by Blake Herzog
You may have heard the term “transitional style” come up while reading about interior decorating trends and puzzled over what it means.
Think of furniture, appliances and design choices that straddle the lines between traditional and modern or contemporary approaches.
Transitional style works especially well for open-concept kitchens and floor plans because it makes it easier to tie it into patterns and themes seen elsewhere in the house. It calls for a reduction of clutter, so you’ll want to make sure you have adequate storage capacity.
Consider:
Color scheme — Choose neutral color palettes such as creams, whites, grays or beiges as the foundation of your kitchen. These colors provide a versatile backdrop that can be accented with bolder hues or natural elements like wood. Blacks or deep blues offer a complementary contrast.
Appliances — Stainless steel is the finish most associated with transitional kitchens, but whites or beiges work, or it could even be where you slot black elements if you’re trying to work those in.
Cabinetry — Look for shaker-style cabinets with clean lines and simple hardware. You can choose wood cabinets stained in rich tones like cherry or maple for a traditional look or go for painted cabinets in neutral colors for contemporary.
Countertops — Select durable, timeless and low-maintenance materials like quartz, granite or slate.
Backsplash — Incorporate a backsplash that adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. Subway or mosaic tiles in neutral tones are popular. You can experiment with geometric patterns or textured tiles for a modern twist.
Flooring — Choose hardwood flooring or wood-plank tile for a warm feel. Lighter wood tones brighten up the space; darker hues add richness.
Lighting — Install a mix of ambient, task and accent lighting. Pendant lights above the island or sink area can add a touch of elegance, while recessed lighting provides illumination throughout.
Fixtures — Select faucets, cabinets or drawer hardware that strike a balance between traditional and contemporary. Brushed nickel or matte black faucets and hardware can complement classic and modern elements.
Details — Pay attention to the finer details such as moldings, trim work and architectural elements. Keep these touches subtle, without a lot of fussy ornamentation.
Personalization — Finally, don’t forget to add your personal touch. Whether it’s displaying artwork, incorporating decorative accents or adding pops of color through accessories, infusing your personality into the space will make it feel truly yours.
