Modern Kitchen Styles

Don't worry about following the latest kitchen style trends. Follow your own or, better yet, create your own. After all, we all have our own favorite color. And we don't let anyone else select that for us either.

No two kitchens are alike... just like no two people are alike. We all have our preferences in tastes and kitchen styles. If you are confused about what your style may be, read on, the following will make the decision easier or it may confuse you some more.

Victorian

Usually characterized by steeply pitched roofs, pointed arched windows, elaborate trim along roof edges, high dormers, lancet windows and other Gothic details on the outside.

Victorian kitchen styles are known for a level of elegance. Handcrafted and highly detailed cabinets of heavy, dark, weathered wood. The doors to the cabinets can be cathedral or squared. Cabinets are usually weathered looking and made of heavy, real wood. hardware for the cabinets may be chrome pulls and knobs. Wood countertops included.

This group also uses detailed moldings, columns, and graceful arches as common architectural elements. Light fixture range from chandeliers, kerosene and electric lamps to astrals, or sconces helping to complete the look.

Old World

Old World kitchens have become more popular recently. Typical door styles in this type of kitchen can be either arched or square top.

Distressing gives the Old World kitchen a worn look. Antiqued finishes and thicker crown molding build-ups are common elements of the Old World kitchen style.

Natural materials are often used for floors and countertops helping to complete the Old World look. Glass door cabinets, hand carvings as well as open shelf cabinets can all be incorporated in the Old World kitchen style.

Tuscan

A close relative to the Old World Style is the Tuscan Style kitchen. The Tuscan aesthetic tends to be more subtle leaning a bit more towards a feminine feel.

Ideal color schemes for the Tuscan Style to Mediterranean architecture. These would be colors of warm gold, darker yellows, and olive green.

Typical sink choices for this style would be porcelain or stone. Kitchen furniture may be made of wood or wrought iron. Wide plank distressed wood flooring is an excellent compliment to the Tuscan Style along with textured wall plaster and paint applications. The overall look and feel should be rustic and warm.

Traditional

The American Traditional Kitchen Style offers a more formal look. It emphasizes architectural details like crown moldings, raised wood paneling and rich, deep colors to enhance the mood and 'traditional' feel. Also, dark stains, honey tones, semi-opaque paints, wicker baskets and oak cabinets add to the more formal feel than the country style.

Typical features include square raised panel doors with larger crown moldings. Materials used in the Traditional cabinet style include cherry, mahogany and walnut. Metal accents can be found usually in brass or gold tones.

The color palette includes a range of intense hues in red, black, green and blue. Wall treatments can include paneling and wall covering with small patterns. Countertops continue the formal feel and are commonly found in ceramic or stone tile with use of granite becoming more popular.

Country Kitchen

There are many different facets to this kitchen style. There is the American, the English, and the French). But the fact remains that this is one of the favorite and comfortable environments for many people. This rustic, weathered look creates a warm cozy feeling in a country style home.

The cabinet doors may even be left off to display colorful dishes, making the inside of the cabinet part of the decor of the overall space. A butcher block or hand-painted tiles are both great pieces. You can add charm to your kitchen by putting potted herbs in the windows of the kitchen.