Your Guide to a Transitional-Style Kitchen
See the key elements, palettes, fixtures and finishing touches that pros use to get this popular look
Whether you’re tackling a kitchen remodel with the help of a kitchen designer, architect or contractor, being able to pin down your favorite style will help get your project off to a smooth start. If your style falls in the happy medium between traditional and contemporary, then transitional style may be right in your decorating comfort zone. Read on for the need-to-know details about this popular kitchen style, including key elements, color palettes, fixtures and finishing touches.
Here are some common elements to look for:
- Shaker-style cabinet fronts with sleek hardware
- Natural countertop materials such as marble and quartz
- A neutral backsplash of subway tile, mosaic tile or continuation of countertop material
- Wood in elements such as flooring, butcher block and furnishings
- A hint of embellishment in the form of corbels and millwork
What You Won’t Find in Transitional Kitchens
While there are elements of both traditional and contemporary styles present, transitional kitchens don’t veer too far in either direction. Here’s what you won’t see:
While there are elements of both traditional and contemporary styles present, transitional kitchens don’t veer too far in either direction. Here’s what you won’t see:
- Highly embellished millwork
- A bright, bold color palette
- Envelope-pushing trends
- Elaborate edge treatments on countertops
- Heavy, traditional furnishings
Serene Color Palette
In transitional kitchens, neutrals are key in creating a serene space. Whether you opt for cool or warm hues, the colors tend to be soft and subtle. For a richer look, consider deep blue or gray cabinetry.
Colors for transitional kitchens:
In transitional kitchens, neutrals are key in creating a serene space. Whether you opt for cool or warm hues, the colors tend to be soft and subtle. For a richer look, consider deep blue or gray cabinetry.
Colors for transitional kitchens:
- Soft neutrals. Cream, beige, taupe, chocolate, dove gray, silver, snow white
- Serene hues. Misty blue, dusty rose, blue-gray, soft sage green
- Rich cabinetry colors. Navy, charcoal, slate, deep green
Shaker-Style Cabinetry
Not as minimalist as flat-panel cabinets or as embellished as raised-panel designs, Shaker-style cabinets have a graceful simplicity that’s well-suited to transitional style. Cabinets are often painted white, soft gray or two tones for a more striking contrast — like the white upper and blue lower cabinets seen in this space from SF Design Build. Cabinet hardware tends to be sleek and simple, and can be nickel, chrome, brass or a mix of metal finishes.
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Not as minimalist as flat-panel cabinets or as embellished as raised-panel designs, Shaker-style cabinets have a graceful simplicity that’s well-suited to transitional style. Cabinets are often painted white, soft gray or two tones for a more striking contrast — like the white upper and blue lower cabinets seen in this space from SF Design Build. Cabinet hardware tends to be sleek and simple, and can be nickel, chrome, brass or a mix of metal finishes.
Find a kitchen cabinet maker
Farmhouse Sink
An apron-front farmhouse sink, whether paired with a classic bridge faucet or a more streamlined modern design, can be a good way to bring a dash of tradition and charm to a transitional kitchen. Don’t want to go the farmhouse route? A sleek undermount sink is a popular choice as well.
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An apron-front farmhouse sink, whether paired with a classic bridge faucet or a more streamlined modern design, can be a good way to bring a dash of tradition and charm to a transitional kitchen. Don’t want to go the farmhouse route? A sleek undermount sink is a popular choice as well.
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Elegant Stone Counters
Stone counters can make a beautiful focal point in a transitional-style kitchen, especially when they take the form of a dramatic waterfall countertop like the one seen here from Breeze Giannasio Interiors. Light-hued stone such as marble and quartz work well. Light-colored granite or engineered quartz are also good options, offering easier-care, nonporous surfaces.
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Stone counters can make a beautiful focal point in a transitional-style kitchen, especially when they take the form of a dramatic waterfall countertop like the one seen here from Breeze Giannasio Interiors. Light-hued stone such as marble and quartz work well. Light-colored granite or engineered quartz are also good options, offering easier-care, nonporous surfaces.
Find countertop pros in your area on Houzz
Design Detail: Subway Tile
Crisp, clean and classic, it’s no wonder white subway tile is a popular choice for transitional kitchens — this tile bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary with ease. As an alternative to the traditional brick-like stacked pattern, consider applying subway tile vertically, in a herringbone pattern or in a less common size or shape for a twist.
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Crisp, clean and classic, it’s no wonder white subway tile is a popular choice for transitional kitchens — this tile bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary with ease. As an alternative to the traditional brick-like stacked pattern, consider applying subway tile vertically, in a herringbone pattern or in a less common size or shape for a twist.
Find subway tile in the Houzz Shop
Design Detail: Stone Slab Backsplash
Subway tile is popular for good reason, but if you opt for stone counters, it might be worth considering continuing the stone up the wall instead. A light-hued stone backsplash (like the engineered quartz shown here) is elegant, long-lasting and sure to be a focal point of the space.
Why You Should Embrace a Solid Slab Backsplash
Subway tile is popular for good reason, but if you opt for stone counters, it might be worth considering continuing the stone up the wall instead. A light-hued stone backsplash (like the engineered quartz shown here) is elegant, long-lasting and sure to be a focal point of the space.
Why You Should Embrace a Solid Slab Backsplash
Design Detail: Pendant Lighting
Look for kitchen island lighting that makes a statement with bold shapes. Cone-shaped, stainless steel, glass, schoolhouse-inspired metal and sleek lanterns all work well in a transitional kitchen.
Browse transitional-style kitchen island lighting
Look for kitchen island lighting that makes a statement with bold shapes. Cone-shaped, stainless steel, glass, schoolhouse-inspired metal and sleek lanterns all work well in a transitional kitchen.
Browse transitional-style kitchen island lighting
Finishing Touches
Transitional-style kitchens aren’t as spare as contemporary kitchens, but they still have a streamlined look. Add just a few carefully considered finishing touches such as modern counter stools, open shelving, a warm traditional rug and natural wood accents to strike the right balance.
Transitional-style kitchens aren’t as spare as contemporary kitchens, but they still have a streamlined look. Add just a few carefully considered finishing touches such as modern counter stools, open shelving, a warm traditional rug and natural wood accents to strike the right balance.
Your turn: Are you a fan of transitional style? Describe or show us your favorite transitional-style kitchen in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Transitional Style
Browse photos of transitional-style kitchens for inspiration
Find a kitchen designer to get your project started
Shop for transitional kitchen products
More on Houzz
Your Guide to Transitional Style
Browse photos of transitional-style kitchens for inspiration
Find a kitchen designer to get your project started
Shop for transitional kitchen products
Transitional kitchens gracefully walk the line between traditional and contemporary, with just enough detailing to please folks in both design camps.
See more of this transitional-style kitchen remodel