If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you will come to a point where you have to choose between traditional and contemporary design. Local kitchen remodeler DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington is here to help you decide between the two with this guide to both styles.

Traditional Kitchens

Traditional kitchen design doesn’t have to look antique or dated. You can choose elements, materials and color palettes that evoke a specific era, or you can mix and match elements and make it your own. Traditional kitchens have the following characteristics:

1. Natural Materials — Imperfections in materials such as stone and stained wood give traditional kitchens a handcrafted look. Fabricated materials like concrete and metal look out of place. Instead of laminate or synthetic floors, choose tiles, stone or stained hardwood.
2. Recessed & Raised Cabinetry — Traditional kitchen cabinetry features recessed and raised panels, with large moldings and elaborate details. Inserts like metal mesh and glass may also be used. If you are planning on keeping your existing cabinet boxes, the cabinet doors can be replaced or refaced to match the kitchen style.
3. Natural Color Palettes — Natural, “earthy” colors are usually seen in traditional kitchens. Shades of green or cream can be mixed with mainstays such as white and gray.
4. Crown Moldings — Intricate details are a hallmark of traditional kitchen design. Crown moldings exemplify such detail: the more intricate the profile, the better it will look.
5. Decorative Lighting — A traditional kitchen is an opportunity to get creative with lighting fixtures such as lanterns, chandeliers and recessed task lighting.

Contemporary Kitchens

The terms “contemporary” and “modern” are often used interchangeably but in terms of interior design, they are distinctly different. A contemporary kitchen can be considered modern, but it can also adopt non-modern details. The following are characteristics of contemporary kitchens:

1. Cutting-Edge Kitchen Appliances — Cutting-edge appliances look as if they’re made for contemporary kitchens. You can choose the latest kitchen gadgets without worry. 
2. A Variety of Materials — Manufactured materials such as concrete, polymers and laminates can be combined with the aforementioned materials. From backsplashes to countertops, a contemporary kitchen design will give you more latitude with material combinations.
3. Sleek & Simple Cabinetry — Contemporary kitchen cabinets are all about simplicity. Visually, it’s the opposite of traditional kitchen cabinet design but the level of workmanship should be no less precise.
4. Eye-Catching Light Fixtures — Unique light fixtures look great in contemporary kitchens. Size, shape and material play as important a role as placement. Thanks to affordable LED lights, you can incorporate various colored lights for form, not just for function.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Wilmington is your leading provider of bathroom and kitchen remodeling services. Give us a call at (910) 212-5889 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Carolina Place, Pender County and surrounding areas.