We’re back with part 2 of our Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Styles! This week we’re going to focus on three styles of kitchens; Transitional, Craftsman, and Mediterranean. If you missed part 1, you can catch up here!
Transitional Kitchens
If you like the look of a Traditional kitchen, but also like the look of a Contemporary kitchen, then a Transitional kitchen is the right style for you. A Transitional kitchen combines the elements of both traditional and contemporary design. Transitional styled kitchens tend to have the fresh look and feel of a Contemporary kitchen with clean modest lines, but the warmth and more organic feel of a Traditional kitchen.
Like Traditional kitchens, Transitional kitchen cabinets are usually made of wood with some raised paneling and contemporary hardware. Countertop surfaces are always made of a natural material like stone or wood. Materials used for flooring or backsplashes will be integrated into the design in new ways. You’ll also find lots of patterns, textures, and neutral tones with material choices in Transitional kitchens. Accessories used in these types of kitchens are very simple and not ornate.

Craftsman Kitchens

The Craftsman style of design began in the early 20th century in opposition to the overly ornate, mass-produced Victorian style that was popular at the time.

Craftsman kitchens are typically made of oak, maple, or pine woods. It’s a style that’s all about quality construction, clean lines and function. Typical features for Craftsman styled kitchen cabinets are simple glass or flat panel doors, which are stained to show the natural grain, and exposed wood joinery.
Craftsman kitchens are known for their strong geometric shapes and use of natural colors like greens, browns, golds, and rusty oranges. Backsplashes are made of handcrafted, detailed tiles. Countertop surfaces use natural materials like soapstone or honed granite, and flooring is usually either slate or wood.

Mediterranean Kitchens

Mediterranean kitchens draw their inspiration from the sun and sea. These types of kitchens are known for having lots of warm spicy colors, bold hand painted mosaic tiles, and rich ironwork. Wall surfaces are textured and painted in hues of reds, golds, and greens. Hand painted tile and beautiful stencil work can also be found on walls around doorways or used as a focal point in the kitchen.

Cabinetry in Mediterranean styled kitchens feature strong lines, with lots of dark wood tones and hardware that’s oil rubbed, and made from antiqued brass or copper in an elegant shape and form.

Country Kitchens

Country kitchens are known to have a cheery, warm and inviting look and feel to them. These types of kitchens feature lots of bright colors, woven baskets, beadboard paneling, floral motifs, decorative elements, and open shelving.

Cabinets are made of wood with raised decorative paneling. Kitchen cabinet styles are very similar to traditional kitchen cabinets, but have more of a rustic and worn appearance.

Want to get the Country Kitchen look? Then check out our blog on The Beginners Guide to Styling a Country Kitchen for more helpful tips!

Visit us online and let one of our friendly RTAStore designers help you plan out the kitchen of your dreams!