Traditional vs. Transitional: Which is Right for You?

Have you decided it’s time to upgrade your kitchen décor? If so, you’ve got countless decisions to make. Knowing what look you’re trying to achieve in the kitchen will help you to direct your focus and make the job easier for both you and your design consultant.

Two of the more popular kitchen design styles today are known as traditional and transitional. The two words sound similar, but they represent two very different styles for your kitchen. Let’s look at the differences between traditional vs. transitional kitchen design, so you can decide which is right for you.

What is Traditional Design?

Generally speaking, a traditional space is inspired by the aesthetics of an 18th or 19th-century European countryside home. The hallmarks of this style are ornate woodwork, majestic furniture, heavy drapery, rich colors, and natural elements like wood and stone.

You can bring traditional design into your kitchen with these elements:

• Dark, natural-stained cabinetry with traditional raised panels, elaborate profiles, large applied moldings, and eye-catching hardware.
• Ornamental crown molding.
• Wood-covered range hoods that match your cabinetry.
• Decorative hanging lights that feature lots of glass such as small chandeliers, pendants, or lanterns.
• Heavy and solid wooden tables and chairs in dark, natural stains
• Countertops in natural materials such as wood or stone.
• Hints of traditional metals including copper, brass, or iron throughout the kitchen

Traditional kitchen design is perfect for those seeking to inject old-world glamor and elegance into their homes.

What is Transitional Design?

When comparing traditional vs. transitional design, it’s important to note that transitional design doesn’t altogether dismiss traditional elements. Instead, transitional design is more of a combination of classic and contemporary styles, fixtures, and colors. Overall, the transitional look is more relaxed, less formal, and not as grandiose as traditional design.

You can bring transitional design into your kitchen with these elements:

• Neutral paint on the walls with accessories adding pops of color.
• Varying textures to provide visual interest, including tile surfaces, wood elements, polished marble, or rough stone
• Low-profile transitional cabinetry without intricate carvings or elaborate hardware; shaker-style cabinets are a popular choice in transitional kitchens.
• Solid color fabrics and upholstery instead of busy patterns
• Simple, comfortable furniture with sleek lines, rather than intricate styling
• Streamlined, but not minimalist, lighting fixtures in bold geometric shapes.
• Metal elements in finishes such as brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or dark zinc

Generally speaking, a transitional kitchen borrows elements from the past and combines them with contemporary features to produce something new and fresh. How much you want to mix and match the past and the present is up to you.

Traditional vs. Transitional: Which Style of Kitchen is Right for You?

Now that you are better informed about the differences between traditional vs. transitional design, you can decide what will work best in your kitchen. There’s no right or wrong choice; it’s just a matter of personal preference.

Whether you’re unsure of how to design your new kitchen, or you know exactly what you want, be sure to contact Special Additions. Our design consultants will work with you every step of the way to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Call us for a free quote today!