Download the AllStar-Kitchen-Remodeling-Guide-2019

If you’re planning to do a kitchen remodel, one of the first things you ask yourself is…”What kind of style do I want?”  Depending on your interests, tastes, and personality, there is an endless array of designs, styles, colors, sizes, and trends from which to choose.  But, don’t spend all of your free time examining, scrutinizing, and inspecting design sites…only to feel overwhelmed and frustrated.

Since your kitchen is the heart of your home and the center of so many functions such as cooking and social gatherings, you need a kitchen that fits your needs, likes, and lifestyle.  The good news is that we’ve done all of the work for you, so you don’t have to. Take a look at these top 10 kitchen remodeling styles so you can start designing your dream kitchen today!!

There are three main types of kitchen styles: Contemporary, Traditional, and Transitional, however, there are many other “subtypes” of these styles.  Some of those styles will be discussed below. 

CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary kitchens provide streamlined surfaces and high functionality with a modern feel, but this style frequently adds traditional ideas as well for a sleek look.  In addition, contemporary can incorporate soft and earthy tones.

Materials – Contemporary design can be very innovative, using materials often used for other parts of the home, such as glass or concrete and adding them to your kitchen.  Contemporary-styled kitchens use multiple textures, patterns, and layered materials. Additionally, having the natural look of stone on your countertops turns any ordinary kitchen into a contemporary haven. With its vast array of patterns, colors, inlays, and durability concrete has become the “go-to” countertop to make your contemporary kitchen all-inclusive.  Contemporary kitchens provide streamlined surfaces and high functionality with a modern feel, but this style frequently adds traditional ideas as well for a sleek look.  In addition, contemporary can incorporate soft and earthy tones.

Accessories – Contemporary kitchens are known for their sleek look and clean design and for using every new tool available on the market to provide convenience and reliability.  Following new trends and technology help to make contemporary kitchens one of the top kitchen styles available.

s – Contemporary kitchens are all about high-tech, high-performance, advanced, stylish, and sleek .

ing – The use of pendants, recessed , under-the-cabinet , track , and chandeliers are prominent throughout contemporary kitchens.  And since the kitchen is where you entertain the most…the right is essential and gives you a central point in your kitchen.

Cabinets – Contemporary kitchens are notorious for using natural materials for cabinetry.  Customized flush cabinets, glass inserts, geometric shapes, and simple hardware and drawer pulls complete the look of the contemporary kitchen.

Backsplashes – Contemporary kitchens show a variety of colors, patterns, and inlays.  You can often see ceramic tiles, mosaic, glass tiles, or even stone used for backsplashes that will help accent the entire kitchen.

Modern Kitchen

The modern kitchen style is from the early – mid 20^th century and is adorned with bold colors, accent colors, use of metal, high-tech , and no crown molding.  The main high s are clean, simple, straight lines, and minimal ornamentation…allowing one to experience the innate beauty of the materials.

Ornamentation – To create a modern-style kitchen, there is little to no ornamentation to be seen. Flat cabinet doors, simply smooth hardware, and non-patterned countertops are often used in modern kitchens.

Materials – Modern kitchen materials are normally man-made, such as stainless steel, concrete, glass, and metal. You can often see elements symmetry, bold color, and horizontal lines to give it a European feel.

Cabinets – The cabinets in modern kitchens are somewhat unique.  In keeping with the tradition of the sleek look of the modern era, the cabinets are frameless, and oftentimes have see-through doors with interior s. When you think of modern, stainless steel usually comes to mind.  Stainless steel cabinets are a new trend and truly give your kitchen that modern vibe.

Hardware – Smooth, shiny hardware embedded in the full length of doors, drawers, and cabinets gives minimal accents to the full cabinetry.

Accessories – Because modern kitchens are simple and lack ornamentation, accessories are used to give it style and color. These kitchens are identified by their accent pieces such as concrete walls, larger , and even kitchen furniture.  Adding an island, table, chairs, and modernized artwork can complement the sleek design of the modern kitchen.

ing – Modern kitchens most often feature pendant or recessed , both of which give your kitchen a sleek and sophisticated look.  Putting a glass-blown pendant fixture or modernized chandelier above your island, table, or counter makes it the perfect addition to your kitchen.

Minimalist Kitchen

The minimalist kitchen is one of the most simple, clean, and classic styled kitchens.  As the name suggests, the details of this type of kitchen are somewhat plain and simplistic.  Horizontal lines, asymmetry, little to no molding or other ornamentation, and man-made materials such as stainless steel, laminate, linoleum, and chrome make the minimalist kitchen timeless.

Architectural details – There’s not much to say about the architectural details of a minimalist kitchen, except: simple.  Simple color designs, minimal facets, and clean sleek textures describe the characteristics of this type of kitchen.

Colors – Obviously white is the primary color found in minimalist kitchens. It gives the appearance of a kitchen that is clean, fresh, and spotless.  However, these minimalist kitchens don’t have to be entirely white.  Besides traditional white, you can’t get more classic and ageless than black and white, which provides just the right amount of contrast while keeping the look and feel of a simple design.

Cabinets –  Keeping the characteristics of minimalist kitchens, cabinets tend to be white, cream-colored, or neutral, giving your kitchen the eternally classic look.  Additionally, cabinets that are zinc, copper, concrete, or two-toned are often seen.  The cabinets are simple with no trim and frequently have tempered glass doors to give it that minimal look.

s – s in a minimalist kitchen tend to be sleek and built-in, taking up very little space.  The design is simple, understated, and organized.

Countertops – Neutral-colored countertops with minimal patterns are one of the main features of minimalist kitchens to keep the look simple and clean.  With its white simple look, concrete is an ideal material for minimalist countertops.  And the best part is they are durable and easy to clean.

Tile – Plain white subway tile is versatile and can be used as a focus on a wall or in the background as a backsplash.  There are various sizes, materials, and finishes of subway tiles.  Typically, classic subway tiles are glossy, but if you prefer a more matte finish for your kitchen that is an option as well.

TRADITIONAL

One of the most popular styles of kitchen is the traditional style kitchen.  Known for its details, such as ornate moldings, tall rich wood cabinetry, antique features, and chandelier , traditional kitchens bring back a timeless, classic style that exudes elegance.

Cabinets – Although this might seem like a modern element, that don’t look like cabinets are very popular with traditional kitchens. Cabinets can be designed to hide storage space or a refrigerator, pantry, or even a trash can.  In conjunction with traditional kitchens, cabinets can also be stained or painted to give it that country look.  If these cabinets are not your style, try warm-colored wood cabinetry to bring out the wood’s natural beauty.

Moldings – Traditional kitchens are well-known for their ornamentation, including ornate trims, crown moldings, and arched doorways.

Accessories – Multi-use islands with out-turned legs, antique-looking fixtures, , and are typical of traditional kitchens.

ing – Old-style , such as bold brass or crystal chandeliers, antiqued lantern s, or even a cozy wooden stove are the trends for traditional kitchens.

Countertops – When it comes to countertops, traditional kitchens are famous for the impactful look of granite, marble, quartz, and butcher-block style countertops.

 Rustic Kitchen

Rustic kitchens are one of the most popular types of traditional kitchens.  With a distressed, worn look, and vintage elements, rustic kitchens offer the feel of country living.

Architectural elements – Rustic kitchens tend to use elements such as reclaimed wood for walls, countertops, beams, arches, and flooring.  Some might even say that you can even use wood from top to bottom and everything in between to make a true rustic kitchen come to life.  Just be sure to give a little material contrast between the floor and ceiling to break up the uniformity.

Materials – Obviously wood is often used throughout rustic kitchens and tends to be the go-to material.  However, other materials such as stone, slate, and brick play a part in bringing out the vintage-style so often associated with rustic kitchens.

ing – ing for rustic kitchens comes in different styles.  From recessed and chandelier to natural and cozy wood stoves, the country feel of the kitchen shines through.  If you feel your kitchen is too dark, install windows to en up the look of the kitchen.

Colors – Often rustic kitchens are consumed with rich dark colors – cabinets, walls, flooring, and ceilings.  However, you can en up your kitchen with reclaimed wood.

Accessories – There are several accessories that are typical of rustic kitchens. Bronze finishes, antique copper, and brass help to tie in the rural feel of the kitchen. But don’t forget about the vintage , old-fashioned hardware, and reclaimed wood ceiling beams.

Cabinets – Distressed or painted cabinets are reminiscent of rustic kitchens. Pairing wood finishes, colors, and styles with soft tints and shades helps to give your kitchen its vintage charm. Open shelving is also characteristic of rustic kitchens, giving the look of wider space.

Countertops – Although you may see gorgeous marble countertops in rustic kitchens, reclaimed wood seems to be the most popular choice for countertops. If you’re concerned about the lifetime of your wood countertop, try adding a polyurethane treatment for protection.

Walls – The walls of rustic kitchens tend to be textured and aged.  Using a wall treatment to create this effect will give your kitchen the added warmth you’re looking for.

Furniture – No rustic kitchen is complete without country furniture.  Get the look by adding upholstered chairs, a distressed kitchen table, tablecloths, and rugs.

Villa Kitchen

Villa-inspired kitchens have become quite popular. Multi-textured flooring, arches around windows, wooden frames, and symmetry are all characteristics of villa kitchens. Ornate accents, bold lines, and natural tones help to portray the feeling of a Tuscany-inspired villa.

 

Colors – Nature-inspired tones and warm colors such as soft yellows and terra cotta are prominent throughout a villa-inspired kitchen.

ing – The best villas exhibit natural or intimate that’s warm and inviting.  Low-hanging chandeliers, pendants, brass fixtures, or flush can be used to give off a soft diffused glow to create an intimate mood.

Flooring – Wood or subtly distressed stone floors enhance the look of the villa-inspired kitchen.

Cabinets – There are various styles of cabinets that are seen in villa kitchens. Richly stained wood cabinets, white lacquer, or faux painted cabinets are all features of this type of kitchen.

Countertops – Natural stone surfaces are the perfect choices for villa-inspired countertops. However, solid wood, and mosaic tiles are also prominently shown.

Accessories – Painted handmade tiles used in backsplashes are a great way to accent the style of the kitchen.  Copper faucets and fixtures are also one of the best features of the villa kitchen.

Cottage/Farmhouse Kitchen

Farmhouse kitchens are a popular trend among homeowners who prefer a country kitchen vibe with an industrial touch that invokes the feelings of a much simpler time.  These types of kitchens provide open spaces, warmth, comfort, coziness, and relaxation. Soft colors, wood floors, vintage accents, open shelving, and farmhouse sinks are all typical features of a cottage/farmhouse kitchen.

Colors – Classic white is often used in cottage/farmhouse kitchens due to its country appeal.  Soft colors such as turquoise, yellow, or tan bring a splash of color when added to kitchen accents and décor.

Cabinets – Farmhouse kitchen cabinets are often made from quality hardwood such as maple, oak, cherry, or pine that gives the kitchen a rural appeal. Instead of built-in cabinets, farmhouse style cabinets are freestanding and detached from the wall, and often have glass fronts to display dishes and other items. Additionally, cabinets without doors give the illusion of open space, allowing easier access to dishes and other items.  Of course, you can’t go wrong with white painted cabinets either.  Adding fluted corners and heavy molding turns any cabinet into a cottage style cabinet.

Flooring – One of the most classic flooring styles in farmhouse kitchens are wood floors as they complement this type of kitchen style.  Black and white checkered floors can also be used to give a welcoming feeling in your kitchen.  Ceramic tiles, brick, and linoleum are also popular flooring options for farmhouse kitchens.

s – Old vintage such as stove-pipe stoves and deep and wide basin sinks are important characteristics to any farmhouse kitchen.  Conventional porcelain sinks are also seen in farmhouse kitchens…creating a focal point for this old-fashioned meets modern kitchen.

Shelving – Open shelving is a hallmark for farmhouse kitchens.  Being able to display dishes, heirlooms, and knick-knacks gives the kitchen the vintage feel.

Accessories – Old-fashioned vintage accents such as containers, pitchers, mason jars, artwork, , and antique farm equipment bring together all of the elements of the historical farmhouse kitchen.

Furniture – One of the most eye-catching elements of any farmhouse kitchen is the large wooden table made from long wood planks.  Detailed carvings are often featured along the table or on the backs or legs of chairs.

Beadboard – Beadboard is a decorative style that uses narrow vertical wood planks, with a s groove known as a “bead” between each plank.  It’s often used for cabinetry, full walls, or as wainscoting which covers the lower part of a wall.

Fireplace – What is a farmhouse kitchen without a fireplace? Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, it makes sense that a fireplace be used to bring together friends and family for a warm, relaxing evening.

Countertops – Characteristics of cottage/farmhouse kitchens include marble, wood, or soapstone countertops.  These can be used as a contrast to the white cabinets so often seen in these types of kitchens.

TRANSITIONAL

The third main kitchen style also tends to be one of the most popular trends…that of the transitional style.  This style combines the best features of both the traditional and contemporary styles to create a unique blend of “modern meets country.”  By adding the clean lines of the contemporary design and the warmth of the traditional style, coupled with the combination of flooring, , colors, textures, accessories, and countertops…you get a kitchen that’s sophisticated, yet cozy. This style is great for those homeowners who don’t want to settle on one specific kitchen style.

Architectural details – Transitional kitchens are known for their natural surfaces, wide variety of textures, neutral colors, clean lines, and simple accents.

Texture – Because of the combination of two kitchen styles, textures found within transitional kitchens vary from element to element.  For example, tiled backsplashes, distressed woods, and textured surfaces gives the kitchen a blended touch of flair.

Cabinets – Cabinets found in a transitional kitchen tend to be made of natural materials such as wood, rather than man-made materials such as stainless steel.  They combine the simplicity of paneled doors with smooth and shiny pulls, handles, and hardware.

Colors – Transitional kitchens use mostly warm neutral colors, but can add a splash of rich vibrant colors for effect.

Accessories – The simple use of accents in a transitional kitchen is quite common. Keeping accessories to a minimum, using simple patterns and adding some ornamental enhancements helps to blend the best fundamentals of traditional and modern styles.

Materials – Natural materials are used in both contemporary and traditional styles, so it’s the perfect material to be used in transitional kitchens.  Natural materials such as limestone, marble, granite, or quartz are perfect for countertops and backsplashes giving your kitchen the look and feel of a transitional design.

Craftsman Kitchen

Craftsman style kitchens, also referred to as Mission or Arts & Crafts kitchens, are known for using natural materials, earthy colors, clean lines, fixtures and faucets with deep finishes, and shaker-style cabinet doors.  Using rich woods, simple , and tile adds to its early 20^th century charm.

Cabinets – Richly stained and natural oak wood cabinets give the craftsman kitchen a radiant classic look.  Shaker-style, flat-panel, and frameless cabinet doors are characteristic of the craftsman design.

Colors – Craftsman kitchens use earthy, natural colors such as various shades of orange, gold, brown, and green.  These colors are most often seen in backsplashes, wall paints, and accents and accessories.

Natural stone – Natural stone, such as slate, provides a beautiful range of color that is perfect for showcasing the craftsman kitchen design. This material is not just used for countertops, but for backsplashes and flooring as well.

ing – Decorative stained glass, such as detailed artisan glass, is prominent in craftsman-style kitchens. The use of simple geometric shapes, solid colors, or frosted glass in fixtures such as chandeliers and pendants are an important part of the craftsman design.

Built-ins – One of the characteristics of a craftsman kitchen is the use of built-ins. Built-in banquettes, seating, and bookshelves are indicative of the craftsman kitchen style. Built-in seating is often seen in a breakfast nook, adjacent to the kitchen.

Tile – The use of hand-made ceramic tiles is suggestive of the craftsman design.  The various colors, designs, details, and sizes of the tiles are often seen in countertops and backsplashes to showcase the elegance and charm of the kitchen.

Hardware/Fixtures – The hardware and fixtures of the craftsman kitchen design focus on dark, deep patinas rather than shiny or -colored hardware.  Everything from faucets and fixtures to cabinet knobs and drawer pulls should all have the warm finish of antique brass or aged bronze.

Shabby Chic Kitchen

Shabby chic is one of those terms that people use when they’re not sure what a certain style is…something that combines a mishmash of design elements from both traditional and contemporary styles.  Using personal touches of vintage charm yet modern flair gives your kitchen a unique style that fits your interests, tastes, and personality.

Colors – Soft colors, various shades of white, and pastels are widespread throughout a shabby chic style kitchen.  Mixing white-washed wood with soft touches of pinks, blues, yellows, and greens provides elegance to your kitchen.

Cabinets – Shabby chic kitchens are known to be mostly modern, but have white painted or wood finished cabinets.  Often you will see doors removed from some of the cabinets to reveal open shelving that can be used to display such various items. If white cabinets are not your style, try using more modern cabinets with dark lacquer.

Windows – Windows adorned with lace panels, curtains, tie backs, and valances that complement the kitchen’s color scheme are often seen in shabby chic kitchens. Curtains with floral patterns or white curtains with pastel-colored tie backs are classic and frequently used to create the look of shabby chic.

Flooring – Flooring used for shabby chic kitchens are quite unique.  The most popular type of flooring used is distressed wood.  Using the traditional style of reclaimed wood or new wood and creating a vintage distressed painted look gives your shabby chic kitchen a historic feel.  Adding area rugs that are mix-matched in colors and prints can complement your décor style.

Accessories – Mixing styles of modern tile on walls or backsplash with antique brass or bronze hardware gives your shabby chic kitchen an amazing accent.

ing – Because of the combination of traditional and contemporary styles, for your shabby chic kitchen can be quite diverse.  Lantern s, vintage chandeliers, or candelabras provide the right amount of to create the perfect shabby chic style to your kitchen.  Conversely, you can achieve the look you want by adding a modern fixture on a country-style table.

Countertops – Countertops found in shabby chic kitchens have a contemporary feel and are often created with laminate, granite, or even teakwood.   They can be butcher-block with no overhang, which gives the countertop a flush/sleek look.

Furniture – Having contrasting elements of traditional styles with modern touches gives your kitchen the ultimate expression of shabby chic.  Mixing a mismatched set of vintage tables and chairs with chic glass chandeliers and laminate countertops creates a true expression of shabby chic style.  On the other hand, contrasting modern chairs and table with pendant and a marble backsplash gives a contemporary element to an otherwise vintage style.

All Star Construction is a design/build contractor company.  With almost 40 years of experience and 3 generations of expertise, we deliver what we promise and stand behind our warranties.  We’ve built thousands of kitchens over the years, and are known for our creativity in designing unique kitchens.  Let All Star Construction remodel your kitchen to make it the kitchen of your dreams.

Here is a video to showcase one of our kitchen remodels:

Download the AllStar-Kitchen-Remodeling-Guide-2019