Traditional

Style Spotlight: The Traditional Kitchen

Want a sophisticated and cozy feeling for the heart of your home? Then you’ll love a traditional-style kitchen.

Traditional KraftMaid kitchen called Traditional with a Twist featuring Molasses on Cherry and Aged Concrete on Maple

Traditional KraftMaid kitchen called Relaxed Manor featuring Bonsai on Maple and Shortbread on Oak

The New Taditional featuring Cannon Grey on Maple and Translucent Limestone on Hickory

A Sense of History

Traditional style is rooted in timeless design influences from the past: imagine a 19th century English estate, a French chateau or a Tuscan villa. While it may be brand new and full of modern amenities, the overall sense is that a traditional kitchen has heritage.

So What Does a Traditional Kitchen Look Like?

Among all the design styles, traditional kitchen design is the most stately. From generous crown molding to decorative carved accents and fluted columns, elegant details and embellishments give traditional kitchens their classic look:

A raised panel door style is a common choice for traditional kitchen cabinets. Choose a door with an elaborate profile or beaded detail for a more regal, romantic vibe. Opt for a simple beveled panel to keep things less formal.
Selecting an ogee edge for your countertops adds a traditional touch.
Amp up character by using backsplash tile. Consider ornate tile shapes (Arabesque), more complex patterns (herringbone, basket weave) or custom inlays.
Decorative enhancements, like furniture-style legs and corbels, can take your traditional kitchen island to the next level.

Warm and Welcoming Colors

A traditional kitchen color palette is typically warm, inviting and familiar:

Deep stains that showcase the beauty of wood, like Autumn Blush, Kaffe or Chestnut, are popular choices for traditional rooms. Using a glaze finish technique with a stain adds even more richness and dimension by accentuating the details of your door style.
Painted cabinetry in understated neutrals, like Cottage or Moonshine, is well-suited for a traditional kitchen style too. (Want a less formal look? Consider pairing a traditional door style with a brighter or bolder paint color.)

A Style That Comes Naturally

Avoid glossy, manmade materials in your traditional space. Instead, opt for softer, natural materials, such as:

Granite, marble or soapstone countertops
Hardwood flooring or floor tile made from slate, limestone or terra cotta
Bronze, nickel and pewter hardware with a matte finish

Orderly Layout

Symmetry and balance are trademarks of traditional kitchen design. As an example, you might center your range hood on a wall and flank it with matching glass door wall cabinets. Or, install three equally spaced pendant lights above a center island or peninsula.

Get Inspired

Still trying to picture if traditional style is the right style for you? Browse our traditional kitchen gallery to see more examples and get traditional kitchen ideas for your project.