Perhaps you could start off the process by setting up an ideabook or two with kitchen photos that appeal to you. Just doing a quick search for "transitional kitchens" in "Houzz photos" pulls up 330,000 pictures, so that would be a place to start your quest.

Here's one random example:

I think you might want to define your own preferences a bit further before consulting a KD, but going to one once you're a bit clearer in your own mind would be a good idea.

You could also post a floor plan here to see what advice you might get about layout.

330,000 pictures feels overwhelming! Lol! I'd rather comment about the photo you posted (which feels on track to me). Here's what I like about it: the neutral color palette; the warmth and uncluttered feeling; the wall tiles (is that Anne Sacks?); the range of values (dark, mid-range, light) - it feels visually balanced. I also like the lighting and the open shelving. It feels inviting (and not kitchen like). Thank you for starting the conversation. The image you provided points in the right direction.

What sort of budget are you working with to re-imagine your home? If it’s generous, then hire professional help to sit with you and go over 300,000 photographs to find 10-20 that you like.

If your budget would prefer to pay for design work only, rather than research and psychology, then spend some hours doing some homework. Draw out a scale floor plan. Figure out if you are classic and traditional, or a 10 minute fad driven—next. And figure out what the house is telling you it is. Nothing is worse than the landed from Mars look inside an old Colonial.

And you cannot expect to have an instantaneous whole ordered from Amazon result delivered to you for free without doing any work on your part.

http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2018/

I think if you want any help from us you need to post some pics of your kitchen now.Also a good idea to tell us what you love and what you don’t about what you have now.IMO a kitchen needs to function in the 21st century and if done right can work in any style house.

If you change your search to "Cream cabinets in transitional kitchen" it's down to 5000 results. If you save the ones you like from that or other searches, you'll find that patterns emerge that point you toward the elements that you really care about. We can't really guess.

From your self-description, I picked these few to get you started.

And here are a few other that bring in some artistic touches...

I know you said you liked white cabinets but I would play around with colorful cabinet bases for the artsy/homey feel you are trying to achieve. In order to incorporate the oak trim, you could do end panels with the same finish, something similar to this...

Okay, here are current photos of my kitchen. Width is 11' in table area. Length is 23' approx. So a very narrow space. Am looking to totally gut. Will probably go with another peninsula (but not the weird angles of the current one); or a small island. My style preference is transitional. I'm keeping all the oak trim (window & floor molding, doors) - but am looking for a break from all the other wood (I'm also considering fewer upper cabs). I want to open the space around the window by not crowding it with cabs. I want the room to feel cozy and uncluttered. Thank you for your time and any ideas you care to share. Ann

Hi Everyone, I assembled an idea book based on many of your suggestions. Would welcome feedback. Thank you for your time. Ann

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