A great starting point for a kitchen, bathroom or home renovation is to work out your preferred style of kitchen. You want your new kitchen to reflect your personality but you need to also consider the overall style of your home and plan for a kitchen that blends well with it.

Determining style can be a common challenge faced by those undertaking a kitchen renovation. Some find it difficult to settle on a design style that works best for them and with good reason. There is an endless variety of design styles, not to mention trends to choose from so to help give you a head start with your next kitchen renovation we’ve put together a basic guide to kitchen design styles. 

We hope this article provides you with a better understanding of the basic kitchen design styles to help you find yours.

Robert Fonti, Director Balnei & Colina

 

Image source: Studio MM Architect

Modern

Are horizontal straight lines, flat panel doors, and simple hardware on your wish list? If you’ve answered yes, then your thinking modern.

Modern is a broad design term that refers to a kitchen style with clean, crisp lines, a simple colour palette and the use of varied materials like metal, glass, timber and steel. 

Modern kitchen design employs a sense of simplicity in every element from the kick board, to the wall cabinetry. A word that is used to commonly used to describe modern styling is ‘sleek’ and that’s exactly what modern is. There is very little clutter or accessories involved with a modern style kitchen.

 Image source: RZ Owens Constructions

 

 

Image source: LSA Architects

Contemporary

Contemporary kitchen design reflects the current trends and uses the latest appliance technology, storage solutions and accent materials. 

The main difference between a contemporary kitchen design and a modern one is that modern kitchen design follows a strict set of design rules whereas contemporary design is more fluid. A good example is that a contemporary kitchen may include curving lines but a modern kitchen would not.

Contemporary kitchens tend to feature a heavy mix of shapes, materials and textures, state-of-the art appliances and lots of gadgetry. Anything on trend is usually used in a contemporary kitchen design eg matt black accessories or marble look benchtops.

 Image source: Balnei & Colina - Sans Souci Project

 

 

Image source: Balnei & Colina - Peakhurst Project

Minimalist

If your after a kitchen that is paired back, has ultra clean lines but still full of modern functionality perhaps minimalist is the style for you.

Minimalist kitchen designs have a reputation for being sleek and simple. This kitchen design style takes all the properties of modern design one step further. With details like perfectly neutral colour palettes, simple and streamlined cabinetry there is nothing stands out or is excessive in this type of kitchen design.

Image source: Anne Sophie Gone

 

 

Photo by: Maurel Aucar

Industrial

Like exposed brick, salvaged metal and wood and the feeling that you are cooking in an old but very clean factory? Then an industrial kitchen is for you. 

Industrial kitchen design uses a mix of wood, metal, concrete, brick and an injection of colour to create edgy, stylish and warm spaces. Dark colours like black or grey feature predominantly in this style of kitchen. Materials that have a reclaimed look, Edison lightbulbs, and sleek, commercial looking appliances are hallmarks of this style.

The industrial kitchen look is almost a bit unfinished but that’s what makes it so unique.

 

 

Image source: Deanne & Darren

Coastal

A favourite among home owners, coastal design kitchens can be modern or more traditional as in the Hamptons style kitchen. Coastal kitchens support that fresh, relaxed feel so often seen in beach side homes. 

Coastal kitchens commonly feature light colour palettes with cool neutral tones paired with blues and greens that echo a beach lifestyle.

Cabinetry is often white or beige, but as per the Hamptons style can feature blue or black combined with white & beige colour schemes. The space can contain elements of wood and accessories can be modern or bespoke in the case of the Hamptons kitchen.

Image source: Balnei & Colina - Croydon Project

 

 

Photo by: Martina Gemmola

Scandanavian

The Scandi kitchen design pays homage to the simplicity of life in Nordic countries. Scandinavian kitchen design is often understated and simple. The main colour used in these spaces is white.

Other common characteristics include the use of blond wood tones and all-white colour palettes. Spacious, natural lighting, minimal accessories and functionality characterises these kitchens.

These kitchens are famous for their brightness, minimalism and simplicity of style.

Image source: Dark Room Studio

 

 

Image source: Balnei & Colina - Marrickville Project

Traditional

Traditional kitchens focus on the use of natural look materials, like timber, to create a warm and cosy feel. Traditional kitchens have a more formal look and feature large multipurpose islands, ornate moulding or trim and shaker style cabinetry. They tend to be ornate and elegant. 

Typically antique style appliances and fixtures are used but these kitchens can often incorporate more modern elements to help create a more contemporary look. You’ll often find classic farmhouse sinks feature predominantly in this type of kitchen as well. 

Traditional kitchens can include French provincial, country and shabby chic kitchens.

Use natural materials such as marble bench tops, ornate lighting and decorative inserts on cabinet doors to help create this look.

Image source: Elledecor.com

 

Photo by: Maurel Aucar

Eclectic

This kitchen design style borrows from both traditional and modern designs to create a space that’s combines a mix of styles together. There is however, always a sense of balance that’s truly appealing and unexpected. It may incorporate modern materials, such as stone or matt cabinetry and then unite them with more traditional materials like bespoke hardware.

Still unsure about your kitchen style? Leave it to the experts. 

For more information about our kitchen design services or to book a design consultation, call 1300 450 320 or drop us an email.

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