--- title: Design Features of a Transitional Kitchen description: Do you know what a transitional kitchen design is and why it might be right for you in your next remodel? image: https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/Gallery/Album/10878/DSC_1135xx.jpg --- [![KBU-brighter-blue](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hubfs/KBU_May2019/logos/KBU-brighter-blue.png "KBU-brighter-blue")](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com) [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/265052/7bd3552a-d2ef-4ec1-bf75-cd56b7181b8f) ![Portfolio](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Portfolio.png?width=1920&name=Portfolio.png "Portfolio") Blog # Design Features of a Transitional Kitchen [Ron Nanberg](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/author/ron-nanberg) | Mon, Oct 21, 2019 | [Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling) ![Transitional kitchen design](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gallery/Album/10878/DSC_1135xx.jpg?width=460&name=DSC_1135xx.jpg)Are you in the process of figuring out what your kitchen design style happens to be? If so, your first stop should be out post, *[Finding Your Kitchen Design Style](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/finding-your-kitchen-design-style)*. There, you can begin categorizing personal preferences, and checking them against your kitchen’s day-to-day lifestyle. While there are exceptions, or variations, most people find they are either: traditionalists, modernists/contemporary-ists, or transitionalists. Over the course of the next several posts, we’ll explore each style in more detail. # You May Prefer a Transitional Chicago Kitchen Design If… By and large, most people fall into the transitional kitchen design category. Transitional kitchens offer the most flexibility because they [accommodate a little of this](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/designing-kitchens-with-universal-design-principles) and a little of that. So, while you may not want completely flat panel cabinetry (a little too sleek and contemporary), you also aren’t interested in polishing a bunch of twisted corbels or cabinet trim pieces. Here are hints that you may be a transitional kitchen design enthusiast, and what to do about it. ### You like the comfort of traditional with low-maintenance ease Most transitional kitchens have aspects of traditional comfort, but they aren’t as ornate as a true traditional kitchen, and they are [easier to maintain](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/kitchen-design-ideas-for-low-maintenance-cabinetry). For example, shaker-style cabinetry has a nice raised border, but lack of additional adornment makes it easy to clean. As a result, transitional kitchens can have a traditional “feel,” but they’ll have a sleeker aesthetic. You can [Click Here](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kitchen%20Images/DSC_0348.jpg?width=1936&height=1296&name=DSC_0348.jpg) to see an example of a transitional kitchen. Notice how the overall look is contemporary, however subway tile layouts, [retro light fixtures](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/vintage-light-fixtures-edison-bulbs-embrace-retro-trends-in-any-kitchen-design) and shaker-style cabinets with rounded hardware give it a slightly traditional feel. ### Natural countertop materials Most transitional kitchens will have granite, quartz, or marble counters because they like the versatility offered by [natural stone countertops](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/how-to-maintain-your-stone-countertops). However, you’ll notice the edges are finished simply, either square, or rounded, without any complicated edging to keep the look streamlined. ### You prefer clutter-free to accents galore Sure, you enjoy displaying a piece of pottery or two in your upper- glass door cabinets, and you don’t mind a vase with flowers out on [the island or bar](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/whats-trending-in-wet-bar-design), but a transitional kitchen is more apt to be [mostly clutter-free](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-remodeling-ways-to-keep-your-new-kitchen-decluttered-and-organized), rather than full of sweet, heirloom accents. ### Neutral color palette Typically, a transitional kitchen design boasts a timeless, [neutral color palette](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/what-color-should-i-paint-the-kitchen-when-the-remodel-is-complete). This allows homeowners to express more traditional or a more contemporary flair depending on their mood or season. In many cases, transitional kitchens are [more timeless designs](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/make-your-chicago-kitchen-or-bath-remodel-stand-the-test-of-time) by nature because they do such a good job of straddling both worlds. ### Variations in texture Texture is a given in a traditional kitchen because more ornate trim and accent features add dimension and relief. Texture is often lacking in contemporary kitchen designs where things can look so sleek, trim, and 90° edgy, that it falls a little flat. Transitional kitchen designers naturally [find ways to add texture](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/how-can-i-add-texture-to-my-chicago-kitchen-design) and dimension, but keep that low-maintenance tenet in mind. This can happen in a variety of ways: - [A backsplash with a busier pattern or layout](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/2019-kitchen-backsplash-trends) - Using naturally finished wood that shows off the grains - Using a wood butcher block or integrating natural stone with a dimensional pattern - [Varying the paint colors or finishes on cabinetry](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-design-should-all-my-cabinets-be-the-same-style) - Balancing round and square edges or lines Adding simple variations in texture or movement enlivens the kitchen without adding to the cleaning or maintenance list. ### One focal point of embellishment Sometimes, to pay homage to traditional design elements, a transitional kitchen may have one focal point of embellishment. It could be a more traditional style hood, or the [end of the island](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-design-options-for-designing-an-island-end-cap) may have some beadboard or arches framing the display shelves. Perhaps the floor has an element of a rougher, more [eclectic barnwood look](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/what-is-reclaimed-wood-are-there-issues-with-using-it-for-flooring), or you may use [a distressed finish](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-remodeling-what-is-a-distressed-cabinet) on the island or a particular section of cabinetry. If you’re torn between the things you love about traditional kitchens, and the sleek, functional look of a contemporary kitchen – a transitional design is the way to go. Contact us here at [Kitchens & Baths Unlimited](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/) to get started on your personalized, transitional Chicago kitchen design. 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