Choosing Between Contemporary and Old-World Styles for Your Kitchen

Kitchen Remodeling Dec 9

Your kitchen is one of the most frequently used spaces in your house, so it should also be one of the most attractive and functional. When you're planning a kitchen redesign, however, that knowledge can mean a lot of pressure to get it just right. Even simple design decisions suddenly seem paralyzing. Should you go for a traditional look or a more modern one? There's a lot to love about both: warmth and charm, sleek fixtures and clean lines. How can you decide what's right for your kitchen? Check out these helpful hints to narrow down your options.

Consider your home as a whole

If you live in an Arts and Crafts style home with traditional décor, it's probably an easy choice to continue that theme into your kitchen remodel. If your home's a little less well defined, take a few minutes and walk through the whole thing, getting reacquainted with the little details you might have forgotten about. Do you tend to decorate with antiques and heirlooms, or top-of-the-line technology and minimalistic furniture? Stick with your overall theme as you plan your redesign.

Pictures, pictures, pictures

Flip through design magazines and websites. Go to showrooms and take pictures. Find and collect elements you like. You're not shopping for fixtures, but trying to find your personal design aesthetic. Gather all your visuals in one place, and look for common themes. If you tend to prefer light colors, high-gloss finishes, metal fixtures, and unusual shapes, a more modern kitchen might suit your needs. If your tastes run more toward stained wood cabinetry, detailed trims, vintage styling, and warmer colors, traditional designs will probably work better for you.

Don't forget your budget

There's no intrinsic cost difference between a modern kitchen design and a traditional one; it all depends on your preference in fixtures and the quality of materials you choose. However, it is important to keep in mind that both these designs have their own particular expenses. Traditional custom cabinets may be more expensive than modern open shelving, and sleek modern light fixtures are often pricier than more traditional alternatives. Deciding ahead of time what's important to the look you want will help you get the most for your design dollars.

Trust the professionals

When it comes right down to it, the designers and contractors creating your kitchen know what they're doing. It's important to have an idea of what you want, but if you're stuck, don't be afraid to ask for advice. These knowledgeable professionals have seen it all before, and chances are they'll be able to help you create exactly what you're looking for, even if you can't describe it just yet. Although planning your kitchen remodel is a big step, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Remember, the process should be fun and exciting! When you keep function in mind and invest in quality, your kitchen remodel will pay off no matter what the aesthetic.