Creating a Traditional or Contemporary Kitchen Design
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
If your heart is set on a traditional kitchen, then rich kitchen cabinets and wood details are a must. If a contemporary kitchen is your dream, then sleek and minimal cabinets and decorative cabinet hardware are the key.
As you plan your kitchen remodeling project, use these key elements to bring in a traditional or contemporary theme:
- Cabinets - Traditional kitchens often use oak, cherry, maple, ash, or rustic pine cabinets with inset or raised panels. Contemporary kitchens feature flat cabinet fronts in lacquer, laminate, or wood.
- Countertop - A polished granite countertop is versatile enough for either setting; solid surface countertops are considered more contemporary, but will work for traditional kitchens.
- Floor - Traditional kitchen design often features wood floors, while contemporary kitchens have bold ceramic tile to blend with lacquer or laminate kitchen cabinets.
- Appliances - Stainless steel appliances are a big trend and can fit with any kitchen design. For a contemporary kitchen design, look for black appliances with minimal detailing. In traditional kitchen designs, add decorative range hoods and wood panels that blend with kitchen cabinets.
- Sink and Faucet - A single bowl porcelain sink spells tradition, while a shiny stainless steel sink with little detailing shows a contemporary kitchen design.
- Wall space - Traditional kitchen design includes fancy wallpaper with floral or other detailed patterns, while contemporary kitchens have bold modern patterns or stripes.
- Tile - Textured tile in warm sages, taupes, and creams portray a traditional kitchen design, while glass, stainless steel and copper tiles show more contemporary styling.
- Paint - A traditional kitchen design has earth tones or nautical blue and white, while a contemporary kitchen design has trendy pastels or bold, primary colors.
- Cabinet hardware - Try sleek cylinder shaped cabinet door handles in a contemporary kitchen design and ornate round knobs in a traditional kitchen design.
Add Glass and Molding in Traditional Kitchens
When selecting kitchen cabinets for a traditional kitchen, consider adding glass door panels in a few key spots. The glass panels can draw attention to tall end cabinets or rectangular cabinets above a cooking area. The top of the cabinets can be enhanced with decorative rope, dentil, or scrolled molding.Start Your Renovation Here!
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