Kitchens styles and designs


50 Best Kitchen Styles - Dream Kitchen Ideas

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If these spaces don't inspire you to cook, we don't know what will.

By Kara Ladd

Tony Soluri Photography

You don't have to be a top-chef to have a fabulous kitchen. These designs range from professional chef status to "still struggling to crack an egg one-handed." No matter where you fall on the cooking spectrum, you'll eat up these jaw-dropping kitchens.

Haris Kenjar

1 of 50

Bohemian Flair

Design by Brio Interior Design

Neil Rashba

2 of 50

Country Chic

Design by Amanda Webster Design, Inc.

Troy Campbell

3 of 50

All White Everything

Design by Michael Wolk Design Associates

Erica George Dines

4 of 50

Sleek and Modern

Design by Joel Kelly Design

Jon Nissenbaum

5 of 50

With Adjacent Seating

Design by Charles J. Nafie Architects

Dayna Novak, Bakes & Kropp LTD

6 of 50

Neutral-Hues

Design by Bakes & Kropp

Marcus Peel

7 of 50

Cabin-Inspired

Design by Artichoke

Dana Lenckus Photography

8 of 50

Geometric Backsplash

Design by Randy Heller Inc. / Pure & Simple Interior Design

Benni Adams

9 of 50

Sweeping Views

Design by Hyde Evans Design

Eric Rorer Photography

10 of 50

Muted and Contemporary

Design by Tineke Triggs, Artistic Designs for Living

Wes Tarca

11 of 50

Chrome Accents

Design by Alisberg Parker Architects

Timothy Dunford

12 of 50

Warm and Romantic

Design by Ken Tate Architect

Tony Soluri Photography

13 of 50

Stainless Steel Focus

Design by Darcy Bonner, custom built by BGD&C

J. K. Lawrence Photography

14 of 50

Pops of Color

Design by Buccellato Design, LLC

Hester + Hardaway Photographers

15 of 50

Vaulted Ceilings

Design by Curtis & Windham Architects

Michelle Drewes

16 of 50

With a Sky Light

Design by Elena Calabrese Design & Decor

Stephen Karlisch

17 of 50

Natural Lines

Design by Pulp Design Studios

Laura Resen

18 of 50

Black and White

Design by Dan Fink Studio

Emily Wilson

19 of 50

Light and Feminine

Design by Daniella Villamil Interiors

David Lauer Photography

20 of 50

Lined with Storage

Design by Duet Design Group

Paul Dyer

21 of 50

Balanced and Open

Design by CCS Architecture

David Patterson

22 of 50

Stone-Centric

Design by DH Interiors Inc.

Eric Piasecki

23 of 50

Light and Bright

Design by Dunn and Tighe Interiors

Anthony Peres Photography

24 of 50

Green-themed

Design by Everage Design, Inc.

Jay Greene

25 of 50

Stone and Granite

Design by WPL Interior Design

Sam Gray

26 of 50

Metallic Accents

Design by Gauthier~Stacy Inc.

Mary Nichols

27 of 50

With a Large Island

Design by David Phoenix

Ryann Ford

28 of 50

Translucent Storage

Design by Greer Interior Design

Robert Benson Photography

29 of 50

Large Wood Island

Design by Haver & Skolnick Architects

Grey Crawford

30 of 50

Pattern Play

Design by Jeff Andrews - Design

18 Ways To Embrace The Fish Scale Home Decor Trend

The ultimate guide, from Shaker to slab |

(Image credit: The Expert / Amber Interiors)

There’s a wide range of kitchen styles to consider if you’re remodeling your room.  

It’s possible to create a look that’s contemporary, traditional, transitional, farmhouse-style and more, and choosing between different cabinetry styles is crucial to getting the desired aesthetic. 

Cabinets are a major feature of the kitchen, and well-made versions will be part of your home for a very long time. 

They can be a major investment, too, so it’s vital to consider kitchen cabinet ideas and styles that you’ll love now as well as for many years to come. 

Kitchen styles

This guide will show you the different effects a variety of kitchen ideas and styles can have and will help you choose the right cabinetry to suit your needs and achieve your desired look.

1. Shaker style kitchens

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

Although their design may date from the 18th century, Shaker cabinets have enduring style and are perfect if you're looking for country kitchen ideas. 

The doors have a five piece construction with a flat inset panel framed with rails above and below, and stiles on either side that gives them interest and detail but swerves fussiness.  

The Shakers emigrated from the UK to the US in 1774 in order to establish their utopian community, and the doors embody the sect’s principles of honesty, utility and simplicity. The door design involves no waste of material, yet they are both sturdy and practical.

The result is a cabinet that creates an impression that’s neither traditional nor contemporary, but is handsome and timeless.

Cherry and maple were often used to make Shaker furniture, so choosing these woods, or oak today, creates a more classic appearance. 

But Shaker-style painted kitchen cabinets are now favored choices, too, offering the opportunity to reflect the light for a larger feeling kitchen if pale colors are selected, or to make a statement in dark hues.

2. Modern style kitchens

(Image credit: McCarron & Co)

There are a range of modern kitchen ideas to choose from, including cabinetry that comes in a wide variety of materials and finishes. 

For base and wall-hung cabinets and cabinetry to go with your kitchen island ideas, think two or more colors.

When thinking about which kitchen cabinet colors and shades you might want, grays are still a huge hit for modern spaces, as are warm neutrals. White is perennially desirable for its space-stretching quality. 

But moody darks that create a cozy atmosphere are on trend, too, including rich blues and greens and statement black. And think color pops as well for selected cabinetry in a modern kitchen.

Cabinets are no longer finished in a single material either: wood cabinet doors may be teamed with a manmade finish, metallics can add highlights, and smooth cabinet doors may contrast with tactile textural versions.

Often cabinets are flat fronted (see below), but while handleless is a popular choice, so too are inset handles that add subtle detail to the scheme.

3. Slab door kitchens

(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)

Opt for slab kitchen cabinets and in place of the panel design seen in Shaker and traditional styles, the door is flat, creating a look that’s sleek, streamlined and unmistakably contemporary.  

It’s distinguished from the modern kitchen style that combines colors and finishes (see above) by the fact that it generally features a single hue. 

The finish might be high gloss in a vibrant color, or even a combination of the two for a high impact scheme. Although, painted finishes in more understated whites and neutrals along with darks are possibilities.

There’s an alternative if this Euro style look isn’t to your taste but the sleek slab door is the clean aesthetic you prefer. Woods like cherry and maple can give this style a warmer finish, whether the door is solid wood or veneered.

4. Farmhouse style kitchens

(Image credit: Our Food Stories/deVOL)

The farmhouse style that is, for many, synonymous with Fixer Upper Joanna Gaines, is a modern rustic look. 

Often featuring shiplap walls, apron-front sinks and open shelving filled with rustic objects, the farmhouse kitchen idea above combines modern appliances with traditional features in a welcoming, relaxed but functional way.

When it comes to cabinetry, think traditional raised panel designs rather than flat doors and painted finishes, such as clean white, warm neutrals and nature-inspired greens. 

Alternatively, pick cabinetry in woods such as oak, maple, cherry and walnut that offer pleasing grain and appealing natural color. 

5. Cottage style kitchens

(Image credit: British Standard)

Whether in locations beside the sea or a lake, or inland, cottage kitchen ideas feature quirky, compact and rustic details. 

Original features are lovingly restored, while state-of-the-art appliances are frequently concealed - or at least discreet. 

Often a space with industrial or nautical kitchen lighting ideas, traditional metals for faucets and cabinet hardware, they’re also home to treasured finds and collectibles.

As for cabinetry styles for cottage kitchens, traditional is the route to take. Look for raised panels with decorative detail or try the verticals created by beadboard designs (also known as tongue and groove), or more intricate open grate doors. As well as fitted cabinetry, consider freestanding furniture for displaying china and more.

As for cabinet finishes, distressed paintwork gives a cottage kitchen a lived-in style and complements industrial accessories. Or opt for simple painted finishes in pure or off-white to brighten compact rooms where daylight can be limited by small cottage windows.

6. Traditional style kitchens

(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)

Kitchens with traditional style don’t stint on embellishments. While they’re as practical and functional as contemporary kitchens, they’re all about the detail.

Cabinets that complement traditional kitchen ideas frequently feature raised panel doors. These might be scalloped or beveled, have detailed profiling or mitered corners, for example.

Decorative crown molding on wall and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry draws the eye upwards and adds to the grandeur of the space, while toe kicks make the cabinets appear to be freestanding and furniture-like.

As well as solid kitchen cabinetry doors, traditional kitchens often feature glazed cabinets, too, that are perfect for display.

Island cabinetry, meanwhile, might have corbels or pilasters together with wainscoting that turns these kitchen features into substantial centerpieces. 

Cabinets are often painted in whites and other pale shades, but the trend for incorporating different finishes has hit these kitchens, too. They might feature islands or other cabinetry in mid or richly toned woods, a dramatic dark or a brighter paint hue alongside another finish.

7. Transitional kitchens

(Image credit: Future/Brent Darby)

Transitional kitchens remain one of the top two most popular kitchen styles in the US along with contemporary, according to the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association). 

Blending contemporary and traditional aesthetics, transitional kitchens are elegant and classic.

If you're wondering which kitchen cabinetry is best for a transitional kitchen, Shaker cabinets or similar designs with inset panels but clean lines overall are the top option, introducing detail that’s nevertheless subtle to these rooms.  

Transitional kitchen cabinets are often painted wood, and white is a favorite finish, along with other pale neutrals like beige and gray. But neutrals aren’t a prerequisite for this cabinetry style and blue is growing in appeal. 

As with other styles, a two color scheme with a neutral base and wall cabinets teamed with a kitchen island in a different hue is on trend.

The alternative choice for cabinets in a transitional kitchen is to go for a wood finish that shows off the grain of the chosen timber.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor. Previously executive editor of Ideal Home, she’s specialized in interiors, property and gardens for over 20 years, and covers interior design, house design, gardens, and cleaning and organizing a home for H&G. She’s written for websites, including Houzz, Channel 4’s flagship website, 4Homes, and Future’s T3; national newspapers, including The Guardian; and magazines including Future’s Country Homes & Interiors, Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living, and Style at Home, as well as House Beautiful, Good Homes, Grand Designs, Homes & Antiques, LandLove and The English Home among others. It’s no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house renovator. 

33 options, 95 photos in the interior

Provence

Style features:

Pictured is a compact kitchen in sky blue.

Modern style

Distinctive features of the style:

Pictured is a modern style kitchen. It is based on three colors: white, gray and hot pink. nine0005

Scandinavian style

Distinctive features of the Scandinavian style:

Classic style

The classic style is characterized by:

Modern classic (neoclassic)

Modern classics are characterized by straight lines, light colors in decoration and noble materials. The walls are perfectly even, covered with plaster, wallpaper or tiles. Lighting should be as much as possible. The neoclassical interior is filled with modern technology.

Baroque

The color palette is filled with dark tones. Furniture and decoration is made only from natural materials. The kitchen set is decorated with unusual gold-colored patterns, the chairs are upholstered with fabric. nine0005

Rococo

Interior details are not pretentious, colors are in light colors. The furniture is made in pastel shades with the addition of golden details. Rococo is preferably used in spacious kitchens, ceilings can be decorated with complex designs.

Loft style

The main features of the style:

Country style

Features:

Pictured is a rustic kitchen. The main color theme of the kitchen is beige and red.

Chalet style

The interior is preferably done in brown tones. Finishing only from natural materials. The "highlight" of the chalet can be called the noble effect of aging, for example, worn wooden floors. Built-in appliances will help to make the interior designed in one manner. nine0005

Rustic

Another destination endowed with rustic charm. The main difference is the underlined brutality. The color palette is any state of wood, from bleached to burnt, stone and dried grass. The kitchen is not crowded with details, the interior is minimalist and functional.

Hi-tech and minimalism

The interior is done in cold shades with maximum use of usable space.

Hi-tech

Features:

Pictured is an ultra-modern kitchen island.

Minimalism

Similar in essence to high-tech styles, but unlike the latter, natural materials and warm shades are used in the interior.

The photo shows a minimalist kitchen. The interior uses a minimum of decor, a maximum of light and space.

Modern

The style is divided into two currents, classical and modern. In the classic version, the interior is filled with decorative details of a plant theme. Modern modern is more restrained, there is no abundance of vegetation, the content is more functional, the color palette is not so diverse.

Mediterranean style

It has two main directions - Italian and Greek.

Ethnic styles

Italian style

I use a light, warm palette to design an Italian-style kitchen. Preference should be given to natural materials. The floors are made of wood, laminate or linoleum with a wood grain pattern. Olive oil bottles, herb pots, earthenware bowls as accessories. The walls will be decorated with paintings of Italian landscapes. nine0005

English style

The interior is decorated in several harmonizing colors. The furniture is functional, made of wood with fabric upholstery. Often used antique furniture. A variety of fabric is abundantly used in the English style.

Pictured is an English style kitchen. Metal accessories harmoniously resonate with household appliances.

American style

American style is characterized by spacious rooms, kitchens are combined with living rooms. In the role of space zoning, the play of light and functional partitions are used. Light color palette. nine0005

Oriental style

Divided into two directions: Asian and Arabic. Asian style is characterized by restraint, straight lines and maximum saturation of the room with light. The Arabic style, on the contrary, is endowed with a special chic. The furniture is made of wood with carvings, an abundance of fabrics and hand-painted utensils emphasize the idea of ​​the kitchen.

The photo shows a kitchen set with a complex carved pattern in ethnic style.

Japanese

The style is minimalistic, the space is not overloaded with unnecessary pieces of furniture. The color palette of the style reflects pastel natural shades. The kitchen will be decorated with porcelain dishes, elegant vases and a sprig of live bamboo. nine0005

Chinese

The style is not distinguished by the abundant use of interior items, only the necessary furniture made of wood is required. But the colors can be used bold and bright. The room is decorated with wallpaper or wood.

Moroccan

Style combines many colors and textures. The walls of the kitchen are finished with ceramic tiles with unusual patterns. A distinctive feature of the direction can be considered patterned lattices on the windows, conveying the unique exoticism of Morocco. nine0005

Venetian

Kitchen decor can be filled with intricate patterns. To decorate the walls, plaster or wallpaper with ornate patterns is used. The furniture is decorated with complex patterns and forged handles, the furniture is upholstered with textiles.

German

The style is minimalistic and functional, all interior items bring maximum convenience. Characteristic is the use of light, warm shades, which in the decoration serve as the background of the kitchen. Furniture items have simple shapes and a strict character. nine0005

Russian

Until now, there is no clear description of the Russian style. The interior, with involved national elements, can be attributed to this direction. The main material used is wood. As wall decoration, plaster, wallpaper, whitewash, wood are used.

Other styles

Fusion

A direction that combines several styles at once. Fusion has no limits, any materials and textures can be combined in one room. There are no color restrictions, the only condition is the harmonious combination of all interior items. nine0005

Eco-style

Assumes the maximum use of natural materials. The kitchen is decorated exclusively in wood with stone elements. Textiles are selected from linen or cotton.

The photo shows a white and green eco-style kitchen. All surfaces are made of natural materials or imitated for them.

Marine style

The color palette is filled with all sorts of shades of blue and white. Decorative elements play a large role in the design, cups with themed patterns, wall paintings and striped textiles will make the kitchen spacious and stylish. nine0005

In the photo, the interior of the kitchen is decorated in the basic colors of the marine design: white and blue.

Eclectic style

Eclectic means mixing styles that are close to each other in color and interior solutions. The choice of color for decorating the kitchen depends on personal preferences. To decorate the walls of the kitchen, wallpaper or tiles with oriental motifs are used.

Contemporary

The epitome of simplicity, accessibility and convenience. The direction is characterized by a spacious room, functional furniture of simple lines. Natural materials are used for decoration. nine0005

Art Deco

The Art Deco style is characterized by clear forms and shine. The main color combination is the contrast of white and black, but can be combined with a metallic and chocolate tint. The design material can be varied, for example: leather, wood, metal.

Retro and vintage style

Retro and vintage fill the interior with details of the past, the difference between them is the time they reflect. Retro is the style of the 50s, it is characterized by bright colors and an unusual shape of furniture. nine0005

Vintage originated much earlier, its interior uses calm colors and classic antique furniture.

Shabby chic

The style is characterized by the use of furniture with the effect of aging, as well as forged elements. Color scheme in pastel colors. The main material in the interior of the kitchen is wood.

Patchwork style

The "highlight" of the style is a composition of small fragments. For the interior of the kitchen, this can be a wall decorated with many tiles with different patterns. nine0005

Gzhel

The style involves the use of a beautiful blue pattern. The drawing can be applied to the wall, dishes or decorative elements.

Boho

The interior combines bright colors of the same color scheme. The walls are decorated with plaster or tiles.

Grunge

The style is similar to a loft or country. Preference is given to natural materials, the walls are often finished with brick, wood or stone. The kitchen should be spacious. nine0005

Café style

The style is full of romance, typical of cozy coffee houses. The interior of the kitchen is filled with many decorative elements, special attention is paid to the dining area.

Features of choosing a style for a small kitchen

Photo gallery

The choice of kitchen style depends on the overall design solution of the apartment, as well as on the mood and preferences of the residents of the apartment.

Styles of interior design of the kitchen - practical advice from the furniture factory "Dynasty"

The kitchen is one of the most important places in the house where the whole family gathers. Here we spend a significant part of our lives, so the interior of the kitchen should be comfortable, multifunctional, fit the style of the hostess and meet the needs of the whole family. Consider the existing styles of kitchen interior. nine0005

Classic kitchen style
Classic will never go out of fashion and this is the main advantage of this style. Whatever is currently at the height of fashion, the classic style kitchen is timeless! Also, the classics are distinguished by reliability, since such things are made from high-quality materials, and functionality, because you need to think through everything so that it lasts for centuries. Kitchen furniture is made mainly of wood, preferably hardwood, such as oak, ash, maple, hornbeam, beech, since the kitchen is a place of increased stress on all functional parts of the interior. nine0005

Nowadays, there are many materials besides natural wood that are also great for decorating a classic-style kitchen. MDF, acrylic, plastic - materials that imitate the natural shades of wood will perfectly fit into a classic interior.

The classic color scheme gravitates towards beige and brown shades and wood material. It is also possible to create an interior in black using black wood. Furniture upholstery and textiles are matched to match the furniture in one color or with a discreet pattern. nine0005

It is best to choose a classic kitchen interior for spacious rooms; in a small kitchen, this design will look like a stripped down version. If you want to introduce classics into a small-sized kitchen, you will have to give preference to forms without an abundance of decor, carvings, massive cornices, historical elements. So you will help your small kitchen to save maximum space. In addition, give preference to light shades, niches, frosted glass.

In a bright kitchen, even the abundance of decor does not squeeze the space. nine0005

Country style kitchens
Country style kitchens are a great choice for a kitchen interior as they are cozy and practical rustic style. Like the classic, the country interior is made in natural materials and shades. Wicker, rotunda furniture can be used as a headset. Household appliances are selected as adapted as possible to natural materials, or built-in, since shiny chrome surfaces come into disharmony with the overall style of the interior. nine0537 Often, antique furniture is selected for a country interior or the existing one is artificially aged by applying a patina (uneven color), such furniture acquires a touch of history. Handles and hinges are made of yellow metals, the interior is complemented by stone or marble.

Patchwork carpets, linen curtains are used as textile additions, interior items are additionally decorated with wooden and earthenware utensils. The disadvantages of such a kitchen include the massiveness of the elements, due to which such an interior requires a large space. nine0005

Hi-tech kitchen design
Hi-tech - the modern style of the metropolis is very different from the country and classics, especially the abundance of glass and metal. The main attribute in high-tech design is the latest models of household appliances. She is the very embodiment of this style. Appliances are emphasized and placed in the most functional way, the furniture itself goes as if in addition to household appliances, its straight, clear lines serve a single goal - functionality.

True, due to the annual release of more and more new and improved models of household appliances, high-tech style is strongly influenced by fashion, this is one of the most changeable styles, which requires considerable financial investments.

The color scheme of a high-tech kitchen has clear rules - there must be a dominant bright color (red, blue, yellow, green) and a neutral contrast (gray, steel, black, white, golden).
Red and gray is one of the characteristic colors of high-tech kitchens. nine0005

Provence style kitchens
Provence style has deservedly gained popularity in recent years, because its interior combines ergonomics and compactness in the best way, which is important for small kitchens. Refinement and elegance emanates from the design in the Provence style; such kitchens best of all create an atmosphere of harmony and comfort.

Characteristic features of the style are light colors, sophisticated light furniture and floors, floral patterns, an abundance of plants, weightless curtains, large windows in fragile frames, porcelain dishes and decor. The furniture is made of light materials with the addition of glass and metal. nine0537 Provence style - soft colors and lots of plants. An open window is a business card of Provence cuisine. The presence of decor when designing a Provence style kitchen is encouraged.

Art Deco Kitchen

Art Deco is a rather expensive style, because it uses expensive modern materials, semi-precious stones, marble, ivory, shark, crocodile and snake skin, animal skins. The art deco kitchen is replete with patterns and design details made of precious metal, artificial stone, expensive materials: window sills, sinks, countertops, bar counters. Items made of such materials are quite durable, so functionality is of great importance. Art Deco uses a very rich color scheme: gold, purple, velvet red and blue, white. nine0537 The main features of Art Deco are luxury and functionality.

Art Nouveau style kitchen
Art Nouveau is characterized by laconic forms and details, the absence of superfluous elements. This is quite a practical style for decorating the kitchen. Household appliances are usually used built-in. The color scheme can be very diverse, but within the interior it is better not to use more than three colors and follow the rules of harmony between them.

Much attention is paid to lighting in the interior: spotlights and built-in light sources are used. Lighting can not only model the shape of the space, but also change the color scheme of the interior. Art Nouveau style can be implemented for a small kitchen. nine0005

Kitchens in the style of minimalism
Minimalism is characterized by a complete absence of decor, maximum purity and clarity of lines, regularity of geometric shapes, monochrome (monotone) colors. Great importance is given to lighting, since in such an interior it is important to create the illusion of infinity of space. Surfaces should be shiny and smooth. Furniture - as a functional addition to technology. Strength, straight lines, functionality are the main features of the style. nine0537 The right combination of light and space is the main task of a minimalist kitchen. There is nothing superfluous in the interior of the kitchen or it is cleverly hidden.

Ethno-style kitchens
Ethno-style is one of the most exotic styles, it rarely occurs, because it has a pronounced character of one or another ethnic group. In our country, ethno style is found in such expressions as Japanese and Chinese styles, Indian, Scandinavian, Moroccan. The choice of a certain ethnic group in style is a reflection of the culture and way of life of one of the peoples. Depending on the chosen direction, materials, colors, organization of space are also selected. Naturally, household appliances in such a kitchen will mimic the environment, and the decor of the chosen ethnic group will be the main element. nine0005

Moroccan and Indian styles will fill the kitchen with bright colors and juicy shades, an abundance of decorations. The Japanese-Chinese interior gravitates towards minimalism and simplicity. The English ethnic style will require solidity and a touch of antiquity, while the Scandinavian ethnic group gravitates towards lightness, light furniture and floors, and pastel shades.

Eclectic Kitchens
The term "eclectic" in translation means "mixing", indeed, a kitchen in this style contains a combination of two or three styles that combine color, texture and architecture. In general, eclecticism is distinguished by an abundance of elements, decor, and rich shades. The main features of the style: plasticity and softness of forms. Style serves convenience and comfort. The abundance of decorative elements is a business card of eclectic style.


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