Historic Kitchen remodel by Red House Design Build in Rumford, RI

Understanding the Top Kitchen Design Styles: Transitional

Understanding the Top Kitchen Design Styles: Transitional

If you love the sleekness of modern kitchens but can’t resist the timeless appeal of traditional design, the transitional kitchen style is calling your name. It’s the best of both worlds—mixing old and new to create a kitchen that feels warm, fresh, and totally balanced. Whether you’re deep into planning your kitchen remodel or just gathering ideas, transitional kitchens offer endless possibilities.

What Is Transitional Style?

historic kitchen remodel. wood beams in kitchen. blue accent island. gold cabinet hardware. kitchen remodel ideas
Kitchen remodel in Rumford, RI by Red House Design Build Photos by Aaron Usher III

Transitional design blends contemporary elements with the classic features of traditional design. It’s a style that’s versatile, allowing you to mix textures, finishes, and styles for a kitchen that feels timeless but never boring. Think of it as the perfect middle ground—ideal for homeowners who don’t want to commit to one extreme.

This style has been around for a while, but it’s become increasingly popular in the last decade, especially for those looking for kitchen remodel ideas that don’t feel too trendy. It works beautifully in various homes, from modern condos in downtown Providence to historic houses in Newport, Rhode Island.

Creating the Transitional Kitchen Look

Ready to dive into the details? Here’s how to create the perfect transitional kitchen, complete with must-have elements, colors, and materials.

1. Neutral Colors with a Twist

A transitional kitchen’s color palette revolves around neutrals—but it’s all about how you layer them. Soft whites, grays, and warm taupes form the foundation, allowing you to play with contrasts. Want to go bolder? Incorporate darker shades of blue, green, or even charcoal for an accent island or cabinetry.

dog. kitchen storage. blue accent cabinet. kitchen cabinet ideas.
The island is accented with a contrasting blue to add depth to the kitchen.
Photography by Aaron Usher III

Some top color picks for a transitional kitchen include:

  • Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace – A bright, clean white that works well in both modern and traditional spaces.
  • Sherwin-Williams’ Agreeable Gray – A versatile neutral that adapts to surrounding colors.
  • Farrow & Ball’s Railings – A dark, moody hue that can add drama without feeling too intense.

The key is balance: Use these neutrals to create a clean, uncluttered look, then add depth with contrasting finishes.

2. Mixed Materials & Finishes

Transitional kitchens are all about combining different materials to achieve a cohesive look. For countertops, you can’t go wrong with quartz for its sleekness and durability, but if you’re craving a more traditional feel, marble or granite can also work wonders.

transitional kitchen design tips
Kitchen remodel in Tiverton, RI by Red House Design Build. Contrasting materials and finishes in this kitchen add just the right amount of contrast. Photography by Aaron Usher III.

When it comes to cabinetry, opt for shaker-style doors to strike a balance between classic and modern. Pair white or light gray cabinetry with natural wood accents—perhaps on your kitchen island or floating shelves. The mix of wood tones with painted surfaces helps bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary.

For hardware, transitional style embraces a mix of metals. Brushed nickel, polished chrome, and even matte black can all work together. Don’t be afraid to mix finishes in your kitchen—this is where transitional design shines!

3. Subtle, Stylish Details

In a transitional kitchen, the beauty lies in the subtlety of details. Skip the overly ornate cabinet moldings of a traditional kitchen, but don’t go completely minimalist either. Instead, choose classic details with a modern twist. For example, go for a subway tile backsplash but opt for a larger, more modern tile size or a solid stone backsplash for dramatic effect.

Counter stools, light fixtures, and other accessories are great ways to introduce a touch of modern flair. Try mixing industrial pendant lights with more traditional brass sconces to keep things fresh without feeling too cold.

4. Functional but Beautiful Storage

A transitional kitchen is as much about functionality as it is style. Open shelving might work well in modern kitchens, but you may prefer the practicality of closed cabinetry to keep things neat and organized. However, incorporating a few glass-front cabinets is a great way to add visual interest while showcasing your favorite dishes or cookbooks.

Maximize storage with thoughtful solutions like pull-out pantry drawers and custom drawer organizers, ensuring your kitchen stays organized without sacrificing style.

5. Lighting That Balances Old and New

Lighting to achieve a perfectly styled transitional kitchen
The gold pendant light adds a more modern touch while the brass pyramid sconce adds a more historical element. Photography by Aaron Usher III

In transitional kitchens, lighting is key. You want fixtures that balance old-world charm with modern simplicity. Try installing classic chandeliers above your kitchen table while opting for sleek pendant lights over your island. This layered approach to lighting creates a warm, welcoming environment that feels contemporary without losing its sense of tradition.

Ready to Redo Your Kitchen?

If you’re ready to take the plunge and transform your space with a transitional kitchen remodel, we’re here to help. Whether you’re dreaming of sleek countertops with classic cabinetry or want to strike a perfect balance between old and new, our expert team can guide you every step of the way.

Serving Rhode Island and Southern MA, we specialize in luxury kitchen remodels that are built to last, combining timeless design with modern functionality. So if you’re searching for kitchen design near me or thinking about upgrading your kitchen in Providence, let’s make your transitional kitchen dreams a reality.

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