Shaker style cabinets are here to stay! This cabinet style with minimal detail and clean lines is that perfect cabinet in between traditional and contemporary. Say hello transitional style. Shaker cabinets are loved by many since they feel classic, but in a reimagined way. This versatile cabinet style is a current staple in home design and a timeless addition to your home. In this article we share 5 ways to style shaker cabinets in your dream kitchen:
Mix White Shaker and Flat Panel Cabinet Doors
Slim White Shaker Cabinets with Gold Hardware
Modern Shaker Cabinets with Black Details
Gray Shaker Cabinets for a Cozy Transitional Kitchen
Shaker Style Cabinet Doors with Pops of Colour
First of all, what is a shaker cabinet?
What makes shaker style doors? Shaker cabinets are made of two rails, two stiles, and a recessed center panel. The rails and stiles has clean, crisp edges, are simple and square, and without embellishment. The thickness of the rails and stiles can vary, which changes the appearance of the center panel.
The simple construction and high quality materials create a beautiful cabinet that many homeowners love. This is a timeless style that is well suited for transitional kitchens. You can view shaker cabinet styles from Decor Cabinets here.
Ready for some design inspiration? Let’s jump into some design ideas for shaker style cabinets!
1. Mix White Shaker and Flat Panel Cabinet Doors
This modern leaning transitional design incorporates white shaker cabinets and flat panel doors together for a clean, cohesive look. Mixing and matching the door styles maximizes storage space in an understated way. The white shaker cabinets pair well with black metal hardware, light fixtures, and kitchen island. In this bright and modern space, the flat panel doors keep the design from feeling too overwhelming. A perfect pairing!
2. Slim White Shaker Cabinets with Gold Hardware
Slim white shaker cabinets appear to have a larger recessed panel because the rails and stiles of the door front are very thin. This style adds more visual impact when compared to flat panel doors, but less than the traditional shaker cabinets we more commonly see with thicker rails and stiles. In this kitchen, the slim shaker style cabinets are a dainty choice and when paired with gold accents and a farmhouse sink, create a timeless transitional kitchen.
3. Modern Shaker Cabinets with Black Details
This modern transitional kitchen has the “typical” shaker cabinets we all know and love. The straight lines of the white shaker cabinets and black contrasting details give the space a modern look, despite there being many “traditional style” elements in this kitchen: crown moldings, ceiling beams, X details, and rustic wood flooring.
4. Gray Shaker Cabinets for a Cozy Transitional Kitchen
If bright white kitchens are not for you, try cozy warm grey cabinetry. These dark shaker cabinets give the room a homey touch, while crisp shaker doors bring a modern edge. Shaker cabinets were the perfect solution for this transitional kitchen to give the space a warm, but modern feel.
5. Shaker Style Cabinet Doors with Pops of Colour
Stained solid wood shaker style cabinets are a charming yet modern way to implement wood cabinetry. The visible grain pattern adds character to the kitchen, complementing the modern shapes and finishes.
Shaker style kitchen cabinets can be stained or painted a variety of colours. In this kitchen the blue island complements the light grey cabinets and light wood floors beautifully. This kitchen is a great example of a transitional space, marrying contemporary simplicity with the warmth of traditional styles.
Are Shaker kitchen Cabinets For You?
Shaker cabinet doors are a timeless, transitional style cabinet that will easily stay relevant for years to come. Whether your personal style leans more modern, or traditional, shaker cabinets can meet you there for a fresh transitional look. If you are ready to implement this popular style into your home, but need some help getting there, we can help you find a talented and trusted designer. Locate a Design Centre near you!
A white pallet doesn’t have to be boring. White is seemingly a choice for simplicity, and while that can be true, traditional white kitchen cabinets are often elevated with accents of ornate detail, mixed materials, pops of colour, and other elements. White has a timeless appeal, like hardwood floors or marble countertops (which are often paired with white cabinets for a long lasting design). So you won’t have to worry about this cabinet going out of trend.
White cabinets have long been a staple of interior kitchen design. Whether you’re seeking quaint cottage vibes, refined vintage allure, or a fusion of contemporary elements, these design ideas will inspire you to fall even more in love with the classic white cabinet. See the versatility this well loved choice can bring to your home.
Keep reading – here are 30 traditional white kitchen ideas!
1. White Frame door with Interior Lighting
Adding cabinets with glass frame doors to display china or other decorations gives even modern leaning kitchens a traditional feel. Shaker cabinet doors, toe kick details, and square cabinet knobs are little accents that add character and charm.
2. X Mullion Frame White Cabinet Doors
Peep those “X” frame doors at the top of the cabinet? Mullion doors add a rustic or cottage charm, perfect for traditional kitchens. These little doors make a small but charming impact. We love details like these in a white kitchen with white tile backsplash.
3. Cup Pull Cabinet Hardware With White Cabinets
Since white kitchens offer a neutral backdrop, the finishes you pick with your cabinets will determine what style your kitchen will lean towards. Cup pulls are associated with farmhouse, cottage, and traditional style.
4. Countertop Support Corbels for a Traditional Island
If there is anything that says “ornate traditional” it’s corbels. Adding corbels as countertop supports adds a luxurious traditional feel to your kitchen island.
5. Frame Cabinet Fronts with Specialty Glass
A nod to the traditional china cabinet, glass front cabinets are another staple in traditional home design. These upper cabinets have a wavy specialty glass, but other glass textures are available to suit your taste.
6. Traditional Country Kitchen with Exposed Hinges
Exposed hinges gives this white kitchen a country feel. With cookbook shelving and mullion doors this small kitchen is perfect for cooking up a simple warm meal.
7. Warm Walnut and Backsplash Accent
A warm white kitchen with walnut accents and gorgeous tiled backsplash is cozy and traditional. Gold hardware completes this feminine space.
8. Mix It Up With Eclectic Traditional Style
While many elements in this kitchen lean traditional (island molding, glitzy light fixtures, and cabinet hardware), there is an eclectic feel to the space: farmhouse shiplap, rustic wood beams, and modern island colour blocking make this white kitchen interesting and less traditionally, traditional!
9. Compliment with Soft Muted Shades
If you love the traditional cottage, coastal, or farmhouse styles than adding some soft muted shades of blue, green, or yellow are charming additions to white cabinets.
10. Gold Arched Faucets and Marble Countertops
Gold arched faucets and marble countertops are modern additions to any kitchen. If you want your space to look elegant and on trend, these materials are a great way to bring a traditional white kitchen more transitional.
11. Farmhouse Charm with Dishware on Display
Glass cabinet fronts and a plate display rack show off vintage inspired dishware in this traditional farmhouse kitchen. These farmhouse white kitchen cabinets are bright and charming with modern shaped pulls, in a traditional finish.
12. Island Decorative End Panel
This island decorative end panel is the perfect accent to a traditional white kitchen. Finished with a furniture toe kick, the molding is a beautiful way to elevate white cabinetry.
13. Gorgeous Custom Range Hood
Custom range hoods with mixed materials are a big trend for 2023. With the beautiful backdrop of a white kitchen, this sculpted range hood with brass strips is an eye-catching feature.
14. X Partition Wine Holder
If you love a nice bottle of wine, an X partition wine holder is a great addition to a traditional white kitchen. The wood accent is a great way to warm up an all white kitchen.
15. Wood China Cabinet Accent Wall
Wood complements a white kitchen beautifully and implementing wood with white is a huge design trend right now. We’ve already talked about how china cabinets are a tenet of traditional design. Accenting a white kitchen with a wood china cabinet like this one is a cozy, traditional – but on trend choice.
16. It’s All In The Details
This kitchen is a great example of adding flourishes and details to a traditional kitchen. Complement white cabinets with intricate moldings, backsplash, island details, and feature lighting for an elegant and classy interior. This kitchen has all the traditional features, but implemented in a glitzy modern way.
17. Rustic Modern Charm
Compliment simple white cabinetry with rustic elements for an organic cozy interior. Features like wood beams, rustic wood tables, arched faucets, and traditional light fixtures bring an “older world” feel to a modern space.
18. Let the Cabinetry Shine
Floor to celling cabinets are a traditional arrangement that maximizes storage space. Add a sparkling backsplash for a clean, functional, and modern kitchen.
19. A White Kitchen With Charm
White cabinets are a perfect addition for a quaint and charming kitchen. Intricate gold hardware and patterned wallpaper give this space a vintage feel – while remaining of this time.
20. Trendy Transitional White Kitchen
This kitchen has many modern traditional elements, while not quite modern and not quite traditional, this transitional kitchen incorporates todays trends in a classic way. Timeless white cabinets are complimented with a pastel green island, boho inspired island stools, modern range hood, classic faucets, and refined cabinet hardware.
21. Traditional White Cabinets with Stone Backsplash
A textured natural stone backsplash is visually interesting, without adding anything too bold. This works well with the detailed white cabinetry and gas range. Keeping the space bright, classic, and homey.
22. Two Tone White and Wood Cabinets
Natural wood lower cabinets are a great compliment to white upper cabinets. Match the hardware and flooring for a cohesive kitchen. We love how the white cabinets blend together with the white tile backsplash.
23. The Classic Traditional
Classic hues of beige and brown compliment a white kitchen, keeping things cozy, yet spacious. This kitchen has many traditional elements, from the arched doorway and pillars, to the crown molding, this room is luxuriously traditional.
24. The Traditional Cottage
Traditional cottage kitchens are charming and practical. These white cabinets pair well with the frosted pantry door and full wall board and batten. Clean, bright, yet cozy all at the same time.
25. Custom Mullion Cabinet Door
This mullion with custom profile is the perfect decorative accent for this creamy white kitchen. Visible wood grain gives these cabinets a rustic, old-world charm, yet the stone accents create upscale elegance.
26. Decorative Island Legs
Embellishments and details are two components of traditional kitchens that make interiors feel rich and luxurious. These decorative island legs are no exception! Add touches like these to white cabinets to take them from modern to classic!
27. For the Love of Corbels
Corbels come in many profiles and styles. These sleek lined corbels add traditional flair in a modern way. Add corbels to your range hood, island, coffee station, doorway, or anywhere that needs uplifting!
28. Off-White Cabinets, On Point Design
White comes in many shades and undertones. Try off-white cabinets for a modern but warm interior. Paired with wood shelves and floors this is not your traditional all white kitchen.
29. More Mullions!
These beautiful custom mullion cabinet are luxuriously traditional. The rich dark islands and built in china cabinet are glamourous additions to this large kitchen.
30. Creamy White Country Kitchen
This warm white traditional country kitchen is beautifully accented with dark wood and black hardware. The natural stone island in the center really brings rustic country charm to the room. If cool white cabinets aren’t for you, try a warm white or cream to embrace the warm and cozy.
Ready for the traditional white kitchen of your dreams?
We hope you enjoyed these traditional white kitchen ideas! If you are looking for some help with designing your dream kitchen, we can help you find an interior designer. Find a Decor Cabinets designer near you!
If there’s one thing that stands the test of time in interior decor, it’s the charm and elegance of wood kitchen cabinets. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, modern, farmhouse, or eclectic aesthetic, wood cabinets are well suited for your home’s interior design and hold up to everyday use.
In this Ultimate Guide to Wood Cabinets we will go over:
the variety of species available, such as oak, alder, and cherry.
dream kitchen design ideas for each species.
how different cabinet styles suit your home design.
answer common questions like “why choose solid wood cabinets?”
how to take care of your quality cabinets.
Whether you’re embarking on a full-scale kitchen remodel or building a new home, our cabinet design ideas will help you find your personal style and make informed choices for your home.
The Ultimate Collection of Wood Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas
Real wood cabinets are available in a variety of species, each with their unique appearance and benefits. Decor offers the following wood cabinets:
Cherry Kitchen Cabinets
Alder Kitchen Cabinets
Maple Kitchen Cabinets
Oak Kitchen Cabinets
White Rift Oak Kitchen Cabinets
Walnut Kitchen Cabinets
Exotic Wood Veneer Kitchen Cabinets
Let’s dive into some design ideas!
Cherry Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas
Cherry wood tends to have mostly red undertones. However, the colours can range from pale yellow to deep brown. It also accepts stains beautifully because of the texture, which is a smooth satin surface. One of the biggest reasons for being so popular is that it matures over time and changes in colour as it is exposed to oxygen.
Cherry cabinets have often been used in rustic, traditional, country, cottage, and contemporary kitchen designs. Here are some design ideas for cherry kitchens!
Cherry cabinets with a contemporary twist!
This contemporary kitchen uses cherry in a different way, while still highlighting the warm wood tones.
Balance cherry cabinets with lighter elements.
Adding lighter colour counters, backsplash, fixtures, and wall colour help to keep the kitchen from feeling too dark.
Alder door styles comes in a diverse range of appearances, from clear light alder woodgrain to a knotty look with strong grain patterns. Both clear and knotty varieties come from the same tree, but are selected based on characteristics desired. It can be stained or painted to either highlight impurities or cover them up.
Here are some design ideas for both knotty and clear alder kitchens!
Budget friendly painted alder cabinets.
Clear alder provides a smooth surface for painted cabinets at a lesser cost than other woods.
Embrace rustic charm with knotty alder cabinets!
If you love nature, knotty alder is a great way to get that cabin feel, wherever you live.
Natural maple cabinets are no longer as popular as they used to be, but there’s a good reason why maple is still a highly preferred choice for kitchen cabinets. Maple is one of the strongest and most durable natural wood options available. It’s an even slightly stronger hardwood than oak.
Here are some ideas on how to keep maple cabinets from looking outdated:
Choosing modern stain colours. The right stain colour can lean more modern than traditional.
Mix modern materials with maple.
Embrace maple wood grain alongside mixed materials and finishes for a contemporary look.
Many people immediately think of outdated honey coloured kitchens when they hear oak cabinets. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Oak cabinets have much more to offer than that! You can create a traditional kitchen with oak cabinets, but you can also create modern and transitional spaces – with the right design touch.
Here are some Oak kitchen design ideas that won’t scream “honey oak”.
Try flat panel oak cabinets for a contemporary kitchen.
A whole new take on oak cabinets – flat panel cabinet fronts.
Opt for neutral or cool stain colours and neutral accents.
Love oak but want something more 2023 than 2003? Neutral stain colours and marble countertops fit the bill.
This unique cut of oak wood has a distinct, even grain pattern and contemporary appearance. While you can make plain sawn (regular) oak look modern, the rift cut oak grain pattern is more characteristically contemporary.
If you love to be ahead of the trend, you need these design ideas.
Play with grain direction!
Use vertical or horizontal lines with this even straight grained wood.
With dark warm tones and distinctive grain patterns, walnut cabinets add a touch of natural beauty and sophistication to any space. Walnut can adapt to various design styles, whether you’re aiming for a minimalist, contemporary, industrial, or transitional look.
Pair walnut with white for a balanced kitchen.
This walnut island is a beautiful accent to an otherwise all white kitchen.
Embrace richness with upper and lower walnut cabinets!
For wood cabinet lovers, a full walnut kitchen with modern backsplash is a perfect pair.
The purpose of a veneer is that it’s more affordable than solid timber as less solid wood is used, while a base composite material gives the veneer overall stability. Veneer cabinets offer a harmonious blend of simplicity, warmth, and sophistication. They are a great option for modern or retro inspired spaces, as wood veneers were a staple in mid-century modern design.
Wood veneer cabinets with colorful accents.
We love the teal backsplash and colorful accents in this mid-century kitchen!
Top Wood Kitchen Cabinet Styles Different Design Styles
Traditional or Transitional Styles
Whether you prefer the ornate details of traditional design, or like something that leans a bit more streamlined, these cabinet styles will provide you a timeless look.
Modern and contemporary kitchens are defined by clean angles, streamlined workflow, and simplicity. The following cabinet materials suit this design style and will shine in an understated, luxurious way.
Answering your questions about wood kitchen cabinets
Are wood kitchen cabinets outdated?
Wood cabinets can be brought up to date with modern design. Wood kitchen elements are a design trend that is being implemented in many design styles and we see continuing to be popular moving forward into 2024. Combining wood with other materials and finishes adds warmth and personality to modern spaces. While warm tones are less popular, neutral stain is a big trend right now!
Are wood cabinets making a comeback?
Yes! Especially with the trend for two tone kitchens and mixed materials in design. A wood island paired with painted cabinets for example, or wood base cabinets with white uppers are two instances that we see being implemented today.
Are dark wood cabinets out of style?
New ways of implementing dark cabinets are popular in 2023. For example flat panel cabinets in either a walnut finish or dark stain are trending right now. If you prefer a traditional door front, then a dark stain paired with white is a trending combination that feels classic yet updated. Black is a bold and trendy choice that is versatile: leaning farmhouse or contemporary depending on application and finishes.
How much do wood kitchen cabinets cost?
The price of wood cabinets depends on a variety of factors:
Species
Door Style
Drawer Upgrades
Cabinet Finishes
Custom Elements
Wood cabinets are a long lasting kitchen storage solution and a worthwhile investment to make sure you love your dream kitchen for years to come.
What is the best kitchen cabinet wood?
This is up to personal preference. What grain pattern do you like? How rough are you with your cabinets? Do you want them to be stained, painted, or clear coated? Each wood species we offer is suited to fit different kitchen needs and desires. Your designer will walk you through the best choice for your situation.
How long do wood cabinets last?
Wood cabinet longevity is highly dependent on care and environmental factors. We recommend a humidity and temperature controlled environment to keep your cabinets looking like new. If you care for your cabinets well then there really isn’t an expiry date on them as long as you still enjoy the style!
We do not recommend refinishing Decor Cabinets. Our manufacturing process involves a multi-step high-quality finish that really can’t be replicated at home. In order to refinish the cabinets, you would need to break the top coat by sanding down the entire cabinet front.
Can wood cabinets be painted?
Yes wood cabinets can be painted. We have a multi-step finishing process that provides a smooth, durable finish for painted doors. Decor Cabinets offers a range of standard paint colours and if you can’t find what you are looking for in the standard collection, custom colours can be created for you.
How to take care of your solid wood cabinets
For regular cleaning of all door and cabinet exterior and interior surfaces:
Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
Wipe with a damp soft cloth, then dry with another soft cloth or absorbent paper towel.
Never use detergents, strong soaps, abrasives, coloured microfiber cloths, cleaning agents with strong chemical substances or waxes. They can damage the finish or leave a residue that airborne grease will stick to. Always test cleaning products on a small inconspicuous area.
Do not allow water or other liquids to be in contact with outside or inside surfaces for prolonged periods of time.
Excessive scrubbing or rubbing in one location will cause the finish to be polished creating a shinier surface in that one place.
Wipe fingerprints frequently as natural skin oils will break down the cabinet finish over time. Make sure to consistently use the handles/pulls for opening.
Use a non-wax based cleaner that is designed specifically for wood cabinets and woodwork; or use mild soap mixed with water, rinse well and then dry with a soft cloth.
For painted doors and surfaces, use a cleaner that is designed for painted wood cabinets and woodwork, mild soap and water or a diluted vinegar and water solution (rinse well and dry afterward).
Next Steps for Your Ideal Kitchen Cabinetry
Wood cabinets are a timeless and versatile choice for any functional kitchen. Throughout this ultimate guide, we’ve explored the various species of wood cabinets, design ideas for your style, faq’s, and care tips. If you are remodeling your kitchen and want to receive great customer service and quality cabinets, look no further. Find a Decor Cabinets designer near you.
Are you thinking about jumping in on the green kitchen trend? In this blog post, we’re exploring six stand-out green kitchen cabinet ideas. From soothing pastel greens to bold emerald shades, we’ve curated green kitchen cabinet ideas to suit many styles. If you are looking for a fun pop of colour, these green kitchen cabinet ideas are fresh and inspiring. Let’s dive into the charm of green kitchen cabinets!
Choosing the Right Shade of Green Kitchen Cabinets
While choosing the right green cabinet isn’t has hard as choosing the right white for your walls, you’ll want to consider a few things before rushing into green kitchen cabinets. There are many shades of green cabinets to choose from. Teal cabinets, warm olive, a rich shade of green, earthier tones, or mint green are all options that fall under “green cabinets”. But what will work for you and your home?
What is your personal style?
Take into account the existing style and theme of your kitchen. For a modern and sleek look, opt for shades like sage green, dark forest green, or olive green. If you prefer a more traditional or farmhouse style, muted, pastel, or mint green might be a better fit.
How much natural light does your kitchen have?
The amount of natural light your kitchen receives can influence how the green color appears. In well-lit kitchens, bolder and darker greens can work beautifully, while in dimly lit spaces, lighter shades may be more suitable to avoid making the area feel too dark.
Always test the green shades you’re considering with sample swatches on your kitchen cabinets. View them under different lighting conditions to see how they appear throughout the day.
Are you matching any existing features?
Another consideration when choosing the right shade of green is any existing features or finishes you currently have. This is especially important for kitchen a renovation. Are you painting existing cabinets and keeping the hardware? Do you have existing hardwood floors you need to match? Are the baseboards being replaced? Before you place a cabinet order or put on a fresh coat of paint, try bringing samples home to test with your existing features or other design choices.
What colours go well with green kitchen cabinets?
Unsurprisingly, the tried and true colour to pair with green cabinets is white. With a bold cabinet colour, a white or other neutral colour will pair nicely to not overwhelm the design. Pair with white quartz or marble countertops, white or cream walls, and light backsplash to highlight the beautiful green. Black and gold hardware and light-neutral wood tones also complement green cabinets.
6 Green Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Your Home
Looking for inspiration? We share six green kitchen cabinet ideas for your home.
#1 Dark Green Cabinets with Brass Hardware
Rich deep green hues add a sense of depth and understated luxury to kitchens. This trendy colour pairs well with brass, creating a captivating contrasted effect. Dark green creates a strong focal point and draws the attention of many. This colour works exceptionally well in traditional and transitional kitchens.
#2 Light Mossy Green Kitchen Cabinets
Mossy green light green kitchen cabinets evoke a sense of natural tranquility and a fresh, outdoorsy vibe. The addition of sleek black handles and fixtures provides a contemporary touch, adding modernity and refinement to the space. The combination of earthy green and bold black creates a visually stunning look that balances elegance with a touch of rustic charm.
#3 Two Toned Green and White Cabinets
Two-toned green and white cabinets offer a fresh and vibrant kitchen design that exudes a sense of balance and visual interest. The combination of green and white creates a harmonious contrast, where the green cabinets add a pop of color and the white cabinets provide a clean and timeless backdrop.
#4 Muted Mint Green Kitchen Accent Island
A muted mint green kitchen island will take center stage, creating a delightfully feminine and light space. The lighter shade adds colour and interest without creating a bold look. The soft pastel hue of the island exudes a calming aura, evoking a sense of tranquility and elegance. Its subtle shade complements the overall color scheme, enhancing the airy and open feel of the kitchen.
#5 Green Upper Cabinet Feature
Highlighting a few upper cabinets with a rich emerald green adds a fun pop of colour to this contemporary design. Clean, straight lines and otherwise simple colour pallet lets the bold cabinet color shine and creates a stunning focal point.
#6 Wood Accents with Green Lower Cabinets
The lower cabinets, adorned in a earthy shade of green, bring freshness to an otherwise all white kitchen. The warm tones of the wood range hood add an organic touch, perfectly complementing the green cabinets and contributing to the kitchen’s rustic outdoorsy charm. When considering colour theory, it is no surprise the orange wood undertones pair well with green, since they are opposite secondary colours.
Embrace Green Kitchen Cabinets in Your Home
Green kitchen cabinets are trending, and for a good reason. Green kitchen cabinets create visual interest, add personality to a space, and bring the reminder of nature inside. Whether you’re aiming for a farmhouse-inspired look, a simple contemporary space, or a modern blend of various aesthetics, incorporating green kitchen cabinets are a fitting choice. Wood accents, brass hardware, and white elements promises to elevate your kitchen to a whole new level of elegance and beauty.
Liked some of these green kitchen cabinet ideas? Interested in green kitchen cabinets? Not sure how to start or what design style to choose? Decor designers are ready to help you find the perfect green, whether you are looking for a bold hue or muted shade.
A traditional kitchen is homey and cozy, just like a country kitchen, but much more formal. If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter design, then a traditional kitchen isn’t for you, they’re quite the opposite. You have the freedom to experiment with design elements that resonate with your unique tastes.
One thing that sets the traditional kitchen apart from all other designs isn’t the embellishments themselves, but the amount of ornamentation used in the design. They’re incorporated everywhere, the mouldings, the doors, the decorative range hoods, and so on.
In this short article, we’ll talk about what defines the style and look at the elements that make up the beauty of the design. If you want to know more about traditional kitchen design, then keep reading.
The Timeless Appeal of Traditional Kitchens
Traditional kitchen design is timeless. They’ve been around for so long, yet they’re still one of the top desirable designs. A traditional kitchen is far from an outdated kitchen. And even though trends come and go, the traditional kitchen and furniture style has remained popular.
What’s considered to be “modern” today won’t be considered modern a few years from now. The modern style has its own perks, but a traditional kitchen does its own great job of incorporating special stylized touches making the appeal of the traditional kitchen timeless.
No matter what fashion fads Instagram influencers appear to present or whatever happens to be everyone’s home makeover wish list, the traditional decorative accents are still going strong.
All that, despite the fact that a traditional kitchen is on the opposite side of the design spectrum as modern kitchens.
Where a modern kitchen has sleek, clean lines and is streamlined and minimalistic, the traditional kitchen is anything but that.
Instead, the focal point in a traditional kitchen focuses on ornamentation and embellishments, along with great decorative finishes. The upper cabinets of such a classic kitchen usually have more of them than the base cabinets. These little details are what’s so admired about the traditional look.
Now let’s go into the little details and see what beauty hides behind each element of a traditional space.
Neutral Backdrop Colours in Traditional Kitchens
A Traditional kitchen uses a neutral colour scheme as a backdrop to make the details in the ornamentation stand out. Some of these neutral colours include cream, taupe, and dark brown paints and stains.
Synthetic finishes like lacquers, veneers, and laminate don’t quite fit into this classic kitchen. They fit better in modern and contemporary kitchens. For traditional kitchen cabinets, the more natural the finish the better.
Also, a traditional kitchen goes above and beyond to create a cozy mood and comfortable atmosphere with warm colour tones. It gives the traditional design a feeling of laid-back elegance.
The only use for a non-neutral colour in a traditional kitchen is most likely more of a pale, muted shade. It could also be a colour found in nature like a sage or olive green that’s glazed to look more aged and antique.
Next, let’s get into the cabinetry and the things that go with it.
Cabinetry in Traditional Kitchens
Traditional kitchens are all about details in every area of the space. The easiest way to distinguish a traditional kitchen from other designs are the amount of details used and the neutral colours.
However, there are a few other indicators that will tell you whether you’re standing in a traditional kitchen or not…that’s the cabinet door style. Let’s get right into it.
Door Styles in Traditional Kitchens
Your cabinet door style is one of the most important factors in your kitchen design. They’re not only the most visible feature, but they can also be the most expensive.
The traditional door style emits a strong feeling of class and elegance. They’re typically recessed and raised panel doors that give great character to the doors.
Next, we’ll look at the glass front cabinet door element.
Glass Front Cabinet Doors
These deserve special mention because almost every traditional kitchen has them.
They often have some cabinet doors that have a glass front which is another way they elevate the delicacy and charm.
Glass-front cabinets are versatile, so most inserts will work with your traditional kitchen design.
They’re not only versatile in terms of insert choices, but also in which style they go well with. They’re just as much at home in a transitional and farmhouse kitchen as they are in a traditional one.
You can add to the glass and play with the architectural mullions to add elegance to the space. Other options include frosted or textured glass. The level of detail is key to every traditional kitchen.
Next, let’s talk about decorative range hoods…
The Decorative Range Hood in a Traditional Kitchen
A large, decorative range hood is a staple item in traditional kitchens that represent the style perfectly. They’re custom hoods that are not afraid to show off their ornaments and be as flashy as possible. They stand out and are there to draw in all eyes. It’s there to impress, not just to work.
Now, let’s cover which countertops would be best in traditional kitchens.
Countertops in a Traditional Kitchen
The more natural the better it fits into the traditional kitchen. So natural materials like granite countertops or butcher block countertops are the most common.
Sometimes engineered quartz is used, but it’s usually a natural-looking slab to mimic marble countertops.
If you want to have your space designed in the traditional style with some rustic in it, you might want to pick out a countertop even closer to nature.
The live edge countertop is a slab of wood sliced right off the tree. Feel free to read more about them on our live edge countertop blog post.
Now, let’s go over which flooring is great for traditional kitchens.
Flooring in a Traditional Kitchen
When it comes to flooring in traditional kitchens, all you need to think about is whether it fits in with the old-school and ever-classy theme. So hardwood, stone or tile all fit in perfectly.
Vinyl and laminate can mimic these natural materials but will never be the same. So only choose these if you’re budget is tight.
Next, let’s talk about the typical layout of traditional kitchens…
Traditional Kitchen Layouts
Most traditional style kitchens are often big spaces with large windows. If you look at images of traditional kitchens for inspiration, you’ll notice most have a kitchen island with at least two perimeter cabinets.
Square footage is quite important, no matter what you hear people say. Here’s why; Think of a five-star hotel lobby. You’ll see luxurious and lavish additions like chandeliers and huge floral bouquets. They’re much easier to appreciate and adore in a spacious area.
Imagine all that squished into a tiny home, it would be overcrowded with no room to walk.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have a traditional kitchen designed to fit into a smaller kitchen space. But it does mean you’ll need to be more selective with how many adornments you include in the design.
The less space the more the saying “sometimes, less is more” comes to mind.
Now, let’s go over the backsplash in traditional kitchens.
Backsplash in a Traditional Kitchen Style
When it comes to the backsplash in a traditional kitchen, the simpler, the better.
The fancier the backsplash the more you take away from the cabinets, which are your show pieces in a traditional-style kitchen.
Go for neutral tiles and subtle patterns, this way you’ll avoid overshadowing or competing with the detail in the cabinets.
Lastly, let’s cover the hardware used in the traditional-style kitchen.
Traditional Style Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
The hardware in a traditional kitchen gives you another great opportunity to show off your taste in detail. They’re usually vintage looking and finished in gold, oil-rubbed bronze, or brushed nickel.
Final Thoughts
The traditional kitchen is one of the most popular design styles when it comes to creating a room full of little details. A traditional kitchen is still a top design choice for many families. It brings out a classy and luxurious feel and yet is cozy at the same time.
A traditional kitchen typically incorporates painted cabinets, often with glass front doors, granite or butcher block countertops, and hardwood floors. A traditional kitchen uses as many classic elements as it can fit in without looking stuffed.
There is no one standard way to design a traditional kitchen. However, it’s important to integrate your personality and unique style into its design. Be sure, though, that it’ll feature plenty of natural materials, a social space to gather and accessories to make it feel warm and cozy to be in.
Choosing one palette from a huge collection of Kitchen Colour Schemes is exciting. But it can be overwhelming at times, with so many aspects to consider.
It’s best to break the process down into stages and take each step one at a time. Planning the kitchen colour scheme is the part people enjoy the most.
You’ll want to choose something that doesn’t date in a handful of years. The classic and timeless kitchen colour schemes we talk about in this short article are worth considering for your next remodel.
Decoration and accessories can be used to change the scheme but the colour scheme of the kitchen itself won’t date any time soon.
Read about each kitchen colour scheme and spark your creativity for your next kitchen remodel.
Black and White Kitchen Colour Schemes
The black and white contrasting palette has been a popular combination in any design world since long ago. Even though the contrast between black and white is strong, it’s still quite easy to live with.
When we think of black, words that come to mind are empowering, sophisticated, classic, and expensive. Words that describe white very well could be pure, clean, simple, and bright.
Create maximum impact with this colour palette, choose the brightest, crispest white and the purest black you can find. Then soften the strong contrast by adding gray tones. instead of installing gray cabinetry, implement gray with stainless steel appliances and create a bridge between the contrasting colours.
Black is a strong hue that impacts the space heavily, so if your space is small, use it to accentuate the space, not as a main colour.
If you like modern and contemporary styles, then consider using a glossy finish for the black surfaces. The light will bounce around the room better making it brighter even though it’s black. Also, the black will feel much less heavy this way.
Now, if black and white is too much for you, the next kitchen colour scheme might be better.
Invoke Trust With Navy Kitchen Colour Schemes
Navy is a sophisticated and timeless colour that got its name from the British Royal Navy and certainly makes a bold statement.
Thinking of a bold paint colour like navy brings up pictures in our minds of uniformed soldiers or figures of importance such as the police. So, words that describe navy perfectly would be credibility, authority, reliability, and loyalty. It imbues a sense of trust and order in us, so it’s no surprise we love it so much.
Putting navy and wood together is perfect for a look that demands authority but is still timeless and discreet.
If you love the combination of navy with wood accents but you’re afraid it may make your space look too dark, simply use navy as an accent colour.
For example, you could have your kitchen cabinets painted a cream colour, but have a navy island. This way your kitchen will still be nice and bright and the navy colour will create contrast and add depth to the design.
Now, if navy is too bold for you, you can always go for a lighter sky-blue colour scheme.
One of the Most Relaxing Kitchen Colour Schemes is Natural Earthy Tones
Natural colours aren’t necessarily boring. A natural colour scheme gives a warm and homey feeling. It’s timeless because none of the colours are bold and overpowering. You’ll always feel relaxed around them and you’ll never get tired of such soft and inviting colours.
Think of different sandy, wood, and stone colours. They look best in either modern or traditional-style cabinets, but they add an authentic touch to a country kitchen design as well.
If you want to get away from the dark colours, and natural tones aren’t bright enough for you, maybe you prefer an all-white colour scheme? Keep reading to find out.
White on White With Natural Light
White-on-white cabinets are possibly the most timeless of all kitchen colour schemes. A soft white is pure, clean, and pristine and gets us to think about clarity, simplicity, and innocence. It gives a bright and airy feel and is pleasing to the eye.
The best part about it is that you can choose any decoration and accessories to add to the design if you ever feel like you need to add some colour.
Now, if white is too bright and decorating isn’t your thing, then you might like the next colour scheme.
French Kitchen Colour Schemes
French-style kitchens typically use soft subtle colours. Think of light blues, soft grays, antique whites, and muted coffee colours. These soft colours highlight the essence of detailed French kitchen designs.
Use these subtle colours to create a timeless colour scheme in both modern and traditional-style kitchens. Combine them with some natural materials like butcher block or granite countertop and add some contrast so it doesn’t turn out monotonous.
If you like the natural wood countertop idea, you might love the next one.
White Kitchen Colour Schemes With Contrasting Natural Wood Cabinets
If you’re after a modern or farmhouse kitchen, then this is the colour scheme for you. You can’t get closer to nature than having natural wood and stone in your home. And with white being so simplistic and pristine, together they create a combination that’s airy, cozy and clean all in one.
The best thing about this is that it won’t become outdated anytime soon. Plus, white and natural wood combined give a beautiful contrast and create a timeless colour scheme.
Use the wood for accentuating the space, not as your main colour. For example, use wood for open shelving, countertops, or feature panelling, so it doesn’t get too overwhelming. Also, avoid wood that’s too reddish or too dark in colour, you might get tired of them quickly.
Next, let’s go over one of the kitchen colour schemes that’s been around for a long time.
Sage or Olive Green Kitchen Colour Schemes
If you’re looking to give your kitchen a traditional feel with a touch of modern design, choose a matte sage or olive green for your kitchen with either a wooden butcher block countertop or a lighter countertop like marble with the pulls and knobs being brass, stainless steel or gold accents.
This sage or olive green combination is great for farmhouse or country-style homes with touches of rustic throughout.
Recently, however, sage and olive green are also being used more in modern kitchen designs.
Final Thoughts
Adding thoughtful, colourful elements to the interior design is the easiest way to update your kitchen. There are so many ways to go about this. For example, you could paint your kitchen, you could add or change the tiles, or install updated fixtures and hardware.
The number one key when designing a kitchen is to know which style you wish to choose and the colour palette you wish to go with.
If you’re not designing a new kitchen, and just updating your existing one, then you can choose to do a full-colour change or just add a few subtle touches.
Whether you choose to go with a full-colour switch or do some decorating, both can make a huge impact on the design and turn your place around.
Feel free to check out some pictures on Houzz or Pinterest for inspiration. And if you need help with your design, feel free to get in touch with one of Décor’s dealers in your area to meet with an interior designer and help you out. They’ll give you a stress-free experience and help you every step of the way.
We hope this short article helped inspire you and take the next step in your kitchen design journey.
If you love modern farmhouse kitchens, you’re not alone! It’s been getting more popular each year. That’s because it blends the sleek lines from the modern kitchens together with the cozy atmosphere of the farmhouse kitchen style leaving a distinctive picture-perfect look that feels great to be in.
The modern farmhouse design style looks great in any part of the home but looks particularly great in the kitchen. Having the uncluttered, minimalistic approach of modern design mixed into the farmhouse style makes it easy to navigate. The warmth and coziness that the farmhouse kitchen design offers make the home feel even homier.
Whether you’re cooking, hosting, or enjoying a meal, you’ll want a kitchen that you love spending time in, so combine the best of what each style has to offer. And since farmhouse-style kitchens have become so popular, there’s plenty of inspiration out there.
If you’re looking to incorporate modern farmhouse elements into your own home, then continue reading to discover a few ways to do just that.
Choosing The Right Materials For a Farmhouse Kitchens
A farmhouse kitchens typically almost exclusively has wood cabinets. Other cabinet materials like laminate are far too modern for the farmhouse style. Often you’ll see them painted white, but sometimes you’ll see some soft neutrals, beige, and sometimes even blue. With the right hardware, countertops, and accessories, almost any colour can look great and still authentic to the farmhouse style.
Rustic elements are also at play here, like the metals and amounts of exposed wood. Often you’ll see exposed wood beams, wooden floating shelves, and some hardware that looks a little worn in.
The style of your walls in the home is also key in supporting your décor and design style. When it comes to designing a home in the modern farmhouse style, you have plenty of options. Often, wall features include shiplap walls, board and batten trim, white-washed brick and often brass accents.
If you don’t have the budget for a remodel then an easy way to incorporate the modern farmhouse flair is to head to a flea market, throw down money on a few farm-inspired vintage pieces and call it a day.
However, a better way is to aim for handcrafted pieces, especially when it comes to lighting, hardware, rugs, and textiles. For example, go for a hardwood coffee table over a glass one or a handwoven rug over a manufactured one.
Next, let’s go over some key layout points in farmhouse kitchens.
Choosing the Layout of Your Farmhouse Kitchens
A farmhouse kitchen is at its best when it feels warm and welcoming. So be sure to add lots of eat-in space. Line your kitchen island or peninsula with barstools, decorate your dining room with your handcrafted decoration pieces, and add a cozy breakfast nook with some warm rustic elements like a solid wooden table.
If there’s enough room for a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the middle, go for it. The more open space you have the better for you. If space is limited, then plan for a one-wall kitchen, and potentially with an island – if there’s room.
Now, we’ve touched on layout elements, but let’s dive into selecting a colour palette…
Selecting a Colour Palette for Your Farmhouse-Style Kitchen
It’s important to choose the right colour palette to effectively make the farmhouse kitchen style pop, while still keeping the cozy feeling.
A common theme for an authentic farmhouse kitchen is the go-to with white cabinets from top to bottom with natural wood to accentuate the colour scheme. The all-white theme brightens up the space and honours the modern design’s minimalistic theme.
Now, while the average modern farmhouse palette is quite pared down, that doesn’t mean you can’t use different colours. Though less common in the farmhouse kitchen design, some use colours to their fullest potential.
Going for bolder colours like blue cabinets or dark wood that’s painted matte black is also somewhat common, making a bold statement, but remember the goal is to keep the place feeling warm, tranquil, and cozy. So to be safe, it’s easier to opt for neutral hues like white, tan, or gray with lots of wood accents and some hardware that’s developed a patina.
To add depth to the farmhouse style, consider adding a brick accent wall to the soft neutral colour scheme and increase the homey feeling.
Feel free to experiment with your colour palette to find the perfect colour scheme that works for you. Be mindful of the materials you choose, as they’ll greatly impact the design and how your hues work together.
Next, let’s go through some design elements for a farmhouse kitchen.
Considering The Design Elements of Farmhouse Kitchens
One of the most well-known elements of a farmhouse kitchen that you’ll notice quickly is the brighter hues, often exposed wood beams that bring about a rustic charm, and a brick accent wall.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes the modern farmhouse kitchen design what it is today…
Cabinets in Farmhouse Kitchens
One of the most common cabinet styles you’ll find in a farmhouse kitchen are solid wood shaker cabinets. They’re the most popular when it comes to modern farmhouse design. They give a great mix of a simplistic modern and a classic look.
Shaker cabinets are also used in many other kitchen styles, from the rustic style to farmhouse, traditional, coastal, the country kitchen and even modern designs.
Other possible cabinet styles you might find in a farmhouse kitchen are beadboard cabinets, open shelving, louvred cabinets, and inset cabinets. All these styles are classics and last for years, but shaker cabinets are the most common among them.
Next let’s talk about cabinet handles, knobs, and pulls.
Handles for Farmhouse Cabinetry
Handles are only one small detail in the kitchen, yet they complete the look, and the feel and can add serious style to the kitchen.
The hardware in the modern farmhouse kitchen will follow the same direction as the light fixtures. Look for handles that have a little bit of a natural patina like copper, brass, or wrought iron. A little bit of a worn look fits perfectly with the wooden cabinets.
And because the modern design is also incorporated into today’s farmhouse style, sleek hardware options work well too, like stainless steel or chrome.
Now, let’s see what countertop materials go great with farmhouse kitchens.
Countertops in Modern Farmhouse Kitchens
The most popular choice for farmhouse kitchens is butcher block countertops. Now, that doesn’t mean other countertops don’t look great together with the farmhouse style.
If you still need more help after having a look at the article, find one of Décor’s dealers near you to have a chat with an interior designer and see what best fits your needs.
Next, let’s talk about the all-famous apron front sink…
Apron Front Sink or Farmhouse Kitchen Sink
An apron front sink (also known as a farmhouse sink) is a key feature. It’s a unique-looking sink that comes out to the edge of the counter. The front edge is often used as a place to hang an apron or kitchen towel.
They’re not only installed in base cabinets along the wall but often will be seen in a farmhouse kitchen island, which helps keep the cooking space clear of clutter.
Now we’ll go over which appliances work great with the farmhouse kitchen design.
Appliances in Farmhouse Kitchens
Since white is so prominent in the farmhouse kitchen, stainless steel or white appliances fit perfectly into the space.
An oven range is great for the farmhouse feel. Wood, bricks, and stainless steel appliances are home to the modern farmhouse kitchen design. And when choosing appliances, white or stainless steel appliances are the most common choices.
However, if you want to make the kitchen even more modern but still want to keep the farmhouse elements in your design then go with the built-in appliance options.
Now, let’s talk about the lighting that adds the finishing touch to a farmhouse kitchen.
Farmhouse Kitchen Lighting
The best lighting is always natural light but in terms of lighting fixtures, a typical choice for farmhouse lighting is the famous oversized lanterns. They offer plenty of light for the kitchen and the material usually has a patina, just like the rest of the hardware.
Other popular options for a farmhouse kitchen are industrial filament bulbs and huge pendant lights.
The key to the right lighting is to look for materials that have a little bit of a natural patina like copper, brass, or wrought iron, and sometimes reclaimed wood light fixtures also look great, together with the wood beams on the ceiling.
Speaking of the ceiling, let’s get into that a little bit more…
Floors and Ceilings in a Farmhouse Kitchen
Choosing the right flooring and ceiling options can make a modern farmhouse kitchen shine.
Wood flooring and exposed structural ceiling beams add a dose of natural texture to your kitchen as well as coziness and warmth.
Final Thoughts
A modern farmhouse kitchen has a few distinct design qualities, whether you prefer more farmhouse design and modern elements to accentuate the space or the other way around. And one of the most prominent features of the farmhouse style is the apron front sink.
Now, if you’re planning on remodelling your kitchen and love the farmhouse style but you don’t know where to start, make sure to check out this photo gallery from Houzz for farmhouse kitchen ideas.
If you’re not planning a remodel for now, then simply add some farmhouse elements, like adding some handcrafted decoration and getting some wooden chopping blocks for displaying on the countertop.
We hope this short article helps you find your way to a gorgeous kitchen design, specifically the modern farmhouse kitchen design.
An industrial kitchen is all about its exposed elements, open spaces, and deceivingly simple décor. They use different materials layered together to create a kitchen space that values form and functionality.
Even though they have a stripped-back appearance, industrial kitchens are places to socialize and bring understated designs together.
If you’re planning a remodel, there are many ways to get the industrial design to shine in your space.
This guide will explore ideas and design aspects of creating an industrial-looking kitchen to help you get your creativity running, so keep on reading.
Choose The Right Materials For an Industrial Style Kitchen
Materials and texture are the most critical design features for an industrial look.
The materials you use will be the spotlight of the space, becoming the show stopper every time you enter the room. An Industrial-style kitchen typically includes a range of synthetic and natural materials.
There’s more than enough room to run your creativity too. Mixing some traditional or modern elements will only complement the space.
Here are some materials to potentially include in the design:
Synthetic materials like composite, concrete, or laminate
Glass
Ceramic tiles
To effectively design an industrial kitchen, use a mixture of materials. What you choose to go with depends on your taste and lifestyle requirements. If you feel stuck, feel free to reach out to one of Décor’s dealers and they’ll gladly help you with your design.
Next, we’ll look at choosing a layout for an industrial kitchen…
Deciding on a Kitchen Layout
Creating a sense of flow and openness is key in industrial kitchen design. They work particularly well in large spaces with high ceilings and wooden beams, some even have exposed pipes. And the industrial feel for people that love and prefer open-plan living. Even so, it’ll still be essential to break up the open area into sections to invite comfort and coziness.
Consider adding a breakfast nook or an island to the layout combined with a separate dining table for formal dining.
Achieving a successful industrial kitchen design in a compact, small area is also possible. Installing a one-wall kitchen is one way to overcome tighter spaces. Just remember to carefully choose the materials and design elements that influence how big or small the space feels to prevent a cluttered feel.
You might need to get a little creative if you want the design layout to include elements like an island or breakfast nook in a tight space.
Now that you’ve given the layout some thought, let’s talk about colours…
Choosing a Colour Palette for Your Industrial Kitchen
It’s important to choose the right colour palette to effectively create an industrial-style look.
They often make use of dark tones and deep shades to re-create the feeling of being in the industrial age, some to a stronger degree while others have more modern or contemporary styles mixed in.
It’s also easier to see dirt and grime in darker colours, check out this ultimate cleaning guide and keep them free of all the dirt, dust and grime that settles and sticks to them.
There are many great colour combinations out there but here are 4 for you to consider:
1. Charcoal Shades
Charcoal is super common in the industrial style. Layer grays to create texture and depth and to bring light and contrast in with bright whites.
2. Dark Greens & Blues
Dark greens and blues are on-trend and work well in urban spaces. Consider going for warm-toned metallics with dark green or blue to create contrast and add a warm and homey feel.
3. Soft Neutrals
Too many dark shades can make a space feel claustrophobic, so try introducing shades from a soft, neutral palette like beige, light brown, silver or ash.
4. Bold Accents
The thing that makes industrial kitchen designs exciting is the bold accents. Contrast the monochrome with bright and bold accents, using vibrant colours as the primary colour.
Experiment with your colour palette to find the perfect style that works for you. Be mindful of your choice of materials, as they’ll heavily play into the impact the design makes and how your hues work together.
Now let’s look at the elements to think about when designing an industrial-style kitchen.
Elements to Consider for an Industrial Style Kitchens
One of the most well-known aspects of industrial design that you’ll notice quickly is the darker hues and often an exposed brick wall as an accent wall.
Let’s go deeper into the subject and discuss the elements of an industrial kitchen…
Industrial Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets take up huge amounts of space, but they’re the key storage factor in the kitchen so getting their design right the first time is essential.
One of the greatest benefits of industrial kitchen design is that you can let your creativity flow in regard to cabinet choices.
Classic shaker cabinets work well in industrial kitchens. If you like the modern and contemporary styles mixed in, you could choose to go with handleless slab-style cabinets with a high-gloss finish. Also, concrete walls go quite well with the modern kitchen and industrial style mixed, so consider the option.
If you choose to go with a design that uses handles, then don’t skip the next section.
Cabinet Handles for an Industrial Kitchen
Even though handles are only one tiny detail in the kitchen, they can add some serious flair.
Imagine the final look you want to achieve when planning the design and selecting your handles accordingly.
Sleek options work well with modern and contemporary styles if you don’t want to go handleless, but decorative handles work just as fine.
Your choice will depend more on what era you want your industrial kitchen to appeal to.
Now, let’s see what countertops go great with the industrial design style.
Countertops for an Industrial Kitchen
Stainless steel or concrete countertops are a popular choice for contemporary kitchen designs, as well as natural wood like live-edge countertops or the famous butcher block countertop.
Sometimes a kitchen island will have different countertops than the rest of the kitchen to add more flair. For example, the main base cabinets could have stainless steel counters but the kitchen island could have a butcher block worktop installed.
The countertop choice will heavily depend on the cabinet colours and finishes you choose.
Now, let’s go over the kitchen sink…
Sinks for Industrial Style Kitchens
Industrial kitchens merge form and functionality effortlessly. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a sink that meets your lifestyle requirements and makes a statement in your kitchen.
Stainless steel is an excellent and common choice, and for good reason, especially if you choose to play with different grays in your design. Getting creative with copper is another great option.
Accessorizing your chosen kitchen sink with a kitchen tap that pops just adds so much style and character to the kitchen.
Next, we’ll go over appliance choices.
Stainless Steel Appliances for an Industrial Kitchen
An oven range works well in an industrial kitchen. And stainless steel, wood, bricks and stones in general are home to the industrial kitchen. So, when it comes to appliances, stainless steel is the best choice and that’s because it looks somewhat clunky which fits perfectly with the industrial design.
If you lean more toward the modern style that features sleek, clean lines but still want to keep the industrial elements in your design then go with the built-in options.
Now let’s talk about some smaller accessories.
Smaller Accessories and Industrial Kitchen Décor
Thinking about the little details is just as important as the more significant design elements – Storage, small appliances, and glassware all make an impact on the overall aesthetic of the industrial kitchen design and décor.
Try choosing industrial-style kitchen accessories to elevate the overall industrial theme and organization of the kitchen. For example, wire rack storage, hanging bars for utensils and pans, metal containers for sugar or flour and chunky wood chopping boards all enhance your design.
But it won’t shine as much as it should without proper lighting, let’s go over that quickly.
Industrial Lighting
Many rustic elements are at play in an industrial kitchen and choosing the right lighting for your industrial kitchen can be a super exciting time.
Make sure to plan in lots of natural light. And even though that’s not always possible, you still want those raw elements in the spotlight, so adding lighting will help with that.
Look for oversized lanterns, industrial filament bulb lighting and huge pendant lighting all work well in an industrial kitchen.
The key to the right light fixtures is to look for materials with a bit of a natural patina like copper or reclaimed wood. And to push the ambiance to the limit, include a dimmer switch.
Now, what about the backsplash? Keep reading to find out…
Backsplash to Enhance the Exposed Brick Walls
There are many backsplash options that go well in an industrial kitchen, but not everything will look great…
Stainless steel panels are common and look amazing, but if you want more colour you could choose to go with glass or ceramic tiles. Another great option is to use exposed brickwork or a roughly-hewed stone.
Next, let’s talk about flooring options.
Concrete Floors for More Industrial Flair
The kitchen is the most used room in the entire home so the flooring needs to be a durable and long-lasting choice. Make sure to retain functionality while still thinking about how to enhance the overall aesthetics.
An exposed concrete floor is a common choice for an urban feel. Although engineered wood, tiles and laminate can work as well but might not last as long. Keep in mind to prioritize water resistance and durability for the kitchen flooring choice.
Now, finally, we’ll discuss the kitchen island.
Kitchen Islands for the Industrial Kitchen Style
Lastly, an industrial kitchen isn’t complete without a kitchen island. It can act as a great focal point as well as add extra surface area to work on. It also adds more space for storage and can be a great seating area.
When choosing a design for an island to put in your industrial kitchen, make sure to pick materials that are made to last.
Final Thoughts
An industrial kitchen has quite a few distinct design qualities, whether you prefer a cozy and warm scheme or a busy urban feel.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and the country kitchen is a perfect style that fits your taste, but you don’t know where to start, make sure to take a peek at Houzz’s industrial kitchen photo gallery for industrial kitchen design ideas. Also, feel free to talk to one of Décor’s kitchen dealers about your industrial kitchen design ideas and let them do their magic so you can enjoy the perfect custom design – stress-free.
If you’re not planning to remodel your kitchen any time soon, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about the design. Simply add some vinyl brick to accentuate a wall and buy some industrial kitchen decor accessories that fit right in and add a touch of industrial design to your kitchen.
We hope this short article helped you distinguish the elements that make up the industrial kitchen design and helped you get your creative juices flowing so you can design the best industrial kitchen that fits your taste.
A pleasant mismatch of antique furniture, plenty of busy print and pattern, and a casual style of displaying crocks, accessories, and trinkets, are all key to beautiful country kitchens. They’re cheerful and light-hearted with their playful approach to colour.
Whether you’re planning a remodel for your existing kitchen or to install a brand new one, if your taste in style leans more towards the warm, welcoming, cozy, and comfortable, you’ll want to explore the broad range of options for country kitchen design.
In this short article, we’ll be covering some differences between similar styles, and the elements that form the very definition of a country kitchen.
Country Kitchens Versus Modern Farmhouse Kitchens
There are so many different décor styles trending that it gets hard to keep up with all the little differences. The country kitchen and a modern farmhouse kitchen are two styles that are often confused.
Both styles are often just kind of thrown in the same bucket and people just assume they’re “kind of the same thing…” but, that’s not quite right.
Yes, they have similarities that they share but there are also some distinct differences.
One of the similarities they share is in their wood cabinets and furnishings, vintage-style accents, and overall distressed feel. More often than not, this is what causes confusion between the styles.
The farmhouse style will often have white cabinets, whereas country will often be a sage green or blue, but that doesn’t mean country can’t have a white kitchen.
Another similarity between the two is the use of mason jars. They’re used for spices and other dry goods and for pantries or pantry walls to organize and create a clean, uniform look.
Also, apron front sinks and open shelves are two more similarities you’ll find between the two, as well as a butcher block countertop. Open shelves and butcher block countertops aren’t something you’ll only find in either a farmhouse or a country kitchen. It’s something that’s popular in other designs as well such as industrial, modern, and rustic among others.
And wood countertops are often the common choice in a country-style kitchen, but sometimes you’ll also see granite and other natural materials regarding countertops.
Now we’ll get into a few differences between the two and make it easier to know which one is which.
So What’s the Difference Between Them?
Country-style kitchens rely heavily on their accessories. They have a flea market feel that comes from all the little trinkets that are most likely obtained secondhand.
A farmhouse kitchen also often has thrift store treasures, however, the kitchen design is free of visual clutter. You might find a few decorative accents on the countertop or wall – like those popular “pantry” signs, – but no more.
You won’t find a jumbled collection of hand-painted salt and pepper shakers or wall cabinets lined with décor.
They also differ in their fabrics. Country kitchen fabrics are usually striped, plaid, or have a buffalo check pattern. Meanwhile, farmhouse curtains mostly have either solid fabrics with a bit of texture or a slight pattern with little colour variation.
That leads to the next difference, which is colour. A modern farmhouse is likely to give a light, airy feeling, often featuring lightly coloured neutrals throughout the home.
Feel free to check out this extensive farmhouse kitchen design article to learn more about what defines farmhouse kitchens.
The cabinets of a country kitchen, however, usually feature deeper, rich wood tones and painted cabinets in colours like cranberry red or sage green.
Now, while a country kitchen is often mistaken for a farmhouse-style kitchen and vice versa, the same goes for rustic kitchens. So, next, we’re going to compare the similarities and differences between a rustic and a country kitchen.
What About Rustic Versus Country Kitchens?
Like farmhouse designs, rustic kitchens are often confused and mixed up with country kitchen designs.
While the world of design is evolving fast, terms or styles can quickly get mixed up. Some say there’s no difference, while others insist on the fact that rustic and country are worlds apart. We’ll discuss that a little bit now.
The problem in distinguishing the two styles is that they carry similar themes. Both are homey, earthy, and fairly welcoming.
The country kitchen is an American icon. It features a wide open space, usually occupied by a dining table that’s directly built-in to the design. Most of the design tends to stay simple, using custom cabinetry, often hardwood floors, and a roomy design that highlights simplicity.
The major difference between a country and a rustic kitchen is the worn-down, beaten up and battered appearance of the wood floors, furniture, cabinetry, and accessories in rustic kitchens. Rustic also often uses more reclaimed wood than any other style.
The country kitchen is an American icon! The warm, welcoming and homey feeling it gives with the buffalo check curtains, and the deep apron sink. And even though the style has strong roots in the past, today they’re far from old-fashioned.
Let’s get into some features that make up the definition of the kitchen style.
The Use of Patterns in Country Kitchens
One of the best things about the country kitchen style is that you have complete freedom when it comes to patterns.
They’re mostly full of print and patterns, tossed together in a charming and almost disorderly fashion. You’ll often see stripes that sit greatly with florals, checkers, or farm animal décor. Tiles are one of the best ways to incorporate these patterns.
While patterns are super common, they also use vintage and antique details.
Vintage and Antique Details
To help drive home that country feel, add some antiques and vintage details for a more “lived-in” feel. One option is to go all out and replace the dining table and chairs with a used set or get some small ornaments or dishes to show off on open shelving.
Everything’s on Display in Country Kitchens
Clutter-free and pristine are two words that are unknown to the country style, in fact, it’s the opposite. Country design is often characterized by a bit of “country charm” and slightly unsettled.
Open shelving or glass-fronted display cabinets are often used to show off dishes, pans, and linens. For anything that you want to hide, use apple crates, or willow baskets.
Decorative displays are also a thing in country kitchens. For example, hanging rails for pans and utensils, a wall-mounted plate or pot rack, or hooks under cabinets to hang your mugs.
Apron Front Sinks
An apron front sink (also known as a farmhouse sink) is a key feature. It’s a unique-looking sink that comes out all the way to the edge of the counter. The front edge is often used as a place to hang an apron or kitchen towel.
They’re not only installed in base cabinets along the wall but often will be seen in a kitchen island, which helps keep the cooking space clear of clutter.
Country Kitchen Accessories
Lastly, the finishing touches in a country kitchen are all about the accessories. Use baskets, blue canning jars, and vintage ceramics like yellowware mixing bowls or ironstone pitchers to add the classic touch.
You’ll also most likely see some brass and copper pots and pans here and there.
Final Thoughts
A traditional country kitchen has quite a few distinct design qualities, whether you prefer a homely country cottage scheme or a French country feel.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and the country kitchen is a perfect style that fits your taste, but you don’t know where to start, make sure to take a peek at HGTV’s photo gallery of country kitchens or Houzz’s French Country photo gallery for country kitchen ideas. Also, feel free to talk to one of our kitchen dealers about your country kitchen design ideas and let them do their magic so you can enjoy the perfect custom design – stress-free.
If you’re not planning to remodel your kitchen any time soon, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about the design. Here’s an article that talks about how to can make some modifications to add a country feel even to modern kitchens.
We hope this helped you distinguish between the farmhouse, rustic and country kitchen design styles and the elements that make up the country kitchen.
The kitchen is often the busiest and most chaotic space in the entire home. A modern kitchen design can act as a calm backdrop to the busy commotion.
And when planning a remodel or a new build for the kitchen it’s important to get the style you want right the first time around, since the kitchen is there to stay for a while.
Modern kitchen design is often broadly categorized as any style that’s less traditional and more contemporary—but, has specific roots in terms of its time, style, and inspirations. And it typically consists of open spaces, minimalist features, and simple colour palettes, offering a clutter-free space to relax and entertain.
The term “modern” covers everything sleek and streamlined. If you find that appealing—keep reading!
The Difference Between Modern and Contemporary
“Modern” and “contemporary” are often used interchangeably, but there is a real distinction between the styles.
Modern design refers to an actual historical design movement (specifically the early to mid-20th century) and follows a strict interpretation of elements.
“Contemporary” design literally means “current trends in the now,”.
So, while both designs feature sleek and minimalist layouts and share many characteristics including functionality, they differ in their fluidity.
All in all, the modern style follows stricter guidelines whereas contemporary design is more fluid and tolerates “rule-breaking.” That means contemporary designs are more dynamic and they can change year after year to follow the newest trend.
What is a Modern Kitchen?
The overly simplified definition of modern kitchen design is that it’s loosely categorized as a kitchen design between transitional and contemporary. Now, there’s a lot more to it than that…
Did you know that they first originated in World War I? It was initially distinguished by flat surfaces, geometric forms, and little to no ornamentation.
Now that we’ve got the meaning, the differences and some history of the design, let’s jump into what the design aspect of it really is…
The Design Aspect of the Modern Kitchen
Modern kitchen design has become a part of a larger trend highlighting clean lines, open spaces, and minimalistic design elements, featuring highly functional post-industrial materials.
Modern kitchen design is driven by simplicity. It helps the overall kitchen feel by maximizing functionality by utilizing space and organized cabinetry.
They focus more on structure and form instead of surface ornamentation. This helps emphasize their smooth surfaces like concrete and steel, strong horizontal lines, and plenty of open space.
Here are some common elements to look for:
Clean-lined faucets
Sleek hardware
Horizontal lines
Neutral, limited colour palette
Sometimes floor to ceiling windows
natural materials mixed with manufactured ones
Now, modern kitchens tend to stay away from clutter, excess ornamentation, and heavy, traditional furnishings. And compared to contemporary kitchens, they stay away from experimental shapes and trends, they stick with the tried and true.
So, here are some things you definitely won’t find in their design:
Cluttered surfaces
Elaborate edge treatments on countertops
Heavy, traditional furnishings
Highly decorated millwork
Trendy shapes, finishes and colour palettes
Colourful tiles
Modern kitchens focus on the architecture and structure of key elements, which means the colour palette tends to contain crisp and clean white and black and subtle neutrals. When you see brighter colours pop up it’s often in the accessories or sometimes in the wall cabinets as an accent colour to enhance the luxury aspect of the kitchen.
Here are some colours that you’ll see in modern kitchens:
Neutrals: Dove grey, stone, wheat, cream, beige, putty
Architectural white, matte black
Brighter colours: hot-rod red, navy blue, royal blue, chartreuse, teal
Now that we’ve gone through some basic design features, let’s go over some key elements that make up the very definition of modern kitchens.
Elements of a Modern Kitchen
One of the most well-known aspects you’ll notice is sleek cabinetry. This is characterized by the unadorned and simple furniture paired with next-to-no unsightly gaps or dust traps.
But let’s get more specific about each element:
1. The Space & Light fixtures
A key feature of a modern kitchen is streamlined lighting! The light fixtures are clean-lined and sculptural.
They use pendant lights, recessed and an integrated light fixture that is usually silver, matte black, wood or white – or for a warmer look, they would normally be shiny gold or copper. The goal of modern living is to maximize space and lighting as much as possible.
Just as a side note: upgrading only the lighting and hardware in a kitchen can be the difference between a subpar kitchen and a superior looking one.
When it comes to appliances, wall ovens are quite the popular choice, and mostly in stainless steel.
Typically, you’ll find that modern kitchens are open-concept areas with tall ceilings, creating a spacious kitchen with long countertops, and efficiently designed storage that help minimize clutter. They often feature reflective materials that look more amazing when they’re exposed to natural light.
Now, let’s get into what typical cabinetry looks like.
2. Modern Kitchen Cabinet Doors
A modern kitchen often has frameless cabinets with flat-panel or slab doors. They give off a minimalist look that goes well with the design.
The beauty of natural wood grain or sleek cabinet pulls takes the spotlight with a flourish-free, linear design.
To complement the cabinet doors, there are certain characteristics that the cabinet hardware follows. Next, we’ll go over exactly that.
3. Cabinetry Hardware in a Modern Kitchen
The Cabinet hardware often extends to the majority or sometimes even the full length of the drawer and doors.
The knobs and handles are often stainless steel or chrome. They help with enhancing the streamlined look and feel of the cabinets.
Feel free to read this blog post about cabinet hardware to get a more detailed picture of what goes well with modern kitchen cabinets.
Next, let’s get into the flooring, tile, and countertops.
4. Flooring, Subway Tile Backsplash, and Granite Countertops
The flooring, tiles (like backsplash), and countertops tend to coordinate with the broader aesthetic or have a strong contrast compared to the rest of the custom cabinetry.
Sometimes concrete floors are used, but more often you’ll find materials like slate or granite used for tile floors and backsplashes – another popular choice is subway tile or metallic backsplash.
When it comes to the countertop, you’ll see a variety of materials, some of which include granite, marble, quartz, concrete, and soapstone. To give a little contrast, you might find that most of the kitchen has a light countertop and the kitchen island has a dark countertop.
You’ll find that laminate is often used for countertops when the stone material is out of budget.
Here’s an article that goes over most countertop options and the pros and cons of each material to give you a better overview of what’s best for your own kitchen remodel.
5. Modern Kitchen Accessories
The accessories and other design elements should build upon the design theme.
Things like mixers, blenders, coffee makers and other small appliances should blend and be aligned with the rest of the kitchen’s minimalistic design.
6. Industrial Elements in a Modern Kitchen
The sink being an undermount sink is quite common. It’s also often seen in different kitchen designs like in a rustic or contemporary kitchen island.
You’ll often find an industrial edge as the cherry on top in terms of design. They take natural and industrial materials like wood, plastic, and metal to enhance the design and feature them in bold colours that create visual interest in an otherwise simple kitchen.
Here’s a huge photo gallery of kitchens on houzz for you to explore.
Final Thoughts
Modern design started around World War I and generally featured flat surfaces, geometric forms, and little or no ornamentation.
You’ll often hear sleek, angular, and simple design featuring little hardware, and flush and flat surfaces. A minimalistic design means there’s no place for clutter in the kitchen. Everything has its place. For example, you can find waste bin drawers that hide the trash cans.
So, if you love lines that are clean with strong shapes and minimalist aesthetics that keep the emphasis on architecture, then the modern kitchen design might be the best fit for you.
