10 Kitchen Styles to Consider for Your Remodel

Your kitchen’s style can be influenced by multiple factors, including your house’s location, its architecture, adjacent rooms, how you want to use the space, and even your personality. In fact, it’s usually some combination of all these factors. Kitchens are often the hub of home activity, so it’s important to have a design that suits your lifestyle. Explore these 10 common kitchen styles to find one that suits your family, with help from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate professionals.

1. Traditional

With roots in 18th and 19th century homes, traditional kitchens have a formal and ornate style. “This style I would describe as elegant, sophisticated, and a very timeless aesthetic,” says Sierra Hess, realtor at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central, West Virginia.

Furniture-like cabinetry is a defining feature of traditional kitchens. Often made of richly stained warm woods, traditional cabinets are decoratively finished with fine details like leaded glass panels and corbels, with raised panel cabinet doors featuring details like arches and rope trim. Countertops are often made from stones like marble and granite, and finished off with beveled and ogee edges. Appliances are often paneled or covered, including decorative range hoods.

Traditional kitchen colors are warm and mostly neutral; less saturated primary colors may be used as accents and classic prints and patterns can be found on wallpaper or window treatments. Architectural details like coffered ceilings, molding, columns, and wainscoting are prominent.  “With its neutral palette, it is a great fit for any style of home, and it is one that agrees well with most spaces, but more so in larger kitchens,” adds Hess. 

Signature elements of traditional kitchens include:

• Neutral color palette
• Architectural details including molding and trim work
• Furniture-style cabinetry
• Stone surfaces

2. Modern

When it comes to kitchen design, the words “modern” and “contemporary” are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different styles, and it’s worth highlighting both. “The simplicity of the modern style is what stands out to me,” says Becky Schiebout, realtor at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 43° North, Idaho.

Modern style has roots in the early 20th-century German Bauhaus, a movement focused on simple forms and functionality. Surfaces are sleek and typically constructed of basic materials: a preference for low-maintenance and easy-care items fit into the functional focus of modernism. There are no decorative trim or accents in the architecture.

Schiebout highlights neutral colors, straight lines, and high-end functional appliances as part of the modern kitchen. Warm, earthy color palettes are often set through building materials, such as concrete, glass, and metal. Modern kitchens are visually smooth, with little contrast in color or shape. Reflective finishes on cabinets or backsplash, for example, can offer depth in the otherwise subdued space. Midcentury modern style elements, like lighting and seating, are common in modern kitchens. 

Signature elements of modern kitchens include:

• Neutral color palette
• Low contrast
• Straight lines
• Basic materials and forms
• Midcentury modern accents

3. Contemporary

Contemporary styles refers to “of the moment” designs, meaning the definition of a contemporary kitchen style is actually fluid depending on current design trends. Contemporary kitchens embrace trends in everything from technology and materials to patterns and finishes. Although still largely minimalist, including a lack of accents on cabinetry and architecture, today’s contemporary kitchen is more dramatic than modern kitchens.  

The look incorporates contrast, such as dark cabinets with light countertops, and bringing in strong arches and curves to stand out against the otherwise hard angles and flat surfaces. Light and dark saturated colors in cool shades and striking stone and stone-look countertops and backsplashes create visual energy. The contemporary kitchen also often includes mixed metals and bold pops of color.

Signature elements of contemporary kitchens include:

• Saturated colors in a bold color palette
• Contrast
• Flat-panel and shaker cabinet doors
• Smart technology and appliances
• Bold stone patterns

4. Transitional

Transitional kitchens combine traditional and modern styles for a look that is simple and relaxed. These kitchens are not as formal as traditional styles or as sleek as modern kitchens. Transitional design elements are currently very similar to contemporary style, but these kitchens aim for balance rather than contrast. While contrast in color and shapes is part of the aesthetic, it’s less dramatic than in a contemporary kitchen.

Transitional kitchen style pairs soft curves with sleek angles and accents soft hues with some darker shades but in a largely neutral color palette. Wood and stone are common elements of the neutral foundation, and together with a patterned backsplash, they give some texture to the room, too. 

Black and brass finishes are popular, and lighting, including eye-catching pendants, often leans modern. Appliance designs are kept simple and have stainless finishes. Transitional kitchens are typically loaded with cabinetry and storage, but some open shelving for display or at-hand storage is likely. Transitional style is versatile, making it a great choice for open-concept kitchens because you can easily draw from the style in connected spaces. 

Signature elements of transitional kitchens include:

• Light, neutral color palettes
• Abundance of cabinetry
• Stainless steel appliances
• Modern lighting 

5. Scandinavian

Scandinavian kitchens stand out for their serene feeling. The minimalist style prioritizes functionality, and the result is a simple look that is uncluttered and easy to maintain. Functionally, these spaces feature a practical layout and efficient storage solutions that give everything a place. Other practicalities that increase productivity and neatness include smart appliances, undermount sinks, and pantries. 

Scandinavian kitchens are kept visually bright by mixing predominantly white surfaces with natural and artificial lighting. They also forgo floor-to-ceiling cabinets in favor of blank walls and some open shelving to keep the look light and airy. The neutral palette is accented with light woods and stone to add variance and texture. Surfaces should be easy to care for, including low-maintenance materials like quartz countertops, wood-look floors, and flat-panel cabinets. Although decor is kept to a minimum, Scandi interior design isn’t complete without rugs or softer touches for a bit of hygge. 

Signature elements of Scandinavian kitchens include:

• Predominantly white, neutral color palettes
• Light wood accents and flooring 
• Clutter-free countertops
• Open and airy layout 
• Interior cabinet storage solutions 

6. Organic

Rooted in modern and Scandinavian styles, the organic kitchen is bright, clean, and minimal. “Organic kitchens capture classic lines and remind you of soft features you would find in nature—simplicity and natural beauty are the base for this style,” says Hess. It’s a relative of biophilic design, and at its core, organic style is about creating a kitchen that connects to nature. Organic kitchens feature large windows with views of the outdoors, and many open to outdoor living spaces. Sustainable materials are also part of the organic style.

Earth-tone colors and neutrals cover everything from painted cabinets to walls and accents. Natural materials, such as wood cabinetry, stone surfaces, jute rugs, or rattan serving pieces, offer both pattern and texture. Organic kitchens have a simple, modern aesthetic without harsh angles; rounded profiles, organic curves, and arches are expected. Open shelving is also key to the style, according to Hess. “This style is ideal for smaller living spaces. Natural color palettes appear more spacious to the eye, as do materials like real wood and natural stones,” adds Hess. 

Signature elements of organic kitchens include:

• Earth-tone color palettes
• Connection to the outdoors 
• Open shelving
• Natural materials
• Textures as accents 

7. Industrial

Industrial kitchens are a low-maintenance style that looks and feels large and unpolished. The inspiration comes from industrial spaces, like factories and warehouses. “An industrial-style home has tall ceilings, lots of windows, and is normally an open floor plan,” says Dana Hall-Bradley, realtor and owner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Fine Living, Florida. “What stands out with the industrial style is how all the workmanship is exposed, including pipes, ductwork, brick walls and concrete floors.”

Color palettes tend to come from the materials themselves. Stainless steel can also be found on countertops, kitchen island carts, and cabinetry. When paired with a prominence of concrete for floors and walls, it’s no surprise that gray is the main color in this kitchen style. Brick and rustic woods may also add color and texture, while black and oil-rubbed bronze finishes may be added to complement the overall look. 

Large stainless-steel, and often professional-grade, appliances give the vibe of a commercial kitchen. Other professional-style amenities include large steel sinks, pull-down faucets, open shelves, and hanging pot racks that offer handy storage. Gadgets and small appliances are often found stored on countertops, making industrial style a more busy, cluttered aesthetic but practical workspace. 

Signature elements of industrial kitchens include:

• Cool gray color palette 
• Large industrial-style pendant lights
• Stainless-steel professional appliances
• Open storage
• Exposed structural materials like concrete, brick, and metal

8. Cottage

 A cottage style kitchen is sweet and bright, featuring antique and vintage-inspired details. “Because it mixes features of old and new, it always looks homey and comfortable,” says Hess. Vintage-inspired appliances and antique faucet and sink styles are common sources of cottage charm.

Soft colors like blue, yellow, and creamy whites, as well as patina and weathered finishes are at home in cottage kitchens. Cabinetry tends to have decorative details through door styles and hardware, and windows are often adorned with shutters or feminine fabrics, and seating may be slipcovered. Hall-Bradley notes that cottage kitchens often feature small islands, including movable rolling islands or butcher-block islands.

Open shelving is popular to show off kitschy collections, antiques, or flea market finds, and mismatched freestanding furniture can also enhance the vibe. According to Hess, walls often feature decorative elements, such as board and batten, chair rail, and molding. “This style looks best in an older or classic style home,” adds Hess.

Signature elements of cottage kitchens include:

• Color palette of pastels and neutrals
• Beaded board 
• Open shelves
• Vintage-inspired plumbing fixtures

9. Farmhouse

“Farmhouse is homey, bright, and sunny. I see fresh flowers and a tray of homemade goodies on the counter,” says Schiebout. While traditionally, farmhouse-style kitchens leaned more country and rustic, today’s modern farmhouse style is an aesthetic all its own. 

Farmhouse kitchens have clean, simple lines, but they are not as angular and hard-edged as modern styles. The foundation is often a white palette, including white walls and cabinetry. Wood floors and pops of black, through plumbing and light fixtures, offer some contemporary contrast.

Farmhouse kitchens bring in rustic textures through wood and stone, and unlike many modern styles, they embrace select decorative touches, like antiques or graphic signs. Sliding barn doors, shiplap, and exposed wooden beams are integral to the style, adding farm-building-inspired character. A large island is often a gathering place in this casual kitchen style. “And you cannot forget the walk-in pantry,” adds Schiebout. 

Signature elements of farmhouse kitchens include:

• A neutral color palette 
• Shiplap paneling
• Exposed wood beams
• Farmhouse sinks
• Shaker-style cabinets 
  

10. Country

“Country kitchens are cozy and inviting, and that’s created by the warm color scheme and casual selection in lighting,” says Hess. Though whites, creams, and browns are common, country kitchens are one of the styles that can be filled with muted color as well. A variation of colors can be found on the cabinetry, walls, flooring, and even appliances. Unfitted and mismatched historic furniture like hutches and hoosiers are often combined with some more traditional kitchen cabinetry for an informal approach to storage. A vintage butcher block or wooden table makes a great country kitchen island. With a mix of open and closed storage options, this style notably includes display space for decorative rustic touches like antique collections, wire bins or wooden crates. 

Decorative adornments are a big part of the look, including metals with patina or texture, large stone accents on walls and flooring, and wire mesh or fabric behind glass panel doors. Farmhouse sinks and wooden beams harken to the rustic farmhouse nature of the country kitchen style. Popular finishes for country kitchens include weathered woods, exposed brick and stone, and distressed- and milk-paint finishes, which give the rustic kitchen style its signature worn and welcoming aesthetic. The look complements compact and closed-off kitchens. “This style is popular in cabins, farmhouses, and smaller-sized homes,” says Hess.

Signature elements of rustic country kitchens include:

• A palette of natural and muted colors
• Natural woods
• Distressed finishes
• Farmhouse sinks
• Rich warm metals

More Kitchen Styles to Consider

Although these are some of the most popular kitchen styles in recent years, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) kitchen trends report for 2024, they are certainly not the only kitchen designs you should consider for your remodel. Find something that fits your personality as well as your home. Beachy coastal kitchens have an easygoing attitude and retro kitchen styles add nostalgia to the casual space. French kitchens are formal, undulating between bucolic charm and cosmopolitan elegance. Old World European style takes a rustic approach to grand spaces, while Japandi style adds a rustic spin to modern kitchens.