​7 different kitchen styles to help you find the right one

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
A Complete Rustic Cottage House: Miner's Cottage , design storey design storey Cocinas de estilo rústico
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Gone are the days when the kitchen was regarded as a ‘hidden’ zone; that area where we simply cooked and cleaned and guests weren’t allowed in. 

In modern days, the kitchen (nicknamed ‘the heart of the home’) has become one of the most loved social spaces, with a lot of people even going so far as to choose their kitchen for entertaining above their living- and dining rooms. To meet the growing demand for dream kitchens, manufacturers have conjured up entire worlds of cabinets, countertops, lighting fixtures, wallpapers, backsplashes and numerous other elements in various styles, from quaint and retro to sleek and modern.

But how do you know which of the many kitchen styles is suitable for your home and lifestyle? Since style is easier to recognise with one’s eyes than with words, we know that the only way to showcase a particular kitchen style to you is through images (with the appropriate wording to describe and elaborate said images, of course). 

So, let’s take a look at 7 of the most popular kitchen styles (in no particular order) to help you discover your perfect one.

1. Kitchen styles: Modern

The term “modern” may vary widely, but mention “modern kitchen” to a professional interior designer, architect or kitchen planner, and they’ll immediately start jabbering on about frameless cabinets, sleek and simple hardware, and strong horizontal lines.

Yes, the modern-style kitchen is definitely the top choice when it comes to kitchen styles, undoubtedly because it’s so clever in staying away from busy designs and ornamentation, allowing the natural beauty of its materials to shine through instead. Designed to keep clutter to a minimum, the modern kitchen is quite adept at flaunting open spaces, (almost) bare countertops, and sleek surfaces, like stainless steel.

However, don’t discount the beauty of wood, for it is also a prime candidate for cabinets and countertops for modern-style kitchen lovers who prefer a more natural look for their culinary spaces.

2. Kitchen styles: Country

Also called ‘farmhouse’ kitchens by some, the country kitchen’s first mission is to flaunt an ambience of a rural getaway right in your own home. Think of furnishings and décor like big farmhouse tables in rustic wood, timber cabinetry, and an eclectic mix of finishes to help create a comfortable, lived-in feeling.

Different colours tend to favourite different kitchen styles, and when it comes to the country design, colours range from red, bright yellow and blue to cream and soft yellow. But just remember: with country kitchens, whatever hues you’re combining, the aim is to mix rather than match.

3. Kitchen styles: Minimalist

homify Cocinas de estilo minimalista

Less is more in any minimalist space, as we’ve been taught ever since the minimalist movement came about in the 1950s. Although it’s taken various forms since then, its main aim is to focus on the absence of elements and the presence of clean space. 

To achieve a minimalist kitchen, include the simplest of materials, objects and forms. Make sure you have everything you need, but nothing more – no unnecessary details are allowed, even more so than with the modern kitchen. Choose base- and top cabinets with solid door panels and optimise every nook and cranny for storage. 

Colour-wise, choose a simple monochromatic colour palette, and if you must add colour, do so modestly.

4. Kitchen styles: Rustic

When we say “rustic”, we tend to visualise lots of wood. That’s because wood is a natural material known for its striking features, friendly texture and warm appearance. And it forms the basis of the rustic-style kitchen.

Rustic kitchens are not shy to flaunt lots of wood, from exposed ceiling beams and hardwood floors to furniture and countertops. The light also needs to be warm and inviting – a strong contrast from modern kitchens which tend to have cooler, starker appearances. 

Don’t be surprised to discover a healthy dose of stone- and brick surfaces, as well as vintage appliances and even fireplaces mixed into rustic kitchens.

5. Kitchen styles: Industrial

This is one of the kitchen styles that, although quite charming, doesn’t look very warm or cosy. Born out of the commercial restaurant kitchen, the industrial kitchen makes use of a few vital touches in order to be regarded as ‘industrial’ (and no, you don’t have to live in an urban setting to have an industrial kitchen in your home).

Those touches are: 

• Neutral colours like white, black, grey and brown (the occasional red may also be included); 

• Open shelving for the top cabinets, although the bottom ones could also work; 

• Overhead pot racks in cast iron or stainless steel; 

• Exposed structures like raw brick, water pipes, metal beams, and other industrial decorations/accessories; 

• Concrete for floors, counters and/or walls; 

• Wood in the form of a great, big counter or tabletop.

6. Kitchen styles: Eclectic

Out of all the kitchen styles out there, eclectic is the one that seemingly couldn’t make up its mind about what it wanted to be. So, it threw a bunch of random elements together and created itself! 

In the wrong hands, the eclectic style can become chaotic and a visual disaster. But when done correctly, eclectic kitchens seem effortless, unique and just plain amazing. 

The trick is to be a rebel with a cause. Get numerous ideas for a very personal kitchen, include some touches of the modern- and rustic styles, have a well-travelled flair, a bit of humour and a cheeky attitude towards designs and colours.

7. Kitchen styles: Scandinavian

Imagine the Scandinavian kitchen as the cheerful cousin of the minimalist one. Also called the Nordic style, Scandinavian designs opt for modern and clean lines, organic shapes, and natural materials.

This kitchen is very practical and functional, and always has a crisp, fresh look. That’s because white is the main hue of the colour palette, which allows much more light to flood in and reflect off the walls (remember that the Scandinavian countries aren’t prone to lots of sunshine, meaning they need all the reflecting help they can get).

Always have feature lights in your Scandinavian kitchen, like hanging pendants that become focal pieces. Mix in wooden flooring (a must), bright furniture with pops of colour and a touch of pattern, and some contemporary wall art – and you’re done!

Speaking of styling up that culinary space, let’s see these Kitchen wallpaper designs that are undeniably delicious.

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