Are you wondering what popular kitchen style best suits your personality and preferences? Is there a particular layout, type of hardware, style of appliance, or material that you’re obsessed with, but maybe you’re not sure how to incorporate it with other kitchen design elements?
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 5 of the most familiar and beloved kitchen styles and help you determine which one is perfect for you based on your favorite design features.
Keep reading to uncover your unique kitchen style!
Kitchen Layouts & Design
When you picture your dream kitchen, you probably think of things like cabinet style, countertops, light fixtures, and appliances. In all likelihood, the layout of your perfect kitchen isn’t your first consideration. That being said, the layout of a kitchen can actually have a big impact on its overall appearance as well as how it’s used on a daily basis.
There are five broad categories when it comes to kitchen layouts:
- L-shaped kitchens include two workspaces on two adjoining walls that run perpendicular to one another.
- U-shaped kitchens surround the cooking area with workspaces on three adjoining walls.
- G-shaped kitchens include workspaces on three walls, like u-shaped kitchens, but also include a partial fourth wall or peninsula.
- One-wall kitchens have a single workspace along a single wall and are well-suited to small spaces.
- Galley kitchens include two workspaces on opposing walls with a traffic lane between them.
Incorporate Any Style Into Any Layout
Although layout is an important factor to consider, it doesn’t necessarily dictate what style of kitchen works in a particular space. Just because you’re working with a small, one-wall kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate ornate or luxury design elements. Conversely, a large G-shaped kitchen doesn’t restrict you from including farmhouse or french country details.
With smart design solutions and attention to detail, any style of kitchen can work with any layout!
RELATED: 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Kitchen Layout
Elements of Kitchen Design
In addition to layout, it’s important to consider the individual elements of kitchen design when you’re trying to figure out which style(s) you prefer. Each element in a space should work together with all others to create a cohesive overall design.
Here are just a few of the many elements of kitchen design:
- Cabinets
- Faucets
- Stoves
- Countertops
- Sinks
- Backsplashes
- Flooring
- Storage
- Islands
- Decor
The textures, colors, lines, and spatial elements of each design element contribute to the overall style of a kitchen, and all of these are important factors that contribute to style preference.
1. Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern kitchen design is responsible for the open-concept kitchens we see so often today. These kitchens often include peninsulas or islands that connect them seamlessly to dining rooms, living areas, or other spaces in a home.
These kitchens are typically characterized by design elements that are reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s, but with a modern twist. These may include:
- Flat-front cabinets
- Open shelving
- Straight lines
- Minimalist textures
- Breakfast nooks
- Metallics
- Retro wallpaper or patterned tiles
- Pastel or bold colors
- Wood grains
Are you a fan of simple wood-grain cabinets with chunky hardware? Do graphic prints and pops of color get you inspired? Do you love the idea of a retro breakfast nook under a window? If so, you’re likely to adore mid-century modern kitchen design.
Continue Reading: 10 Essential Elements of Any Mid-Century Modern Kitchen
2. Contemporary
Picture a sleek kitchen with an open floor plan, dark or muted cabinetry, wood floors, stainless steel appliances, and gorgeous stone countertops. This is the epitome of a contemporary kitchen.
With contemporary kitchen design, simplicity is king. There is a focus on luxury materials, minimalism, and functional, sleek design solutions. Countertop appliances and other items are typically stowed away in storage areas. Patterns and textures are generally kept to a minimum and islands or peninsulas tend to blend seamlessly, mimicking wall cabinets and countertops.
Natural lighting, bar seating, and textured flooring or decor items can add dimension and intrigue to this otherwise simple style.
Do you love an open concept with no clutter and sleek lines? Are you a big fan of stainless steel appliances and smart storage solutions? If yes, contemporary kitchens may just be your thing!
Continue Reading: 10 Features Every Contemporary Style Kitchen Must Have
3. Traditional
Traditional interior design is often confused with European or country design. But traditional design is a separate category, characterized by more ornate and decorative elements. Traditional kitchens are not sleek or minimalist — in fact, they’re quite the opposite. They incorporate unique textures, patterns, and tones, and colors, radiating an old-world charm.
Here are a few markers of traditional kitchen design:
- Warm colors and tones
- Raised-panel cabinets
- Ornate light fixtures
- Luxury countertops
- Decorative detailing
- Bay windows
- Natural materials
Are you inspired by ornate details, luxurious textures, and warm colors? Do you love craftsmanship and high-quality materials? Then you’ll love kitchens that embody the traditional style.
Continue Reading: 7 Reasons to Choose a Traditional Style Kitchen
4. Transitional
For those who are new to design terminology, “transitional” design can be a difficult concept to define, and even more difficult to achieve in practice.
The simplest way to understand transitional kitchen design is that it blends the simplicity of a contemporary kitchen with the elegance of a traditional kitchen. It’s where the old and the new meet.
Although transitional kitchens are a blend of traditional and contemporary, there aren’t necessarily set rules about which design elements should reflect one style or the other within a space. For example, a transitional kitchen might have ornate cabinets and sleek, simple countertops, but it could equally have dark, simple cabinetry with ornate countertops and a detailed mosaic backsplash.
Do you love outside-the-box design solutions? Are you a fan of unlikely pairings and unexpected contrast? If so, transitional kitchen design is likely to strike your fancy.
5. Farmhouse
Farmhouse kitchens are beloved by many for their unobtrusive charm and versatility. These kitchens are unstuffy and endearing, often characterized by rustic and timeless design elements such as:
- Farmhouse sinks
- Butcher block countertops
- Patterned curtains
- Subway tiles
- Pot racks
- Open shelving
- Natural lighting
- Breakfast nooks
- Wicker baskets
- Painted cabinets
- Exposed brick or stone
Although farmhouse style is often associated with smaller spaces and one-wall or galley layouts, it can also work in larger spaces. One way to make farmhouse design work in a larger space is to incorporate a dining area into the kitchen space, such as with larger nook seating or a farmhouse dining table surrounded by rustic chairs.
Do you love open shelving, floral curtains, and exposed brick? Do you dream of the perfect farmhouse sink and an adorable eating nook adorned with a vase of fresh wildflowers? Then you’re likely to love the timeless charm of farmhouse kitchen design!
Love one or more of these kitchen styles? Have another style in mind?
The best way to incorporate specific design styles into your kitchen remodel is to work with a designer who is well-versed and experienced at designing in a variety of styles. At L. Evans Design Group, we make your design preferences a priority and combine your ideas with our expertise to design and build the perfect space for your needs and style.
Have questions about how to incorporate different kitchen styles? Ready to get started on your project? Call us today at (971) 404-1241 or contact us online to set up your project consultation.
