Everything You Need to Know About Transitional Kitchens

Transitional kitchens are having a moment—and it’s not difficult to see why. Marked by a mix of both traditional and contemporary design elements, transitional kitchens are every bit as versatile as they are stylish. 

Want to figure out if a transitional style kitchen is right for you and your home? We called on Jessica Davis of Nest Studio and Nicole Powell of We Three Design Studio to help us breakdown everything you need to know about transitional kitchens, and here’s what they had to say.

Wait, wait, wait—back up a second. What are transitional kitchens? In order for you to master the art of the transitional kitchen, it’s important you understand what they are in the first place.

“A transitional kitchen blends both modern and traditional design elements,” explains Davis. “They’re great because they allow you to have a kitchen that can blend into the architecture of an older home, yet have the functionality for modern-day living.”

With elements from both contemporary and traditional styles, transitional kitchens are a perfect medium for anyone who wants to strike a balance between old and new.

“A lot of people appreciate modernism but feel like it can be too stark,” Powell adds. “Blending styles gives them the best of both worlds.”

Who said being basic was a bad thing? When it comes to your transitional kitchen, a simple, neutral color palette can actually work wonders.

“I love to create a more neutral palette with the big items—counters, cabinets, floors—in a transitional kitchen,” Davis says. “Wood tones especially allow you to go a little more modern on, say, your cabinet fronts while still having a little bit of a traditional bent.”

But don’t be discouraged if neutrals aren’t your thing; you can always integrate some fresh pops of color into your space.

“We love blues and greens, especially for base cabinets,” Powell says, “and we specify cleanable matte finishes whenever possible. Staying classic on most of the cabinets and painting an accent piece like an island is a way to experiment with color without committing too much.” 

Of course, a beautiful kitchen is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s just as important to build a space that has plenty of room for all your pots, pans, and non-perishables.

“Open shelving works well in transitional kitchens,” Davis recommends. “Since the lines tend to be cleaner than something that is super traditional, you can add some visual interest with accessories on open shelves. It also gives you the opportunity to continue the backsplash to the ceiling.” 

Admittedly, open shelving isn’t for everyone. If you want a storage system that can withstand the test of time, keep it simple.

“A lot of transitional kitchens have traditional cabinets with detailing that can make them look dated,” says Powell. “Bringing in a painted shaker cabinet or a slab-front cabinet can clean up the overall look of the kitchen, without sacrificing that traditional feel entirely.” 

But whether you have open shelving or a simple Shaker cabinet, it’s important to have a backsplash and countertop that can pair nicely with your stylish storage system.

“I love using texture in transitional kitchens, such as a beautifully glazed backsplash tile, maybe with some pitting or crackling or a counter with an unusual finish such as leathered marble,” Davis says.

Or if you prefer to keep things clean and simple, Powell says you should stick to organic finishes, such as concrete, wood, and stone. “A transitional kitchen shouldn’t feel too busy,” she says. 

According to Davis, certain fixtures can make or break the ambiance of a transitional kitchen. But, as a general rule of thumb, opposites attract. At the end of the day, isn’t that what transitional design is all about?

“If I use an interesting sink in a transitional kitchen, say a farmhouse sink with a fluted front, I might use a cleaner more modern faucet,” she says. “And on the other side of the spectrum, if I use a sink that really just blends in with the countertops, I might use a faucet that has some wow factor.”

Powell favors frills-free fixtures, citing under-mount sinks and streamlined hardware such as straight bar pulls or simple round knobs.

“They allow you to bring in ornamental details that don’t feel too fussy,” she says. 

If you ask Davis, lighting is a great way to make a statement in a transitional kitchen. “There are so many great chandeliers and pendants out there that feel modern and clean but also have a bit of a traditional shape,” she says. “This kind of lighting makes such a statement over an island or breakfast nook.”

When lighting your transitional kitchen, Powell says layering is crucial.

“Accent light is like jewelry for a transitional kitchen,” she says. “It should reflect a person’s individual style and add a little flair.” 

Don’t let those light fixtures and kitchen cabinets distract you too much; you still need to select the perfect kitchen floor for your transitional space. But while a kitchen floor should be chosen with care, both experts encourage dwellers to keep it neutral.

“I like to keep the flooring neutral,” Davis says. “Something that flows into the surrounding spaces seamlessly.”

Looking for a versatile option that will also work in an open-concept layout? Wood is an obvious choice. But that doesn’t mean you should discredit tiles.

“We typically look for something that creates texture, like a French lay, herringbone or chevron layout,” Powell says.