Kitchen Design- American Traditional Style Kitchen

A major investment, a kitchen should be part of your home for many years to come, so it’s worth being aware of the characteristics of each style including cabinets, materials, colors, and other features so you can be confident of choosing a look with enduring appeal.

A traditional design remains one of the American kitchen styles beloved by many. The key feature of traditionally designed kitchens is their attention to detail; each area of the room should have detailing and embellishments that look layered, but not overbearing. Of course, traditional kitchen ideas don’t lack modern features, making for a practical cooking space. Here are the 4 basic features of traditional-style kitchens to help you incorporate these designs into your own dream kitchen remodel.

1. Decorative Details & Accessories

The main feature of a traditional style kitchen is the attention to detail and use of decorative accessories. We’re talking wainscoting on the island, crown molding corbels, and furniture-like pieces with embellishments in every area of the room. Everywhere you look in a traditional kitchen, there should be an element of adornment, architectural design, or enhanced pieces with decorative accessories.

2. Neutral Color Palette

Where contemporary and modern kitchen designs focus on crisp, cool colors that highlight materials and bring a pop of edgy style to the space, traditional kitchens are all about sticking to a classic color palette. Think of warm and cool neutrals, like deep cherries and light beige.

3. Luxury Countertops

When it comes to color, the countertops bring the fun in a traditional kitchen design. Pick a luxurious countertop material like Quartz or Granite. You can opt for a design with lots of movement in the pattern, or (even better) choose a marble-imitating countertop like the classic Cambria Britannica quartz shown in the kitchen below.

4. Vintage or Raised Panel Cabinets

Modern kitchen styles are all about simplicity when it comes to the cabinetry style, but traditional designs focus on cabinets with embellished styles. Forego the basic shaker or plain style cabinet for a Vintage Raised Panel or Classic Raised Panel style cabinet door—as featured in this Driftwood finish kitchen.

5. Antique Finishes or Glazed Cabinetry

Staying within the neutral color palate, most traditional kitchens have cabinets with glazes or antique finishes, rather than cabinets that appear more natural. Popular choices here are Cordovan stain on Cherry cabinets with a Sable Glaze or Antique White cabinets with a Walnut Glaze.