Transitional Kitchen Design

Transitional style is the perfect design aesthetic for those looking to bend the design rules a bit and create a home that is all their own. It combines traditional design elements with modern or contemporary design elements to create a unique look that “transitions” between the two aesthetics. Transitional design creates a home that is flexible, creative, personal, relaxed, and balanced.

From some, this lack of rules is freeing, but to others its overwhelming. And rightfully so; transitional design isn’t always easy to achieve. There is a certain finesse to creating a balanced interior which is equal parts classic and modern. Check out the tips below to achieve a transitional kitchen design.

Use transitional perimeter cabinetry as the base layer. In kitchen design, cabinetry is considered the base layer upon which other design elements are applied. Keeping this element of the space neutral, in both door style and color palette, gives the space a timeless foundation. A door style featuring clean lines and limited ornamentation, like the shaker, is a great place to start. The use of neutral colors like grays, whites, and beiges as well as wood tones creates a calming backdrop upon which to build in personality.

Balance cabinetry with unexpected accent materials. Layering timeless cabinetry with unexpected materials in places like range areas, islands, and open shelving deepens the design. Use a contrasting color, texture, or more contemporary door style in the island cabinetry. Hang glass and metal shelves in place of traditional upper cabinetry. Utilize unique materials like patinated metal or reclaimed wood to build a custom range hood.

Anchor the space with traditional flooring. In transitional design, the flooring shouldn’t necessarily draw the eye. Wood or wood-look plank flooring in a finish that works well with the perimeter cabinetry specifically is preferred. Timeless, rich finishes that read neither too light nor too dark bring timeless warmth to the space.

Get creative with modern or contemporary hardware. Adorning a neutral cabinet with a trendy pull or knob creates the balance transitional design is known for. Hardware is a great place to add in a little personality in the kitchen. It is less of an investment than cabinetry and is easy to change as design trends change in the future. Select a finish that pops against the cabinetry and a design that is proportionate to the size of the cabinet or drawer.

Use natural countertop materials. Timeless and traditional in their aesthetic are natural countertop materials like marble, granite, wood, soapstone, and quartzite. In transitional kitchen design, sticking to neutral countertops with a streamlined profile continues the classic base layer initiated by the cabinetry. Today’s quartz or large format porcelain countertops so closely mimic natural materials that they are also a great option for transitional kitchens.

Add personality with light fixtures. Much like hardware, light fixtures are a great place to get a little creative because they can easily be changed as the trends do. Placement of fixtures in the space should be in traditional locations, for example pendants over the island or a sconce over the sink, but the style should reflect the personality of the client. Oversized, modern pendants look very striking hanging over an island topped with a marble countertop with lots of movement. Delicate, traditional metal lantern pendants work well with a patinated metal range hood with clean lines.

Stick with a transitional backsplash. The backsplash can either be a focal point or a base layer in a kitchen depending on the materials and colors selected. A transitional kitchen most benefits from a backsplash that continues the neutral foundation created by the timeless perimeter cabinetry and natural countertop materials. It’s a great place to add texture into the design. Hand cut tiles in natural materials lend an organic feel to the space. The continuation of the countertop material up the wall is a great way to keep the look streamlined.

At TruKitchens we have executed many beautiful, transitional kitchen designs to suit our clients’ various needs.

With a full spectrum of design expertise and talented team of designers and installers, we can achieve the balance that transitional design requires. We help our clients create stunning spaces through our carefully curated custom cabinetry lines and other design products. Our love of creativity and focus on functionality helps our clients create a space perfectly tailored to their unique style preferences. ❂

Todd Wiley Senior Designer, TruKitchens 616.957.1969