A kitchen is the heart of our home, and for good reason: it is both the physical and metaphorical centre of the house. It’s where the day begins, and the entire family gathers to spend quality time together. Because of its importance, we often pay great attention to every aspect of the space, even the details that might not seem important at first glance. As such, kitchen design often reveals much about the family it belongs to.
This article explores one of the most popular kitchen designs, which combines modern and traditional styles. This kitchen design is perfect for a family that wants to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere while still having all the modern conveniences. It’s an excellent option for families of any size, providing large counter space.
Increased Popularity of The Modern and Traditional Mix
The professional term when blending modern and traditional styles in your kitchen decor is ‘transitional design’ and is a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. It has become increasingly popular in recent years throughout the UK due to its ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern styles. Combining old with new presents us with a timeless look that stands the test of time. At The Main Company, we suggest going with a transitional design for clients looking to create a kitchen that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
What Makes the Perfect Combination
Creating a harmonious fusion is all about finding the right balance between two or more distinctive styles, especially in the context of traditional and modern elements, which, naturally, can be complete opposites. The main idea is that no furniture, material, or fabric must feel out of place.
So, how do we achieve the golden ratio?
How The Main Company Designs The Bespoke Transitional Kitchens
From the early days of The Main Company in the 1970s, we have focused on designing bespoke kitchens tailored to our customers’ needs. When a client ask us for a mix of modern and traditional, we use our expertise to achieve the perfect balance that meets and exceeds their expectations. Below are some of the essential steps we take to find a seamless balance between two distinct styles.
Combining Materials
When selecting materials during the initial stages, we opt for those that complement each other in terms of texture, colour, and finish. We focus on contrasting textures to add depth and visual interest to the kitchen design; this includes combining smooth, polished surfaces with natural textures like stone or reclaimed wood.
Mixing Furniture and Kitchen Amenities
Furniture and amenities speak volumes in terms of kitchen designs, acting as powerful tools for achieving the desired ambiance. In one of our bespoke kitchen projects in Haslemere, we used carefully curated amenities to create a perfect mix of old and new. Nestled in the glorious location of Haslemere, Surrey, the Grade II listed home has a rich history to tell, creating the ideal canvas for transitional design. To add a contemporary touch to the historical house, we’ve integrated a wine cooler alongside a Lacanche stove into the space, creating a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern utility.
Playing with Colours
Playing with colours is a fantastic way to blend traditional and modern elements in kitchen designs since colours influence our consciousness and associations. Our barn conversion project in North Yorkshire is a perfect example of the colour play. Located amongst patchwork fields and tumbling Yorkshire countryside, we fully renovated this wonderful 18th-century barn.
Some elements, including the refurbished AGA, were the epitome of traditional, on-trend, and modern touches like black accents were added to create a wonderfully stylish finish.
Paying Careful Attention to Lighting
Lighting plays a versatile role in creating a seamless blend between traditional and modern elements. We often choose classic chandeliers, sconces, or pendant lights with modern twists in design, such as sleek lines or minimalist shapes. One of the key players is natural lighting. Natural light adds an organic element to the space and beautifully complements traditional and modern interiors. While working on the North Yorkshire project, we wanted to keep the conventional characteristics of the barn house. Still, barn conversions can often feel a little dark, so floor-to-ceiling windows and a skylight were added, allowing natural light to flow into the property easily.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, transitional kitchen design is all about achieving the golden ratio between traditional and modern elements. Since these two can easily be considered complete opposites, transitional kitchen design requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the space. At The Main Company, we pride ourselves in meeting our customers’ expectations and providing an elegant and sophisticated design that is both timeless and modern.