Transitional style is the most popular kitchen design, beating out contemporary, according to the 2023 Design Trends survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. And it's expected to keep that position for the next three years, the survey says.
The reason? Transitional style has universal appeal. It mostly combines elements of contemporary and traditional designs, blending the two into a one-of-a-kind creation, according to Kitchen Magic, a custom kitchen remodeling company in LeHigh Valley, Ct.
Here are some ways to incorporate the style in your kitchen.
Adding the Basics
These Arizona homeowners made all the right transitional-style moves when they remodeled their kitchen:
- Anchored their scheme by painting their oak cabinets white.
- Moved to a neutral palette by painting walls tan.
- Mixed rustic and contemporary by adding a brick tile backsplash over sleek polished black granite countertops.
- Brought in the warmth of wood with a black walnut island countertop.
Basic Neutrals Come Alive
A balanced blend of black, white, metal, and wood tones creates a textural depth that’s serene, yet never boring. The mix works great with minimal detailing. There’s a distinct absence of elaborate moldings and trim. Wood kitchen flooring is a favorite element that always feels warm and homey.
Untraditional Materials
Unusual materials are fine, especially if they’re in keeping with the principles of no-regrets kitchen design, including simple detailing and subtle colors. These concrete countertops are handmade, but they have the one-of-a-kind look of a stone slab; adding an artisan’s touch is a favorite element of transitional style. This remodeled kitchen adds a sky-blue ceiling for a color pop. With transitional design as the foundation, changing paint colors is an easy way to alter your kitchenscape.
A Little Dash of Quirky
Unique details give your kitchen personality and keep it from being formulaic. This chalkboard backsplash is fun for the family, and it’s even in tune with the transitional palette. Other ideas:
- Bring in a favorite antique — a cupboard, a pie safe, or another unique piece
- Liven up walls with kids’ artwork
- Use open shelves and tops of upper cabinets for staging unique dishes and pottery
- Add one-of-a-kind pendant lighting
Blending New and Old Elements
Combining old and new unites classic details with updated sensibilities. This remodeled kitchen in New Jersey has a subway tile backsplash and frame-and-panel cabinets — motifs that have been around for more than a century and continue to hold their value. They’re mixed with stainless steel appliances and a contemporary version of a butcher block countertop. Corbels are familiar old-school; these updated interpretations have simple, clean lines.
Style Chameleon
Transitional style adapts easily to its surroundings. It’s modern, classic, and comfortable all at once. You might say this remodeled Oregon kitchen is contemporary, but blink once and you’ll see warm wood floors, wood countertops, open cottagey shelves, and timeless white cabinets with universal appeal.
Personal Touches
It's easy to warm up transitional style and keep it homey. These little storage bins are set on open shelves so they get plenty of show time, and their honey-colored exterior is right in keeping with transitional’s neutral palette.
Make It Your Own
Streamlined farmhouse style is what these homeowners call their new kitchen. We’d say that fits perfectly in our definition of transitional: a kitchen that uses familiar, time-honored elements (check the classic subway tile backsplash and apron-front sink), a simple palette (white cabinets make everything right), and a touch of modern convenience (two dishwashers will handle anything you can throw at them).
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