Finding your ideal kitchen style can seem like a daunting task. With so many design options to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, learning about the most popular kitchen styles and how they fit your needs and preferences is the first step in creating your dream kitchen. Follow this guide to discover your perfect kitchen style.
Gather Inspiration
Start the style discovery process by gathering inspiration. Look through home decor magazines, browse Pinterest boards and Houzz photos, and create an Ideas File to collect images that catch your eye.
Pay attention to what draws you in about certain kitchens. Make note of colors, materials, layouts and little decorative details you find appealing. This will help narrow down the look and feel you want for your own kitchen.
Key Elements to Focus On
As you gather inspiration, consider these key elements:
- Color scheme – Are you attracted to light, bright spaces or rich, moody hues? Neutrals or bold colors?
- Materials – What countertops, cabinets, floors and hardware materials do you prefer? Granite, marble, wood, metal, tile?
- Layout – Do you like an open concept or separate closed kitchen? One long work area or multiple zones?
- Decor – What decorative extras appeal to you? Vintage accents, industrial pipes, ornate moldings, minimalist style?
Take notes on which kitchens feature the elements you’re attracted to. This provides helpful clues about your personal kitchen style.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is a major factor in choosing a kitchen style that works for you. Analyze how you use your kitchen and what you need from the space.
- Do you enjoy cooking and want maximum functionality? Opt for a style supporting an efficient workflow.
- Is your kitchen the main gathering spot for family and friends? A welcoming, spacious style will suit your needs.
- Do you follow busy morning routines and need storage space? Choose a style with plenty of cabinets and drawers.
- Do you entertain often and want a kitchen to impress? Pick a stylish look aligned with your overall home’s aesthetic.
Be realistic about how you use the kitchen. Don’t choose a dainty, ornate style if you’ll actually need durable, hardworking spaces. Selecting a style suited for your real life ensures your satisfaction.
Consider Your Home’s Architecture
The overall style of your home is an important factor when selecting your kitchen style. You’ll typically want to choose a kitchen style that complements your home’s existing features and design.
For example, a Craftsman bungalow calls for an Arts & Crafts kitchen style. A Victorian era home matches well with a traditional Victorian kitchen motif.
If your home has a strong architectural style, use this as a guide for your kitchen design. Elements like layout, cabinetry, hardware and decorative details can reflect the home’s overridng style. This creates a cohesive, flowing look throughout.
However, don’t feel completely constrained to match the home’s style if you have another kitchen style truly calling your name. You can often blend styles with smart design choices. Just ensure the kitchen doesn’t end up clashing and feeling out of sync with the rest of the home.
Determine Your Budget
Budget realistically plays a significant role in kitchen style decisions. Certain styles naturally come with higher price tags based on extensive use of luxury materials and custom built elements.
Have an honest conversation with yourself and determine what you can reasonably afford to invest in your kitchen remodel or redesign. This gives you a spending cap to work within when selecting finishes, fixtures, appliances and more.
If your preferred style is on the pricier side, look for ways to cut costs with more budget friendly options. For example:
- Opt for lower priced cabinetry and make up for it with pricier countertops as a focal point.
- Choose inexpensive subway tile as a backsplash but splurge on an eye-catching range hood.
- Skip custom built-ins but put funds into a show stopping island.
Get the overall look you love while staying on budget with selective splurges and cost-saving shortcuts.
Consider Your Timeline
The timeline for your kitchen project also requires consideration. Some styles demand extensive renovation and customization, making them more time consuming. Other styles can easily achieve the look with quick cosmetic upgrades.
If you’re operating on a tight timeline for a rental or preparing to sell your home, stick to simple and achievable styles. Quick kitchen style options include:
- Scandinavian: Lighten up cabinets, introduce wood accents, add an apron sink.
- Industrial: Expose pipes and ductwork, install metal stools and shelving, paint cabinets a dark color.
- Modern Farmhouse: Opt for shaker style cabinets, an apron sink, brass fixtures and subway tile.
More complex styles like Art Deco and Old World require intricate tilework, ornate detailing, specialized lighting and lengthy installations. Make sure you have realistic timing for the scope of work your style requires.
Evaluate Your Maintenance Level
Maintenance is an aspect often overlooked when selecting a kitchen style. However, it’s an important consideration if you want your kitchen to maintain its aesthetic and function long term.
Higher maintenance kitchen styles include:
- Antique – Constant polishing of metals and oiling of wood needed.
- Rustic – Reconditioning and sealing necessary to prevent splintering or staining.
- Vintage – Porcelain sinks and tile need extensive sealing to prevent cracking and chipping.
Lower maintenance kitchen styles include:
- Contemporary – Easy-clean surfaces like quartz and laminate.
- Industrial – Metals naturally patina but don’t require intense care.
- Modern – Durability and scratch resistance are built into materials.
If you don’t want ongoing kitchen maintenance, avoid delicate, porous materials. Seek out durable, resilient finishes that offer low care convenience.
Popular Kitchen Styles
Now that you’ve considered factors like your lifestyle, home architecture, budget and timeline, it’s time to explore popular kitchen styles. Discover what defines each look along with the pros, cons and elements that bring them to life.
1. Traditional
The traditional kitchen style offers classic elegance with timeless design. It’s characterized by:
- Ornate cabinetry with carved detailing
- Polished metals and glass cabinet fronts
- Elegant hardware like crystal knobs
- Luxurious surfaces like granite, marble and stone
Pros: Classic and timeless. Works well in formal homes.
Cons: Can feel stuffy and outdated. Not family-friendly.
Elements: Paneled appliances, chandeliers, stained wood, subway tile, decorative molding
2. Rustic
The rustic kitchen embodies cozy, farmhouse charm. It’s defined by:
- Distressed wood cabinetry and butcher block
- Wrought iron accents and hardware
- Unrefined textures like stone and brick
- Vintage inspired appliances like a farmhouse sink
Pros: Warm, welcoming and timeless. Budget friendly if using reclaimed wood.
Cons: Can feel too countrified or cabin-like. Requires sealing and maintenance.
Elements: Exposed beams,stone backsplash, wrought iron light fixtures, apron sink, sliding barn doors
3. Modern
The modern kitchen focuses on streamlined simplicity. Hallmarks include:
- Sleek slab cabinetry and hidden hardware
- Neutral color palette
- Industrial inspired surfaces like stainless steel
- Handle-free appliances
Pros: Clean, fuss-free aesthetic. Feels current and fresh.
Cons: Can seem sterile without warmth or character.
Elements: Waterfall edges, white and gray color scheme, quartz countertops, statement lighting
4. Industrial
The industrial style kitchen features edgy, rugged design. It embraces:
- Unfinished surfaces like exposed brick and concrete
- Metal cabinetry with black stainless steel or copper accents
- Minimalism and functionalism
- Vintage inspired light fixtures
Pros: Bold, trendy style. Allows you to reuse existing building materials.
Cons: Raw look isn’t for everyone. Can be hard on dishes and glassware.
Elements: Exposed pipes and ductwork, cage pendant lights, metal stools, butcher block countertops
5. Farmhouse
The farmhouse kitchen evokes old-fashioned country charm. Typical features include:
- All-white cabinetry with visible hinges
- Open shelving for display
- Checkered backsplashes
- Vintage inspired hardware and sinks
Pros: Classic, timeless style. Easy to achieve on a budget.
Cons: Lack of color and contrast can feel dull. Requires diligent cleaning.
Elements: Apron sink, glass-front cabinets, brass fixtures, subway tile, distressed wood accents
6. Contemporary
The contemporary kitchen showcases sleek, modern style. It’s marked by:
- Minimalist cabinetry and clean lines
- Bold use of color and modern textures
- Seamless technology integration
- Futuristic or quirky accents
Pros: Feels fresh, new and exciting. Design flexibility for customization.
Cons: Too avant-garde for some tastes. Can seem cold without warmth.
Elements: Matte black fixtures, unexpected pops of color, smart appliances, unexpected shapes and lighting
7. Coastal
Coastal kitchen style channels breezy, beach house living. Expect to see:
- Weathered wood cabinets with coastal blue hues
- Accents of rope, shells and reclaimed wood
- Beach-inspired backsplashes
- Durable surfaces like quartzite
Pros: Relaxing and casual. Invokes sunshine and escape.
Cons: Overt nautical theming can feel gimmicky or overdone.
Elements: White shiplap walls, sailboat art, pastel colors, quartzite counters, driftwood details
8. Scandinavian
Scandinavian style embraces simple, minimalist design. Key traits include:
- Light and neutral color palette
- Minimal ornamentation
- Seamless blend of modern and rustic
- Visible wood grains and accents
Pros: Clean, uncluttered look. Emphasizes natural light and airiness.
Cons: Lack of color may seem boring to some. Not as functional for messy cooks.
Elements: White cabinetry, exposed wood beams, marble counters, glass cabinets, pendant lights, accent tiles
9. Eclectic
The eclectic kitchen mixes eras, styles and themes. Expect a blend of:
- Vintage, modern and rustic elements
- Mismatched metals like brass, copper and stainless steel
- Pops of unexpected, bold colors and patterns
- Reused or repurposed materials
Pros: Quirky and unique. Allows you to feature special vintage finds.
Cons: Clashing look won’t suit those desiring cohesion. Chaotic if overdone.
Elements: Distressed wood island, mosaic backsplash, glass front cabinets, antique accents, colorful retro fridge
10. Transitional
Transitional kitchen design bridges traditional and contemporary styles. It integrates:
- Streamlined cabinetry with ornate hardware
- Pops of modern elements like stainless steel against classic finishes
- Clean lines blended with traditional detailing
- Neutral color scheme with bold accents
Pros: Provides balance appealing to diverse tastes. Flexible for customization.
Cons: Lacks a distinctive style statement.
Elements: Crisp white cabinetry, marble counters, glass front cabinets, modern backsplash, crystal knobs
Choosing Kitchen Materials
An important part of selecting your kitchen style is deciding on materials that bring the overall look to life. Carefully consider how factors like durability, maintenance and aesthetics factor into your material choices.
Flooring
Popular kitchen flooring options include:
- Tile – Offers vintage charm, durability, and easy cleaning but can crack and feel hard underfoot.
- Stone – Provides an elegant look but requires sealing and can stain.
- Concrete – Modern industrial vibe but prone to cracking and needs resealing.
- Wood – Warm, cozy aesthetic but scratches easily and needs refinishing.
- Laminate – Budget friendly durability but lacks high end appearance.
- Vinyl – Affordable, water resistant and extensive style options but can scuff.
Choose flooring aligning with your style, lifestyle and reality of living with the material long term.
Cabinetry
For cabinetry, consider factors like:
- Wood – Beautifully warm but requires meticulous sealing and shows wear.
- Painted – Provides color options but paint can chip over time.
- Lacquered – Ultra modern look with scratch resistance.
- Metal – Industrial vibe but noisy and prone to denting.
- Thermofoil – Affordable durability but limited on style.
Select cabinetry suited for your kitchen’s form and function.
Countertops
Leading countertop contenders include:
- Granite – Timeless elegance but requires sealing and can stain.
- Marble – Classic beauty but etches and stains easily.
- Quartz – Offers modern durability but limited on pattern and color options.
- Butcher Block – Warm and woodsy but needs extensive oiling.
- Laminate- Budget friendly but lacks luxury impression.
Choose your countertop surfaces wisely based on your lifestyle and aesthetic.
Backsplash
Creative backsplash options include:
- Tile – Provides vintage vibe but grout requires maintenance.
- Stone – Upscale appearance but special sealing needed.
- Glass – Sleek and modern but not as durable.
- Metal – Edgy industrial look but prone to scratches.
- Wood – Rustic warmth but staining likely.
Consider ease of cleaning along with style when selecting backsplash materials.
Achieving Popular Kitchen Styles
Certain steps can help you efficiently achieve some of the most popular kitchen styles:
Farmhouse Kitchen
- Paint cabinets bright white and add visible hinges
- Install vintage inspired lighting and hardware
- Add open shelving and glass front cabinet doors
- Include touches like an apron front sink and distressed wood cutting boards
Modern Kitchen
- Use handle-free slab cabinetry for a streamlined look
- Select sleek surfaces like quartz for countertops and backsplashes
- Include industrial inspired pendant lighting
- Incorporate smart home technology and hidden appliances
Rustic Kitchen
- Stain cabinets a natural wood hue and add glass front doors
- Use textured materials like butcher block and brick backsplashes
- Add wrought iron fixtures and vintage inspired appliances
- Display decorative touches like farmhouse signs and galvanized metal
Traditional Kitchen
- Opt for ornate cabinetry with carved detailing
- Use elegant surfaces like marble and granite
- Include glass front cabinets to showcase fine china
- Add a crystal chandelier and polished chrome fixtures
Designing Your Dream Kitchen
With an understanding of popular kitchen styles and your own needs and preferences in mind, you can now start mapping out the design of your dream kitchen.
Set the Floor Plan
Start by sketching the basic layout to scale. Consider where you want key elements like the sink, stove, refrigerator, island and dining area situated in the space. Mark doorways, windows and existing plumbing lines.
Plan the layout based on how you naturally move around the kitchen preparing meals, cleaning, and socializing. Optimize the workflow.
Select the Sink Location
The sink area is the kitchen’s primary work zone. Make sure it has functional space on both sides and is placed near the dishwasher, refrigerator and prep areas.
Aim for 36 inches total clearance between counters and appliances around the sink space. Include outlets nearby for garbage disposals and small appliances.
Choose Surface Materials
Finalize your selections for cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, flooring and any accent materials that tie your style together. Gather samples to view colors and textures together.
Ensure your surfaces are cohesive yet provide enough variation. For example, don’t choose the same granite for countertops and backsplashes. Vary materials for visual interest.
Decide on Fixtures
Select lighting fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware and any extras like pot racks and wine racks that complete your kitchen’s style.
Coordinate metals throughout the space for a cohesive look. For a modern style, stick with satin nickel or matte black fixtures. For traditional, opt for polished chrome or brass.
Design Storage Solutions
No matter your style, storage is essential. Include drawers for utensils, pull-out cabinets for spices, under cabinet organizers, and pantry closets.
If your style allows, open shelving provides extra space for frequently used cooking items. Place items attractively to enhance decor.
Plan for Appliances
Map out spaces for all essential appliances – your range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and any microwaves, coffee stations or second fridges.
Include measurements on your floor plan. This ensures appliances fit, with room for opening doors and drawers smoothly.
Add Personal Touches
The final step is adding unique details that customize the space to your style. This may include:
- Floating shelves to display cookbooks, plants and artwork
- Custom range hoods and decorative tile backsplashes
- Antique furniture like a butcher block island or hutch
- Dramatic lighting like pendant clusters over an island
Infuse your personality through the small touches. This personalizes your kitchen, making it truly your own.
Preparing Your Kitchen for a Style Makeover
Once you’ve discovered your
