Top 10 Popular Kitchen Styles - A Guide
When you think about all of the potential kitchen design elements and features, there is a truly endless number of combinations.
Wondering what kitchen styles there are to choose from when remodeling your kitchen? Look no further. We review the most popular kitchen style names, from Farmhouse to Cottage to Mediterranean.
A lot of people refer to the kitchen as the "Heart of the Home," and for good reason. We cook dinners, we make breakfast, we bake cookies with the kids, and we create memories. Our kitchens are a space where we spend a lot of time and get a lot of work done.
As you contemplate a kitchen remodeling project, you might be considering which style to go with. You can choose from several popular styles, or even combine elements of a few styles that go well together, like French Country and Mediterranean. There are many factors to consider, including your style, the space availability, the type of house you own, and your age.
Read on or jump to the style you’re most interested in below:
- Contemporary
- Transitional
- Modern
- Farmhouse
- Mediterranean or French Country
- Coastal
- Traditional
- Cottage Charm
- Classic
- Eclectic
Using this list, we hope you will get some inspiration and an understanding of the most popular kitchen styles.
1. Contemporary
Source: Pinterest
The design of contemporary kitchens is characterized by a mix of old and new, casual and stylish. Cooks will have the opportunity to interact with guests while entertaining in the area, which will be furnished with modern gourmet kitchen equipment, comfortable seating, and open space for guests to mingle and roam. In addition to frameless cabinetry, streamlined and modern hardware, and horizontal lines that are strong, there can also be playful finishings.
Must-haves:
- Flat Panel Doors
- Natural Materials/Finishes
- Sleek Lines
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Kitsilano Door
2. Transitional
Source: Pinterest
An elegant transitional kitchen will be a great moderator. Traditional style and modern design combine to create a balance and harmony that projects warmth and welcome. As they offer so much flexibility, they're a great choice for homeowners who aren't tied down to one particular style or whose tastes range from one to the other. Get ideas for pulling off the look with these photos of transitional kitchens.
Must-haves:
- Traditional Cabinet Fronts (I.e., Shaker Style) with modern hardware
- Consistent colour palette
- Contrast in materials/elements
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Standard Matte Black Pulls
3. Modern
Source: Pinterest
Clutter is kept to a minimum in modern kitchens. The sleek, sexy designs are complemented by ample storage space. Modern kitchen designs are typically characterized by frameless cabinets, streamlined hardware, strong horizontal lines, and minimalist ornamentation that emphasizes the materials' intrinsic beauty. High-tech materials and reflective surfaces are essential to a modern kitchen. You might mix in some industrial elements like an unfinished concrete wall.
Must-haves:
- Flat Panel Doors
- Sleek and simple hardware, or none at all!
- Industrial Elements
- Lack of ornamentation
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Stainless Steel Edge Pulls
4. Farmhouse
Source: Pinterest
Designed for functionality and comfort, farmhouse kitchens are warm and inviting. Open shelves, wide sinks, and wood floors are common features. There is also a large kitchen table. Countless shades of red, yellow, and blue exist in country colours, ranging from primary hues to yellow and cream tones aged over time. It is common to mix and match colours. Vintage-inspired lighting is also commonly used.
Must-haves:
- Farmhouse sink
- Open shelving
- Rich wood grains
- Old-fashioned range
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Capri Shaker Door Style
5. Mediterranean or French Country
Source: Pinterest
It is possible to achieve a balance between earthy, traditional, and chic in a French country kitchen. Surfaces that show signs of wear and tear should not be an issue. There are warm colors in this room, such as rich russet, cobalt, and ochre fabrics, warm-toned wood cabinets, and ceramic accessories. Farm animals are mixed into the decor, as are mustard yellows and warm reds. The kitchen’s copper pots, rough-hewn textures, and rush seats complete its look.
The Mediterranean style of kitchen can be intertwined with the French country look as they share many similar elements. Traditionally, a Mediterranean kitchen is characterized by arched cooking alcoves, hand-painted tiles, warm wood cabinets, and beamed ceilings. The wall color scheme usually consists of vibrant blues and greens, with accents in other colors. Typically, artful tile work is found, and terracotta or mosaic backsplashes are common.
Hardwood floors and soothing, natural colors are often found on the walls. Cherry cabinets are usually made of high-quality wood; they can be left in their natural state or painted or stained for an accent of color.
Must-haves:
- Rich, warm tones
- Unique tilework
- Richly ornamented details on cabinetry
- Hearth structure over a range
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Champagne Bronze Transitional Pull
6. Coastal
Source: Pinterest
In a coastal kitchen, the colors that create a feeling of relaxation are soothing blue, seafoam green, light beige, and soft pink. Based on white and cream colors, a bright, lively color scheme is simultaneously relaxing and bright. The furniture will be wicker and the flooring and fabrics will be durable enough to withstand wet clothing. There should be some light window treatments to facilitate maximum natural light. There will be beach-themed tiles for accessories and backsplashes.
Must-haves:
- Natural elements
- Crisp colors like Navy and White
- Ample lighting
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Capri Door in Chantilly Lace
7. Traditional
Source: Pinterest
There are many details that define the traditional kitchen, like arches, moldings, corbels, raised panels, antique finishes, and turned legs that look like furniture. Regardless of the style they have, they still hold the personality of the owners.
Traditional kitchens are characterized by balance and symmetry. It's neither too modern nor too loud. All elements should complement each other. Coffered ceilings, white marble countertops, and traditional cabinets are some of the classic elements of traditional kitchen designs.
Must-haves:
- Raised Panel Doors (I.e., Shaker)
- Glazed or antique cabinet finishes
- A mix of door styles/finishes
- Cabinetry with glass inserts
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Mix of knobs and pulls
8. Cottage Charm
Source: Pinterest
Designed to feel cozy and unpretentious, cottage kitchens take inspiration from smaller kitchens of the past. Adding beadboard, soft colors, vintage hardware, wood floors, and colorful accents can give your kitchen a true cottage feel. Decorative pieces and antiques can be used as design accents. You can use white appliances or ones in retro colors like pastel pink or robin egg blue.
Must-haves:
- Soft Colours
- Open Shelving
- Farmhouse Sink
- Hardwood Flooring
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Linen Door
9. Classic
Source: Pinterest
Black accents, simple architectural details, and white or cream cabinets define classical kitchen style. The look is simple, yet clean, offering homeowners a blank canvas to decorate with lighting, furniture, and eclectic touches in a way that expresses their individuality.
Despite their timeless appeal, classic kitchens never go out of style. Simple, uncluttered details and neutral color palettes characterize these designs. It's true that a classic kitchen can seem too safe for individualists, as well as too ornate for purists, but you can make it your own by jazzing up the accents. The next homeowner can also benefit from these eight elements too if you're interested in resale value.
Must-haves:
- White Cabinetry
- White Marble Countertops
- White Subway Tile
- Simple Door Styles
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Chalk White Door
10. Eclectic
Source: Pinterest
Objects and ideas belonging to an eclectic style are drawn from many different sources. Homeowners who are themselves eclectic will be attracted to this style. Is it necessary to stick to one style if you do not want to? Your kitchen style can be mixed and matched any way you choose. Combining modern and rustic styles with artwork, patterns, and colors is a great way to bring your kitchen ideas to life.
Must-haves:
- Bold Colours
- Open shelving with a curated display
- Stainless Steel appliances
OASIS RECOMMENDED STYLE: Ink Black Door
Take-Aways
It's time to start making your dream kitchen a reality now that you know the most popular kitchen design styles. Check out our ultimate guide to designing a kitchen for tips on how to prepare for your kitchen remodeling journey.
In addition to our best tips to create a budget for a kitchen remodeling project, we've linked five steps you should take before starting your project!
Design your kitchen with our online kitchen planner or book an appointment to get started creating the house of your dreams.
Is it time to realize your kitchen dreams? We can help make your vision a reality at Oasis Kitchens. Homeowners can get custom kitchen designs and remodeling services from us, and we would love to help you on your kitchen remodeling journey - contact us today to get started!