When you think about the concepts of traditional and modern, the first thing that comes to mind is that modern means something new in style, while traditional is synonymous with classic or retro. It’s like the difference between a cell phone and a typewriter. However, things aren’t always as clear-cut.
You can interpret the old and the new in varying ways and combine them harmoniously to suit your taste. The concepts depend on individual understanding in the context of design and kitchen architecture, but they can complement one another. Let’s take a closer look at where these differing styles originated.
What is a traditional kitchen style?
Traditional kitchen design shows influences from European styles of the 18th and 19th centuries. Rich, dark colors, polished wood finishes, larger cabinets, wood flooring, and vintage details are the typical characteristics of traditional design that bring a classic appeal to the kitchen.
What is a modern kitchen style?
In contrast, the modern kitchen style utilizes built-in features, simple organization, and sleek lines, enhancing functionality and maximizing space. A modern kitchen speeds up cooking and makes cleaning more manageable, so it’s ideal for a busy lifestyle.
The Differences
The rules aren’t set in stone: you can combine elements from both modern and traditional kitchen styles. Provided the kitchen design is harmonious, fulfills the purpose for which it is intended, and makes sense overall, contemporary and traditional kitchen design elements can exist happily together in the same home. Your kitchen designer will be able to walk you through decor ideas and details to complement your chosen theme. But what are the differences between the two?
Kitchen materials
Traditional kitchen design makes the most of local wood, stone, and brick materials. These materials were once easily obtainable and might even have been free, but they are relatively costly nowadays.
In modern kitchens, you will see cheaper materials such as concrete, stainless steel, glass and laminate are used in innovative ways. For example, consider the difference between curtains and blinds.
Traditional curtains are a heavy, luxurious material that appears elegant and creates a warm, cozy feel. Meanwhile blinds in bamboo or plastic are versatile, easy to maintain and complement a minimalist modern interior.
Floorplans
Thanks to being designed with smaller, single-purpose rooms, a traditional house usually has a larger footprint than a modern home. Contemporary floorplans maximize space by favoring a minimalist aesthetic with open-concept areas and multifunctional rooms.
So, many modern kitchens have an open layout, with minimal separation between the kitchen space and living areas. Therefore, contemporary kitchen styles commonly feature in new-build homes and are very popular options when existing kitchens are remodeled.
Kitchen Flooring
For a traditional kitchen, tiles in light, elegant colors such as ivory, cream, and beige provide a contrast to wood cabinets. If wood flooring is chosen, a beautiful rug is an excellent way to add warmth, color, and texture. Flooring in modern kitchens enhances a clean, airy feel. Materials such as tiles, laminate, or concrete maintain the minimalist theme; in most cases, the floor is left bare.
Kitchen windows and lighting
Modern technology allows windows to be manufactured in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Contemporary kitchen design makes the most of this, with bi-fold doors and large windows that allow the natural light to flood in, so the interior feels bright and airy.
In comparison, traditional houses often have small, symmetrically-placed windows, all similar in size and shape. As a result, artificial lighting is often a significant consideration in a traditional kitchen and can be used to create a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Kitchen cabinets
Traditional kitchen furniture often has a rustic, textured appearance and tends to incorporate more ornamentation and detail in various patterns. Traditional cabinets usually feature warm, rich, and dark color schemes, with bulkier cabinets showing hints of British and French styles.
Contemporary kitchen design is more compact and sleeker in design. Modern kitchen furniture features a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines and geometric ridges giving them a streamlined look. The color palette is often light and majors in white, ivory, gray, and metallics.
A final thought
There’s no right or wrong answer when choosing a kitchen style – both modern and traditional kitchens offer functional and aesthetic advantages. If you appreciate classic looks and traditional architecture, a traditional kitchen will probably suit you better.
If your taste leans more towards sleek, elegant looks and a minimalist style, a contemporary kitchen is for you. If you still need to figure out which style is you, your kitchen designer can assist you in choosing the design style best suited to your requirements.
They will explain the various design elements to consider to achieve a beautiful, practical kitchen that suits your personality and your home’s architectural style.