Your Guide to a Traditional-Style Kitchen
Comfort, warmth and refinement are hallmarks of this classic look. Here are key elements, palettes and details
Whether you’re tackling a kitchen remodel with the help of a kitchen designer, an architect or a contractor, being able to clearly define your favorite style will help get your project off to a smooth start. If you love comfortable refinement and classic details, traditional style may be right up your alley. Read on for the need-to-know details about this popular kitchen style, including key elements, color palettes, fixtures and finishing touches.
What You Won’t Find in Traditional Kitchens
The emphasis in a traditional kitchen is on timeless designs and high-quality comfort. Unlike contemporary-style spaces, traditional kitchens welcome a bit of ornate millwork and well-curated collections. Here’s what you won’t see:
The emphasis in a traditional kitchen is on timeless designs and high-quality comfort. Unlike contemporary-style spaces, traditional kitchens welcome a bit of ornate millwork and well-curated collections. Here’s what you won’t see:
- Supersleek finishes
- Envelope-pushing trends
- Flat-panel cabinetry
- An abundance of cold stainless steel
- A trendy color palette
Classic Colors
Traditional kitchens favor rich colors that have stood the test of time. White is a popular choice for cabinetry, but it’s not the only option — if you’re looking for something different, consider soft shades of blue, green, beige or natural wood.
Colors for traditional kitchens:
Traditional kitchens favor rich colors that have stood the test of time. White is a popular choice for cabinetry, but it’s not the only option — if you’re looking for something different, consider soft shades of blue, green, beige or natural wood.
Colors for traditional kitchens:
- Warm neutrals. Ivory, buttermilk, cream, straw, tan, taupe
- Cool neutrals. Architectural white, dove gray, stone, charcoal
- Other timeless colors. Robin’s egg blue, powder blue, sage, olive, navy
Raised-Panel Cabinetry
A hallmark of traditional kitchens, raised-panel cabinet doors have more intricate detailing than the simpler Shaker-style cabinets found in transitional kitchens. Raised-panel cabinets can be painted, glazed or simply finished to let the natural beauty of the wood grain show through. Glass-paneled upper cabinets, classic latching hardware and exposed hinges add another layer of detail.
Find a kitchen-cabinet maker
A hallmark of traditional kitchens, raised-panel cabinet doors have more intricate detailing than the simpler Shaker-style cabinets found in transitional kitchens. Raised-panel cabinets can be painted, glazed or simply finished to let the natural beauty of the wood grain show through. Glass-paneled upper cabinets, classic latching hardware and exposed hinges add another layer of detail.
Find a kitchen-cabinet maker
Furniture Details
Instead of the boxy simplicity of a modern kitchen island, traditional-style islands have furniture detailing to make them as perfect for perching as for food prep. Also look for details like paneled appliances and built-in shelving for cookbooks.
Instead of the boxy simplicity of a modern kitchen island, traditional-style islands have furniture detailing to make them as perfect for perching as for food prep. Also look for details like paneled appliances and built-in shelving for cookbooks.
Design Detail: Apron-Front Sink
The farmhouse sink is a design classic. It’s generously sized and typically made from white fireclay or porcelain, but stainless steel or copper can be used as well. Apron-front sinks pair well with traditional bridge or gooseneck faucets.
Find apron-front sinks in the Houzz Shop
The farmhouse sink is a design classic. It’s generously sized and typically made from white fireclay or porcelain, but stainless steel or copper can be used as well. Apron-front sinks pair well with traditional bridge or gooseneck faucets.
Find apron-front sinks in the Houzz Shop
Luxurious Counters
Stone counters can make a beautiful focal point in a traditional kitchen. A light-hued stone such as marble or quartz works well. Light-colored granite or engineered quartz is also a good option, offering easier-care, nonporous surfaces. Edge profiles tend to be more intricate and feature more curves than in transitional kitchens; work with your stone fabricator to choose the right edge.
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Stone counters can make a beautiful focal point in a traditional kitchen. A light-hued stone such as marble or quartz works well. Light-colored granite or engineered quartz is also a good option, offering easier-care, nonporous surfaces. Edge profiles tend to be more intricate and feature more curves than in transitional kitchens; work with your stone fabricator to choose the right edge.
Find countertop pros in your area on Houzz
Design Detail: Butler’s Pantry
No butler is required when you have a space this functional and pretty to help you host. Positioned adjacent to the kitchen, a smartly designed butler’s pantry is a traditional kitchen feature that fosters easy and elegant entertaining. Look for prep sinks, extra counter space, pretty china cupboards, a bar area and silverware drawers.
We Can Dream: 40 Beautiful Butler’s Pantries
No butler is required when you have a space this functional and pretty to help you host. Positioned adjacent to the kitchen, a smartly designed butler’s pantry is a traditional kitchen feature that fosters easy and elegant entertaining. Look for prep sinks, extra counter space, pretty china cupboards, a bar area and silverware drawers.
We Can Dream: 40 Beautiful Butler’s Pantries
Architectural Elements
Traditional kitchens fall on the more-is-more end of the ornament spectrum: Instead of the sleek surfaces and clean lines seen in modern kitchens, these spaces favor rich architectural details. Look for ceiling beams, custom hood surrounds, decorative moldings and corbels, island legs, pilasters and furniture-style toe kicks.
Traditional kitchens fall on the more-is-more end of the ornament spectrum: Instead of the sleek surfaces and clean lines seen in modern kitchens, these spaces favor rich architectural details. Look for ceiling beams, custom hood surrounds, decorative moldings and corbels, island legs, pilasters and furniture-style toe kicks.
Finishing Touches
Traditional kitchens balance formal elegance with comfort and warmth. Finishing touches that work well include classic lanterns, pendant lights and chandeliers; comfortable upholstered seating; cozy Oriental rugs; warm butcher-block accents and china in a time-honored pattern.
Traditional kitchens balance formal elegance with comfort and warmth. Finishing touches that work well include classic lanterns, pendant lights and chandeliers; comfortable upholstered seating; cozy Oriental rugs; warm butcher-block accents and china in a time-honored pattern.
Your turn: Are you a fan of traditional style? Describe or show us your favorite traditional-style kitchen in the Comments!
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Traditional Style
Browse photos of traditional-style kitchens for inspiration
Find a kitchen designer to get your project started
Shop for traditional kitchen products
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Traditional Style
Browse photos of traditional-style kitchens for inspiration
Find a kitchen designer to get your project started
Shop for traditional kitchen products
Traditional kitchens are formal yet comfortable, with luxurious finishes, ample counter space and intricate architectural details. And while these spaces do tend to be richly detailed, traditional kitchens are not over the top — think timeless and classic. Here are some elements to look for: