Choosing a bespoke kitchen design style that reflects your personal taste is one of the most exciting aspects of home design.
Understanding different kitchen styles can help you create a space that suits your needs and aesthetic preferences. Below, we explore the top five kitchen design styles:
- Shaker
- Contemporary
- Modern
- Traditional
- Transitional
Each kitchen serves its own unique purpose and function. Before you decide which kitchen is right for you, identify what it is exactly that you’re looking to get from your kitchen. This helpful tip for designing a kitchen will help you get the most out of your space and potentially increase your properties value.
1. The Shaker Kitchen
The Shaker kitchen is a classic style that has stood the test of time. The history of the shaker kitchen originates from the Shaker community in the 18th century. This design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and fine craftsmanship.
Key Features:
- Clean Lines: Shaker cabinets are characterised by their simple, square-panelled doors and unadorned surfaces.
- Natural Materials: Wood is the primary material, often painted in soft, muted colours like white, grey, or blue.
- Functional Design: The emphasis is on functionality with minimal decorative elements.
- Versatility: Shaker kitchens blend well with both traditional and modern elements, making them a versatile choice of kitchen style.
Why It’s Popular: The Shaker kitchen’s timeless appeal lies in its balance of simplicity and elegance. It’s a style that can easily adapt to various trends while maintaining its core principles of durability and practicality.
Example: If you’re looking for an example of a Shaker kitchen design style, check out our classic timeless kitchen case study.
2. Contemporary Kitchen
Contemporary kitchens are defined by their sleek, streamlined appearance. Incorporating the latest trends and technologies, this makes them a popular choice for those wanting an up-to-date kitchen.
Key Features:
- Minimalist: Contemporary kitchens favour a clean, clutter-free look with minimal decorative elements.
- Bold Colours and Materials: High-gloss finishes, bold colours, and the use of materials like glass, metal, and stone are common.
- Integrated Technology: Contemporary kitchens often feature the latest appliances and smart home technology, seamlessly integrated into the design.
- Open Space: The layout is usually open, creating a sense of flow and continuity with adjacent living areas.
Why It’s Popular: The contemporary kitchen appeals to those who appreciate modern aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. It’s a perfect blend of style and function, ideal for busy households.
Example: If you’re looking for an example of a Contemporary kitchen design style, check out one of our client’s contemporary bespoke kitchen case study.
3. Modern Kitchen
The Modern kitchen style, often confused with Contemporary, has its roots in the early to mid-20th century. It is often characterised by a streamlined, uncluttered design that emphasises function over form.
Key Features:
- Flat-Panel Cabinets: Modern kitchens typically feature flat-panel doors and frameless, full-overlay cabinet construction.
- Neutral Palette: The colour scheme is often neutral, with an emphasis on natural materials like wood and stone.
- Minimal Ornamentation: The design is sleek and simple, with minimal decorative elements.
- Focus on Functionality: The layout is efficient, with every element designed for practicality.
Why It’s Popular: The Modern kitchen style is perfect for those who appreciate a clean, minimalist look that focuses on efficiency and functionality. It’s a timeless design that remains relevant due to its practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Example: If you’re looking for an example of a Modern kitchen design style, check out one of the modern kitchen designs we performed for a client.
4. Traditional Kitchen
The Traditional kitchen is all about comfort, warmth, and timeless appeal. This style draws on classic design elements and is often seen in more formal homes.
Key Features:
- Detailed Cabinetry: Traditional kitchens often feature raised-panel or beadboard cabinet doors, with intricate mouldings and trims.
- Warm Colours: Rich, warm colours are common, often in wood tones or painted finishes in cream, beige, or soft pastels.
- Ornate Details: Decorative elements like crown moulding, corbels, and a decorative hood over the stove are typical.
- Classic Materials: Materials like marble, granite, and wood are commonly used, adding to the kitchen’s luxurious feel.
Why It’s Popular: The Traditional kitchen is ideal for those who love classic design and a sense of history. It’s a style that feels cosy and inviting, perfect for creating a warm and welcoming space.
Example: You can find an example of a Classic or Traditional kitchen design, take a look at our Manor Kitchen traditional design case study.
5. Transitional Kitchen
Understanding exactly what a bespoke kitchen is will help realise that you can blend different styles together. The Transitional kitchen does exactly this by blending the best of two styles.
Key Features:
- Blended Elements: Transitional kitchens often mix traditional cabinets with modern hardware or combine a classic layout with contemporary finishes.
- Neutral Colours: A neutral colour palette is typical, allowing the design elements to speak for themselves.
- Functional Design: The focus is on practicality and comfort, with a layout that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Balanced Style: Transitional kitchens are neither too ornate nor too minimalist, making them versatile and adaptable to different tastes.
Why It’s Popular: The Transitional kitchen is perfect for those who appreciate elements of both traditional and modern design but don’t want to fully commit to either style. It’s a flexible and balanced approach that can evolve with your tastes.
Example: If you’re wondering how two styles can be blended together, check out this transitional design we created for our showroom in Devizes.
