Creating a Transitional Kitchen with Solid Oak Cabinets
You may have never heard of this term before, but it is likely that you – or someone you know – have a kitchen in this style. A transitional kitchen does not stick rigidly to one inspiration or theme; instead, it calls upon a range of influences. A blend of older features and contemporary pieces will ensure this kitchen style is timeless and stays fresh and crisp.
Mixing Materials
If you wish to create a transitional kitchen, one of the first elements to consider is whether you are going to mix materials. Often, wood, steel, glass and stone/marble can be featured together without the overall effect appearing cluttered or overwhelming. You probably have a range of materials in your kitchen already and, if not, you can easily have one by shopping with Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets. For example, you could mix our solid oak cabinets with stainless-steel appliances, glass cabinet frontals and our striking White Quartz laminate worktop. That is exactly what one customer did, and now has the beautiful kitchen shown here.
Add Texture
Another hallmark of a kitchen like this is texture, which you can add in a number of ways. A common focus is flooring, with materials such as antique stone being able to complement new work surfaces and influences. Alternatively, tiling will add texture if you cannot stretch to a stone flag floor. In this kitchen, the rustic splashback tiles mirror the exposed, rough brick of the rear wall. Both these elements work well with the solid oak worktop, overmounted ceramic sink and pale blue cabinetry.
Neutral Palette
Due to the mix of materials and textures, a transitional kitchen may benefit from being kept to muted tones. This will prevent the different aspects clashing or looking overly busy. A neutral scheme will let you appreciate the kitchen or, in the case of the cook space here, the stunning views of the Shropshire countryside. The large windows and impressive skylight maximise the light and airiness of the space, creating a homely welcome and an inviting area to spend time. Read our blog about the best colour shades for a neutral kitchen here.
Low Profile Cabinetry
Keeping your cabinets neutral can allow the other aspects of your kitchen to take centre stage. This particular cooking zone is full of transitional details, including the sleek double fridge-freezer and ornate splashback and cabinet surrounds. The island uses a completely different worktop to the rest of the space to differentiate it and allow it to stand out, while the blue paint immediately catches your attention.
Old and New
A main feature of a transitional kitchen is to mix contemporary and modern features. On first glance, this cooking space looks very traditional, with a ceramic Belfast sink, the glorious range oven and the classic combination of white cabinetry and oak worktops. But this kitchen contains a wall-mounted flat screen television and a gloss black dishwasher. Out of shot, it also includes a massive American-style fridge-freezer and the island features a dedicated wine fridge. This kitchen will look equally stylish now as in two decades, which is an indication that it is transitional and well executed.
This kitchen style is not overly concerned with period correctness or matching items – if you like an item and it fits your lifestyle, include it. Do you have a transitional kitchen? We would love to see it on our Facebook or Twitter pages.