What is a transitional kitchen?
A transitional kitchen is a blended style that sits in between modern and traditional. It may incorporate elements of both without leaning too far into either aesthetic. This is a popular style right now because it is resale friendly, looks updated while remaining comfortable, and is not overly expensive to achieve.
A transitional kitchen often includes:
- Shaker style cabinet fronts
- A mix of painted and wood cabinets
- Simple hardware and fixtures
- White stone countertop
Is transitional kitchen style modern?
Most people use the term “modern” to define anything not obviously outdated. However, this word in the design sense refers to a set period of time, specifically the mid 20th century, as described in this article “what is modern design”.
This kitchen takes on a mid-century modern vibe.
Transitional style is modern in the everyday sense of the word. It feels current. It’s not outdated. But it also incorporates elements from the modern design period during the mid century (clean lines, lots of natural light, open floor plans).
What is the difference between modern and transitional kitchens?
Modern kitchen design significantly brings natural light into the space, has clean lines, smooth finishes, and mods to the mid-century period. Transitional kitchens are often simplified versions of traditional kitchens with some contemporary elements added to bring them up to trend. If you look at a kitchen and are unsure of what style it is, it could very well be transitional.
A modern kitchen typically has more defined design rules. Transitional design is purposefully a blend of two different styles.
This kitchen is distinctly modern. Clean lines, natural light that is welcomed into the space, and slab front cabinetry.
This kitchen is transitional. Traditional layout, stripped back to create more open space, some ornamentation on the range hood and ceiling, simple cabinet door style, black modern light fixtures.
Are transitional kitchens traditional?
Traditional kitchen style is often considered “outdated” by those who don’t understand it. Similarly to modern design style, that is not the true definition.
This warm green kitchen is rooted in tradition.
Traditional kitchens incorporates elements of style from before the modern movement, specifically from the 18th and 19th centuries. Think fine china, weathered materials, patterned wallpaper, and delicate molding. These elements can be used in design today to create a reimagined, inviting space.
Are transitional kitchens contemporary then?
Contemporary style is what is trending today. What’s at the forefront of kitchen design right now. Transitional kitchens incorporate elements from contemporary style, but since they also include traditional or modern elements, they are not truly contemporary.
This contemporary minimalist kitchen from Zonavita incorporates smooth surfaces, mixed organic materials, and clean lines.
So, What Defines a Transitional Kitchen?
The word transitional means relating to a period (in time) of transition. In the kitchen design world, this is the middle between traditional styles that are familiar and remind us of the past and contemporary styles which are the trends of today and looking towards the very near future of kitchen style.
Transitional kitchens include elements from various time periods, blending the past and present together to create a beautiful, timeless kitchen.
For example, transitional kitchen cabinets often include shaker cabinets, which include rails and stiles like traditional cabinets do, but mimic the clean lines of contemporary style. Transitional kitchens may include trending colours, organic materials, historic architectural elements (though subdued), contemporary floating shelves, and/or classic but simple hardware and fixtures.
Why are transitional kitchens so popular?
There’s something for everyone with a transitional kitchen. When designing a kitchen or remodeling a space, people often consider the resale of their home and expressing their personal style.
This transitional style kitchen combines contemporary and traditional elements.
With transitional style, you get the best of both worlds, not having to fully commit to a specific design style or time period. The result is a more objectively up to date kitchen that will please the average homeowner. Transitional kitchens are popular because they appease almost anyone!
This rewards homeowners with the return on investment they are looking for when they go to sell their home and a kitchen that doesn’t go out of date as fast when compared to bold kitchen trends.
What does a Transitional Kitchen look like? Here are some Transitional Kitchen Ideas.
Since transitional style is not easily defined as one thing, we’ll show you some examples of what we think are stunning transitional style kitchens. Here are some beautifully blended transitional spaces. Use them for inspo for your transitional kitchen remodel and Pinterest moodboard!
This kitchen takes traditional elements and simplifies them to create a transitional kitchen: white and wood cabinetry in simple door styles, glass front cabinets, simple hardware, and white countertops.
Dark wood cabinets with visible knots combined with sleek countertops and minimal range hood is a lovely transitional balance for this kitchen.
Transitional Kitchens with Wood Cabinets
Wood cabinets are a great choice for a transitional kitchen. Natural wood textures, light or clean stain, or rich dark wood cabinets all nod to a traditional feel.
Again, wood cabinets combined with clean lines, slim shaker doors, and a simple colour palette.
Playing with different door styles and complementary finishes creates a beautiful blend of style. Wood cabinets are often combined with painted cabinets or clean white walls for a contemporary feel.
This transitional custom kitchen combines white and wood beautifully for an organic yet cozy feel.
Transitional Kitchen with White Cabinets
White kitchen cabinets are a classic. They suit a variety of tastes and are arguably the most versatile and well loved cabinet colour. Flat panel or slim shaker cabinetry keeps the classic feel of white in a sleek and contemporary way.
White cabinetry with a flat clean door style combined with greenery and grey countertops.
Pairing white transitional kitchen cabinets with other natural materials or cabinet colours keeps the design from feeling too cold. Think wood flooring, wood accents, plants, or warm accent colours.
A mostly monochrome color palette is used with slim shaker cabinetry and brass hardware.
The choice of cabinet hardware can also influence the overall feel of the space. Clean white slim shaker cabinets can be paired with bronze traditional hardware for a timeless look. Floor to ceiling cabinetry is a classic American look with plenty of storage.
Transitional Style Kitchen with Coloured Cabinets
Transitional kitchens are a great place to play with coloured cabinetry. Popular shades for 2024 include black shades, blues, and greens.
A clean kitchen with an accent island and gold hardware feels inviting and new. Peep the rich wood flooring that grounds the space.
These cabinets bring a classic feel to the home while keeping it up to date. This transitional kitchen expertly combines white oak, subway tile, navy, wood, and white.
Rich green cabinets are color blocked in between clean white shaker and flat panel lower cabinetry.
Deep black cabinetry is balanced with organic textures and white cabinets.
Transitional Kitchen with TFL Cabinetry
Thermally Fused Laminate or TFL for short is an extremely durable material with a beautiful appearance that rivals real wood. It’s also available in glossy or matte colours. Ideal for flat panel cabinetry, this material looks gorgeous in transitional kitchens to bring some contemporary flair to traditional layouts.
This kitchen combines rustic tfl cabinetry in a 3 piece door style with white slab front cabinets. A modern geometric backsplash adds a bit of flair. Another homey, trend conscious space.
Different styles of wood and white TFL panels are used to create a beautiful transitional style kitchen.
Final Thoughts: Elements of Transitional Kitchen Style
To wrap up transitional style, we would define it as simplified tradition. When looking for a transitional style kitchen, consider the following elements:
- Simple Cabinetry Styles
- Minimal Ornate Detailing
- Floating Shelves
- Organic Textures
- Neutral Colours
- Modern or Traditional Hardware
- Understated Moldings
- Pops of Colour
- Clean Surfaces
- Plants
- Natural Light
- Wood Floors
Create Your Dream Transitional Kitchen with Decor Cabinets
If transitional style is still a struggle, let one of our talented kitchen designers give you a hand! Find a designer near you to get started.
