors and shades are what dictate the style. Some typical colors are cool neutral browns, light beiges, and deep cherries. .
-
Cabinetry
The main features of the cabinetry are the recessed and raised panel doors, the cabinets with grand handles, and the large decorative range hood.
-
Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash is deliberately designed to be simple because in a traditional kitchen, the cabinetry is the scene stealer.
-
Countertops
Some of the most popular materials for countertops are granite, quartz, and marble. Marble is especially popular because it is large and spacious.
-
Lighting
Most traditional kitchens will feature a vintage chandelier to add a touch of elegance and class to the space.
2. Glam Kitchen Style
Glamorous or luxurious kitchens are about creating a personal statement of luxury. They are a beautiful blend of sophisticated materials and next-level interior design. The design could differ depending on personal taste — Minimal, majestic, chic-n-contemporary, retro, contemporary royale, or futuristic.
Key Features of Glam-style Kitchens:
-
Space planning
A luxury kitchen also serves as a space for intimate gatherings or a tête-à-tête, replete with comfortable and cushy seating options.. This is the most important thing to think about when you are planning your kitchen.
-
Monochromes
A lot of glam kitchens have a white color scheme. Using white in the kitchen creates an elegant and airy feel. Some glam kitchens also have other colors in bold shades.
-
Architecture
The kitchen mirrors the house design through features such as the use of stones, high ceilings, and adorned windows.
-
Lighting
There is a mix of natural and artificial lighting to give character to the space.
-
Countertops
The reason wooden countertops are popular is because of their textured surface. Some popular wood types are African mahogany, Zebrawood, Teak, and Chechen rosewood.
-
Cabinetry
The cabinets in a glam kitchen are typically a combination of first-rate materials, outstanding craftsmanship, and original styles. Cabinet doors are usually made of solid wood. The boxes are made of furniture-grade plywood. Style varies depending on personal taste. The columns could be Corinthian, the cabinets could be shaker style, or the cabinets could have minimal detailing. Simple designs are often complimented with leather pulls or quartz knobs.
-
Modern technology
Top-notch, eco-friendly appliances that utilize fewer resources without compromising on function are used. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, LED lights, and other safety guards are common in such kitchens and help create a comfortable and safe environment.
-
Finishing touches
To add a dash of elegance, glam kitchens may have metallic or vintage chandeliers, ornate light fittings, and touches of metallics (copper, gold, or brass) on appliances, faucets, and drawer pulls.
3. Farmhouse Kitchen Style
If you want to create a space in your home that reflects humble country living, the farmhouse kitchen style is perfect for you. This style uses natural elements and rustic accents to give your kitchen a warm and inviting feel. The design is practical, with a weathered look that comes from distressed wood, wrought iron, wicker, metal, and so on.
Key features of Farmhouse style Kitchens:
-
Colour palette
A farmhouse kitchen is comfortable and has neutral colors and muted earth tones. White, beige, and grey amplify the light. Earthy stones such as slate and sage contrast subtly.
-
Architecture
A large, open space is key for a farmhouse kitchen, as are many windows and wide wood beams. Consistent usage of wide wood paneling throughout the layout is also vital to the farmhouse kitchen look.
-
Flooring
The wood flooring in this kitchen is classic and extends the theme of the kitchen design.
-
Backsplash:
It could be in the form of a small mosaic that adds a pop of color.
-
Materials
A healthy mix of light, rugged, and sturdy materials is present. Rugs are made of jute or burlap, with wrought iron used as and where applicable.
-
Cabinetry
Shelves mounted on the wall and cabinets with glass doors are typical. Cabinets might be built along the walls or be free-standing.
-
Countertops
Butcher block countertops that expose the wood grain are characteristic of a farmhouse kitchen.
-
Appliances
A deep apron-front sink is another element that is typical in farmhouse kitchen designs. It is considered to be one of the most iconic elements of a farmhouse kitchen.
-
Lighting
All farmhouse kitchens will have some kind of overhead task lighting. The design could vary as per personal tastes.
4. Midcentury Modern Kitchen Style
This style is a great way to get a classic and trendy look. It is flexible and allows you to mix and match different classic, traditional, and modern designs, colors, and materials.
Key Features of Modern style Kitchens:
-
Minimal and functional
These kitchens are without unnecessary decoration. Every item serves a purpose. The design emphasizes straight lines, simplicity, and a combination of organic and geometric shapes.
-
Contradicting materials
:This style allows a mix of wood with plastic, Formica, or acrylic..
-
More of nature
Big, flat-paneled windows and using plants as decor are some of the stylistic elements of this style.
-
Lighting
One of the most famous lighting fixtures from this design is the starburst. It features metal round bulbs in a spiky design.
-
Flooring
Natural stone floors like slate, travertine, or bluestone are a traditional choice. Wood and cork can be used, but the color of the wood is more important than the type of wood. The wood should be a rich, warm brown with grain.
-
Color palette
Bold colors are a signature of this style. You'll often see a mix of brighter shades and more neutral tones. For example, you could use neutral tones for the cabinets and countertop, and then use bold colors in the backsplash or the island stools.
-
Cabinetry
Cabinets made out of wood are popular because they are more budget-friendly. The modern cabinets have simple and clean lines. They are front-paneled and have no ornamentation.
-
Countertops
All three of these materials - laminate, ceramic, and quartz - can be used to make countertops.
-
Backsplash
Ceramic tiles are used for the backsplash. Mid-century modern kitchens have hexagons, circles, squares, and rectangles in their backsplash.
-
Breakfast nook
This is an important element of a mid-century modern kitchen, creating a special space for eating.
5. Contemporary Kitchen Style
A contemporary kitchen is a sleek and uncluttered space. The biggest selling point for these kitchens is that they are versatile and can be easily adapted to any size home.
Key Features of Contemporary Style Kitchens:
-
Design
They are modern and minimal; unadorned and uncluttered; clean and sleek; spacious and light. They are designed to use space optimally so the kitchen feels less boxed and naturally large. Appliances are built into cabinets to give the illusion that they are part of the kitchen.
-
Materials
Various materials, both natural and man-made, are combined in novel ways; for instance, metal is used with concrete, glass, stone, and stainless steel. In order to achieve a delicate grain, wood such as maple, birch, or ash must be used.
-
Color palette
This style experiments with bold and bright colors, with unpredictable color usage.
-
Cabinetry
The contemporary kitchen cabinets of today are distinguished by their rectangle and square shapes. These cabinets also boast a sleek look. The cabinets are made of wood or steel in order to allow for maximum storage. They are built to reach the ceiling. Some other features include:
● Deep drawers to place pots and pans
● Upper cabinets with glass doors
● Open shelves
The doors have a flat center panel. Furrows or embellishments are absent. The door styles are basic slab or horizontal lifts. The doors cover the entire frame of the cabinets. They give a sleek, uniform appearance. A characteristic of contemporary kitchens are rows of cabinets with long shelves that form clean horizontal lines. -
Countertops
They are square-edged, often made of stone, granite, marble, quartz, laminate, or recycled glass. The lower cabinets or island have a waterfall design, dropping vertically down the sides.
-
Backsplashes
There are many different types of tiles that people use often, such as glass mosaic tiles, tumbled stone, slate, or ceramic tiles.
-
Appliances
A defining feature of many contemporary kitchens is their shiny stainless steel appliances.
-
Hardware
Contemporary kitchens usually have sleek, modern hardware.
6. Industrial Kitchen Style
If you’re looking for a simple and sturdy kitchen design with plenty of open space and an island or peninsula, clean-cut silhouettes, and natural, unrefined, and bold materials like stainless steel, concrete, exposed brick, and wood, you’re looking for an industrial kitchen style. It is a space designed for homes that is styled like a restaurant.
Key Features of Industrial Style Kitchens:
-
Design
An industrial kitchen typically has open space, minimal styling, high ceilings, exposed brick, rustic furniture, exposed pipes, open shelves, and beams with stainless steel appliances. There is a good balance of form and function. Ornamentation is absent.
-
Materials
Concrete is a versatile material that can be used for flooring, countertops, or walls. If your house can't handle concrete, then large-format tiles with a concrete effect are a good alternative. Stainless steel and exposed brick work well with concrete in these kitchens. Adding wood creates a warm element and balances the ruggedness of concrete and stainless steel. Most of the area is either tiled or made of stainless steel to allow for easy cleaning and maintenance.
-
Flooring
Stained concrete is a great choice. Other popular choices include hardwood, engineered wood, and ceramic/porcelain stone tile.
-
Color palette
The materials used dictate the choice of colors, resulting in a minimal design. Cement gray, dove gray, slate, charcoal, grey, architectural white, matte black, rust orange, brick red, royal blue, and navy are the typical colors. The use of colors is minimal but the colors make the kitchen look less industrial, and more suited for a house.
-
Cabinetry
Modern frameless cabinets with flat-panel or slab doors are a typical feature of industrial kitchens. The preferred material for hardware is sturdy metal. This could be in the form of simple bar pulls, or C-channelled and integrated into the cabinet. The shelves are mostly open so you can put away dishes, silverware, pots, and pans. Having a kitchen where you can see everything allows you to be more organized.
-
Appliances
Industrial kitchens typically have heavy-duty appliances that offer enhanced performance, for example, built-in kitchen appliances may include refrigerators, dishwashers, a 48- or 36-inch range, and induction cooking technology.
7. Rustic Kitchen Style
To get a rustic kitchen, use warm, unfinished, and time-worn materials. Rustic style for the kitchen is attainable with washed wood, live edges, antiques, and shiplap.
Key Features of Rustic Style Kitchens:
-
Design
This kitchen style is notable for its functionality, which takes precedence over ornamentation. However, its sturdiness and old-world charm are also notable aspects. There is no sign of corbels or artistic pillars. The apron-front sink is one of the most notable aspects of this kitchen. It is a large sink and is usually made from white fireclay or porcelain. If you are looking for other options for materials, you can use stainless steel, stone, copper, or enameled cast iron
-
Color palette
The colors used in this kitchen style are mostly earth tones and natural colors. The color palette is a mix of neutrals and earth tones with a dash of warm hues. Wheat, stone, and cream are all popular neutrals. You can also find many earthy colors like chestnut, mushroom, umber, terra-cotta, and sepia. Baked apple, saffron, and cinnamon are the perfect finishing touch to your dish.
-
Materials
The key materials are copper, stone, and natural wood. The furniture is made of substantial stones like granite, slate, fieldstone, travertine, and soapstone. Wood is evident in beams, cabinetry, flooring, farm tables, and accessories.
-
Lighting
Oversize lanterns, classic candelabra fixtures, and industrial-style filament bulb lighting are what you can expect to find. Copper, reclaimed wood, and wrought iron are all wonderful choices.
-
Cabinetry
Wooden cabinets are the best choice for this kitchen. The appeal is enhanced by the barn-style sliding doors. Open shelving, being made of natural wood, is a key feature. Shelving in this style of kitchen is traditionally done with visible brackets. The modern addition of using floating shelves is found herein.
8. Mediterranean Kitchen Style
As its name implies, this kitchen style draws inspiration from the unassuming and elegant aesthetics of Southern European countries. If you’re looking for a light and airy kitchen with plenty of natural materials, strong lines, and beautiful details, the Mediterranean style is for you.
Key Features of Mediterranean-style Kitchens:
-
Color palette
The Mediterranean palette is a mix of colors that represent the earth and sea. The earthy colors include spicy red, bright yellow, and terra cotta. The sea colors include ocean blue, teal, seafoam green, and azure.
-
Design
This style is defined by its curves, windows, and connection to nature. Make sure to include some hand-painted tile work to really capture the look. You will find mosaic tile painted with ornate motifs, for a backsplash or on an island in these kitchens. Wrought iron is a leading material. Ceiling beams are left bare. The Mediterranean style incorporates various textures, including plaster-finished walls and mosaic backsplashes to terra cotta tile countertops.
-
Materials
The Mediterranean kitchen style goes for natural, weathered materials. Many wood pieces have a weathered look to them. Those who are not a fan of raw wood can paint their wooden furniture in Mediterranean colors to stay within the style.
-
Backsplash
A kitchen with terra cotta or mosaic tile is typically a Mediterranean kitchen. There are no restrictions on how you arrange the tiles or what colors you use. The traditional Mediterranean look, however, features mosaics placed in intricate patterns to depict seascapes.
-
Lighting
A wrought iron chandelier with tones of bronze is perfect for creating an old-world Mediterranean feel.
-
Flooring
A Saltillo floor tile is a sign of a Mediterranean home.
-
Cabinetry
The cabinets are solid, well-built, and intricately carved. They are made out of rich woods, for example walnut. They are deeply stained and their decoration is very intricate.
9. Eclectic Kitchen Style
An eclectic kitchen is synonymous with a blend of ideas and styles. ‘Fun’ is the one word that differentiates these kitchens from the rest. They are a combination of hues, materials, and textures.
Key Features of Eclectic-style Kitchens:
-
Design
By having this style, you are able to mix and match your own tastes and preferences. You can also mix modern and traditional together. For example, you could use plastic chairs with a vintage rug, or use farmhouse-style cabinets with elegant glass chandeliers. You could also end up having appliances that are colored, including a bright-colored refrigerator. Options are bountiful.
-
Materials
The material here is in contrast, for example, a melange of leather, marble, wood, brick, or steel—everything in one place.
-
Color palette
There is no hard and fast rule. Nevertheless, it is best to choose the dominant color so that the other elements can be arranged accordingly. You can go for wallpaper or get creative with any color. If you select a dark color for your kitchen, be sure the rest of the decor is kept subtle or delicate to avoid an overwhelming look.
-
Textures
If you want to add some creativity to your home, try using geometric or stripe patterns in cabinets, rugs, or furniture. You could go one step further by blending rough textures with softer ones to create an interesting and unique look that is sure to stand out. To create contrast in this kitchen style, use different colors or finishes.
-
Countertops
They can be made of either stone (like granite or quartz) or wood.
-
Cabinetry
You could choose either light or dark cabinets to give your kitchen some personality. The glass doors you choose for your kitchen should compliment the overall look of your kitchen.
-
Backsplash
A backsplash with patterns is a great way to make your kitchen stand out.
10. French Country Kitchen Style
What makes these kitchens unique is their versatility and elegance. Mixing rustic elements with naturalness, this style creates a refined, chic, and timeless look.
Key Features of Country-style Kitchens:
-
Design
The design is elegant and uncomplicated. It captures the beauty of nature in its simplest form. It is aesthetic but not overwhelming. It showcases both vintage and modernity. The kitchen is a mix of organic materials, old and new furniture, and exposed stone to add personality. For example, laundry sinks are large with traditional faucets. A fancy oven hood could be matched with classic furniture. For a unique and stylish look, try pairing vintage lighting with wood, leather, or seagrass. The wooden furniture is usually big and heavy.
-
Flooring
This could either be pretty patterned tile in soft colors, checkerboard flooring with an aged patina, large stone, parquet, or terracotta.
-
Color palette
This aesthetic is characterized by its earthy and floral colors. You'll typically find sky blue, olive green, mustard yellow, gold, olive, and warm red colors.
-
Materials
The kitchen's facade is made of brick or stone. Wood is commonly used in cabinetry. Linen tablecloths and napkins are particularly noteworthy. The material that sinks are made out of can be either porcelain or stone.
-
Architecture
Arched windows, curved lines, and patterned designs are to be expected. The doors and windows are large, and so are the ceilings. The wooden beams in the ceiling are left exposed on purpose.
-
Cabinetry
Natural wood is the material of choice for cabinets. The wood for cabinets is reclaimed or hand-crafted.
-
Backsplash
A backsplash with patterns could look great.
Summary
At AIR Kitchen and Bath Center, our team of expert kitchen designers and remodelers can help you achieve your vision for a renovated kitchen that balances form and function, and matches your personal style. Our design and consultation services are free, so take advantage of them by contacting us today.