What is a Traditional Style Kitchen?

A kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home and picking the right kitchen style can help determine comfort within your home. It’s where you cook, make coffee, and spend time with family. And as kitchens have evolved from just a place to prepare food to an entire living space, it can be hard to know what exactly defines a traditional kitchen. From the design elements that make them stand out from modern kitchens to the materials they are typically made of, traditional kitchens differ today from back when they were first introduced.

What does a traditional kitchen look like?

A traditional kitchen is one of the most popular home design styles for many reasons. One reason might be that it’s classic and timeless, with a focus on function over form.

Traditional style kitchens often include cabinets under the countertops to hide appliances like microwaves and dishwashers, as well as drawers or shelves for storage. Using natural wood materials over man-made materials, dishwashers, in particular, are seamlessly integrated under the countertops. They share the same finish as the rest of the cabinets and blend in without imposing on the natural elements of the style. 

Another element of the traditional style kitchen is the shaker-style. The shaker style is one of the most popular kitchen styles today. The vintage look was made famous in colonial America and has been around for centuries. Features typically include a tall-backed chair, raised panel doors with no molding or trimming to break up any straight lines (no decorations), an angled corner cabinet that opens from both sides, and open shelving on 10″ centers.

Traditional kitchens are perfect if you’re looking for efficient use of space without sacrificing style or convenience.

What is a modern kitchen?

It’s easy to see why so many homeowners have modern kitchens on their must-have list. Modern kitchens are functional, versatile, and beautiful spaces where the family can come together for a home-cooked meal or just share time with one another. Modern kitchen design is all about maximizing space while staying true to an innovative and timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style.

Contemporary style kitchens often boast sleek and clean minimalist designs that do not impose on the functionality of the appliances. The contrast of dark and light neutral tones are prominent within the style and are complemented by modern appliances. Sleek black frames of modern fridges and cookers can be used seamlessly with the sharp edges of modern kitchens. 

The modern industrial style kitchen has gained popularity over the last few years in interior design. Whilst many features evolve as interior design develops, the fundamentals of the industrial style sting ring true. Metal framework furnishings; cabinet hardware and lighting allow for maximum light flow within the modern style. This can bring a spacious element to the neutral tones already present, and boasts the open plan feel that most modern styles pertain to. 

Diverging from more natural materials, modern kitchens opt for more glossy features. Marble countertops and laminate flooring create a polished feel in the kitchen, and if maintained correctly will leave your kitchen feeling crisp and clean at all times. 

Bold colours can be used sparingly to help add more character to the kitchen. There is nothing wrong with hanging deeper coloured blinds and artwork in the room to help provide some life. Bold colours often contrast with more neutral tones, but used correctly can complement them greatly.

From clean lines and open floor plans to sleek countertops and understated colors, there’s something for everyone in this ever-evolving trend. 

What is the difference between traditional and modern kitchens?

When it comes to any style of kitchen, the functionality remains the same. Depending on how you utilise your kitchen, it may be an avid social area or an extended study. Most importantly your kitchen is for cooking and these functions always prevail. There are many branches of traditional and modern style kitchens, so many that you will find one perfect for you.

A modern kitchen presents a simple yet effective design. Smart appliances add to the sleek look, and the added idea of automation pertains to the modern gadget style. Traditional style kitchens are more about classic stoves and larger ovens to accommodate larger families.

Both styles may pertain to the neutral, darker hues of colour schemes. More striking, bolder themes are apparent within the modern style whilst the traditional opt for more natural tones, particularly wood and decorative floral. 

If you’re just starting to think about replacing your kitchen, there are lots of different options. A traditional kitchen may be more affordable or suit the style of a home better than a modern one. But if it doesn’t work for your needs, don’t fret. There is no wrong choice when it comes to what works best in your space and with your lifestyle.