Traditional vs. Transitional Kitchen and Baths

I try to identify what style of interiors my clients are drawn to as a starting point for their design. Their preference for traditional, transitional, or contemporary/modern dictates the forms and materiality that I use in a room. While modern interiors are easily identifiable, I am often asked what is the difference between traditional and transitional? Below are images of traditional and transitional kitchen and baths to help me explain the two distinct styles.

 

Traditional interiors use classic principles of design, such as symmetry, to set the mood. Architectural details such as molding are more intricate. Neutral, nature inspired colors contrast natural wood elements. Marble is often used in traditional kitchens and baths. Cabinet hardware is more decorative. Faucets and other plumbing hardware are curved.

bfb705b1b438a2a388804f994d4d84af

 

How pretty are these blue cabinets?

de212086f1c8979f9d2fd52c69b248f9

The use of marble tile as a backsplash gives the room a traditional feel. 

c60514621a4ed00b20d0018c414aa689

Brass contrasts natural wood in this glamorous, traditional kitchen. 

dc18a6ae3bea53827d62e631cbe300b6

Accessories like traditional candlesticks reiterate the style. 

a00dbc4f26675e97265f67e429c78c09

I love the symmetry of the his/her sinks.

69b73929a702ee105515d7e9b28e6041

Marble lines the floor and walls of the shower. 

Traditional Bathroom 1

Michael S. Smith designed this traditional bathroom. 

540f5e0082f18_-_ver-best-bathrooms-veranda-17

A light and airy, traditional bath.

Transitional interiors can be described as clean and timeless. It takes elements from both traditional design and modern design to create an updated, tailored look. There is no excessive molding in transitional interiors; many transitional kitchen and baths have shaker or glass cabinet doors. The cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures are more rectilinear.

064a2aac657c38a62cff95ce62de9b9d

This transitional kitchen uses a traditional material like marble and applies it in a modern way – on the side of the island. 

Transitional 1

Brass is back in this transitional kitchen.

08b1a25a0feda46362072120a8112e6e

The mixture of a formal, brass/glass chandelier and natural roman shades makes this kitchen transitional. 

Kiawah Island project, Elizabeth Newman decorator, kitchen cover try

French bistro chairs contrast the white cabinets.

Image 7

An eclectic lighting fixture hangs over the tub. 

798bd99cfc3fcdb1cf5fdeea62fe7b96

The cabinet pulls are very rectilinear. 

3ce252e92f775004452a104612cdb6e5

Clean lines, no molding on this vanity. 

425c9442724f9515aa7084b9e11c69db

Ingenious built-in finger pulls on these flat panel drawers. 

So do you have a preference? Traditional or transitional?

Comments (3)

[…] Traditional vs. Transitional Kitchen and Baths […]

[…] Traditional vs. Transitional Kitchen and Baths […]

[…] Traditional vs. Transitional Kitchen and Baths […]

Leave a comment