Let’s Settle it: Which Kitchen Design is Better? Modern vs. Traditional

Whether renovating your existing kitchen or starting from scratch with a new home build, the kitchen is one of the most fundamental rooms to plan. Nowadays, kitchen design goes far beyond the work triangle between the stove, sink, and fridge. Instead, kitchen cabinets alone can set the tone and determine flow throughout your house.

Indeed, the selection process can be intimidating, but knowing the distinctive elements between modern kitchen cabinets and traditional ones can assist with the fundamentals of your kitchen project.

Features of Modern Kitchen Design

To understand what modern kitchen cabinet design truly is, one must first understand the difference between ‘modern’ and ‘contemporary.’ Modern has a definable historical era in the early to the mid-20th century. In contrast, contemporary describes current trends or ‘the latest, greatest designs.’

Now, modern kitchens have a characteristic appearance with specific features, such as:

1. Horizontal lines - from the modern kitchen cabinet’s fronts to the sink and hardware design, simple and sleek horizontal lines are prevalent.
2. Overlay cabinetry - cabinet bases are entirely obscured from view where the drawer or door tuck flush beside the next. The base only appears upon opening the cabinet.
3. Monochromatic colour scheme - similar tones complement the cabinetry, tile, and countertops, though they do not necessarily mean dull palettes. 
4. Simple hardware and accessories - while still making an impression, modern accessories, appliances, and lighting have little detail and could even have an industrial-type feel.

Features of Traditional Kitchen Design

Traditional kitchen designs are the opposite of modern. Instead of sleek, horizontal lines, traditional kitchens have mouldings, various cabinet front designs, and even ornate customized range hoods. In addition, traditional kitchens may include solid wood, wood veneer, or contemporary MDF — medium density fibreboard — cabinets designed to look like wood but for less cost.

Traditional kitchens can have all the bells and whistles but with classic features, such as:

1. Styled cabinet door fronts - Shaker, Arched, Beadboard, and Cathedral styles are available in wooden or MDF cabinets.
2. Glazed and antique finishes - utilizing various methods to add tone, depth, or even the appearance of aging adds character to kitchen cabinets.
3. Neutral colour scheme - complementary tones accentuate classic white or wooden cabinetry, including simplistic backsplash tile and countertops.
4. Decorative hardware and accessories - lighting, handles, and knobs have more flare or character and cabinets can have additional trim and architectural details.

Finally, traditional kitchen cabinets include hardwoods such as white and red oak, maple, cherry, and hickory in various stains that enhance their natural wood tone and grain. 

How to Choose the Right Style for You

Deciding between modern and traditional kitchen design depends on how each would impact the flow in the rest of your home and your personal preference.

If you love the idea of a quaint and cozy family kitchen, then the traditional style may be more to your taste. You are more likely to carry this comforting feel into other rooms and decorative items.

Conversely, should you favour simplistic features without ornate details, then a modern kitchen is likely to be more to your liking. Your furnishings are more commonly in line with this style too.

It comes down to how each style may fit into your home and its age. For example, a sixties-style home may suit a modern upgrade, whereas a historic home would be at odds with such a style.

Build the Kitchen of Your Dreams Today!

With such an important decision, trust the experts at Rocpal Custom Cabinets in Oshawa to bring your magnificent kitchen design to life. Whether modern or traditional, our skilled and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the kitchen design process to exceed every expectation. 

Schedule your free consultation online or by calling us at 905-432-2066 today.