Kitchen Design Styles

Interior Design, Joinery, Kitchen Design Series

We believe a custom kitchen should be just that — designed especially for your home, your lifestyle and the things that bring you joy. That said, it can be useful to see how various design elements can compliment one another and add up to a cohesive look.

We’ve broken down some successful kitchen design styles and identified the elements or features that contribute to an aesthetic. If you respond to a particular set of images, you could maybe borrow some features as part of the mix that makes it your own.

Contemporary/Traditional

Do you want your kitchen to feel at home in your period home or villa?

Do you want a homely kitchen that still feels current and contemporary?

Some Contemporary/Traditional features:

Panelled or tongue-and-groove cupboard fronts
Colour as a feature, even if soft and subdued
Mouldings and other trim details, even if simplified
Lighting that is a new version of an old style
Handle hardware that is inspired by tradition such as knobs and curved drawer pulls

Contemporary/Traditional

Colour as a feature

New versions of old style handle hardware

Framed or tongue and groove door fronts

New versions of old style pendant fittings

Modern/Minimalist

Do you like a clear, clean look and have an open plan space with clear available walls to play with?

Do you like things to be organised and feel tidy and under control?

Some Modern/Minimalist features:

Blocky layout, tightly planned with horizontal and vertical alignment of elements
Rectangular blocks of materials and symmetry
Simple, refined palette of materials and neutral colours
Flat cupboard fronts, often handleless or with minimal handles
Sleek lighting

Modern/Minimalist

Simple, refined material and colour palette

Flat handleless cupboards

Tightly planned layout

Sleek lighting

Can suit a commercial setting

Can be softened with pattern and timber

Coastal

Do you like a relaxed vibe and feeling connected to the outdoors?

Do you like an open airy space with texture?

Some Coastal features:

Open, airy layout
Bring the outdoors in, directly with doors, skylights and windows and indirectly with plants or natural textures
Light toned timber
Organic texture and woven elements
Blues, soft watery hues and fresh greenery