To help you to understand how a contemporary kitchen is different than a modern one you must first define the terms to see the difference. Once you understand, you will be able to confidently discuss the style you want for your new kitchen renovation project.
To begin let’s define the two kitchen design styles. Contemporary is a term used for designs that are current and does not reference any historical design styles. Modern is a forward thinking and innovative design following the Bauhaus concept of “form follows function” that advances open floor plans and clean lines.
What is a Contemporary Kitchen Design?
A contemporary kitchen is one that embodies the popular trends and styles of the day. A Victorian kitchen was contemporary in its day as were the designs of the mid twentieth century. The current contemporary style trend is neutral colors such as shades of grey and cutting edge and tech-savvy appliances, a mix of materials, and layered lighting.
What about Modern Kitchen Designs?
This type of kitchen has clean lines removing decorative or ornate features that have no function. Modern design was at its most popular after World War II, during the 1950s and 60s when veterans began buying homes for their families. In the strictest sense, modernism design ended about this time.
Today’s modern kitchen design will feature frameless cabinets, flat panel doors, appliances and fixtures with sleek lines, and minimal trim.
Many kitchens combine designs that use the best of both styles. This type of design is referred to as a transitional design.
How does Transitional Design Combine Both Styles?
Transitional kitchen designs combine the warmth of a traditional style kitchen with the clean line of the Bauhaus concept of “form follows function” creating a look that is balanced and harmonious. A transitional design is eclectic in nature combining a variety of designs adding a bit of whimsy and the homeowner’s personality to the room.
In a transitional design ornate cabinets can be combined with the sleek look of modern appliances. Or mix a butcher block top with granite countertops in the rest of the kitchen. Another example is using a traditional chair rail in the eating area with an eclectic lighting style fixture above it. Transitional designs may use neutral colors with splashes of bright colors.
A transitional kitchen allows homeowner’s to choose the different elements of design they like and combine them to create one that showcases their unique personality. Most homes feature kitchens that have a transitional style.
