Despite the rise in contemporary and farmhouse designs, traditional kitchens are still among the most popular kitchen styles. Their basic color palette and elegantly-accented design scheme create a beautiful space that will stay within style trends for a long time.
The key feature of traditionally designed kitchens is their attention to detail; each room area should have detailing and embellishments that look layered but not overbearing. If this is a kitchen you’re dreaming about, don’t hesitate to reach out to kitchen remodeling experts who can guide you through the seven basic features of traditional-style kitchens and help you incorporate them into your own remodel.
Here are 7 basic features of traditional-style kitchens and how they can affect your dream kitchen renovation.
First and foremost traditional cabinet styles almost always include raised panel door varieties. These doors range from simple race panels, such as a Vintage Raised Panel, to more ornate options, Such as the Hamilton Raised Panel with varying planes of raised and recessed surfaces.
You'll often read that traditional cabinet doors require more intensive cleaning and maintenance needs. This is true to a point. However, today’s laminate door options are extremely durable, making it easy for a low-maintenance household to keep traditional cabinets looking new. And even better, we have wood-like laminate cabinet door styles, so you don't have to sacrifice that look for an easy kitchen maintenance routine.
While we're on the subject of cabinet door panels, glazes deserve a little attention, too. Cabinet glazes add depth and dimension for further contrast and visual interest. They can also help to add warmth to a cooler kitchen color palette. For example, many of our clients in Montgomery County and the surrounding areas love all-white kitchens but choose to add a warm cabinet glaze to keep the overall look from being too sterile.
Traditional kitchen designs bring details to the forefront, including accents like wainscoting on the island, crown moldings, corbels, and furniture-like pieces that embellish every area of the room. Everywhere you look in a traditional kitchen, there should be an element of adornment, architectural design, or enhanced pieces with decorative accessories.
During your design consultation, we can show you examples of decorative details for your cabinets, including things like rope or applied molding that elevates your cabinet door aesthetic to the luxury category.
While cherry finishes have moved outside the trend cycle for now, woodgrains are popular. If you have a smaller kitchen with less access to natural daylight, we recommend sticking with lighter woodgrains. If, however, your kitchen has plenty of daylighting available, don't hesitate to choose a darker, richer finish option. Your cabinet designer can help you determine which cabinet door material – real wood or wood-esque laminate – makes the most sense for your household.
If you’re worried that natural wood cabinets will be going out of style anytime soon, try mixing and matching cabinet refinishing - with natural wood finishes on some of your cabinets and painted wood finishes on others. Contrasting cabinet finishes are actually a smart way to add interest and visual appeal to any kitchen design.
Glass cabinet door panels are a smart addition to any kitchen remodel for a few reasons. First, they go with any kitchen design trend, making it easier for you to change your kitchen style down the road without reinventing the wheel. Second, glass cabinet door panels allow the option of letting color shine through based on what you choose to store or display inside.
Finally, there are multiple custom glass panel design options ideal for a traditional kitchen, including those with decorative leaded glass panels, colorful stained glass, etched glass, frosted glass, and other artistic options.
Don't forget about the cabinets when creating your kitchen lighting design. Kitchen cabinets offer a range of areas to place hidden lighting fixtures that provide safety, task, and ambient light. Under cabinet lighting is the most common way to add simplified illumination options in the kitchen.
Combined with a dimmer switch, under-cabinet lighting provides a precise amount of light depending on the task or mood. If you choose to use glass panels, we recommend looking at interior cabinet lights that provide a beautiful glow and show off interior display items after dark.
Colorful and highly patterned backsplashes in exciting materials have become popular choices for homeowners within the past few years. However, in a traditional kitchen, a busy backsplash can seem overwhelming and may complicate the space because you have so much going on already in terms of decorative accessories.
If your previous kitchen design included a busy or more ornate backsplash, this is your opportunity to rethink and refresh the backsplash using simple color, styling, and materials. For example, try a solid surface Corian backsplash with a diamond or subway pattern in Sandalwood or Glacier White for a simple backdrop that’s also functional—and totally grout-free!
Ready to transform your outdated kitchen into a dream culinary station? Get in touch with the Kitchen Magic team so that we can start working on your project. Our expertise extends to fully personalized kitchen designs and installation services across Montgomery County, whether you live in Ashton or elsewhere in the area.
When you’re ready to start designing your traditional dream kitchen, schedule a free in-home design consultation and we’ll happily provide advice on the best options and finishes for your household’s needs.