How to Design a Transitional Vintage Kitchen

A transitional kitchen blends two styles — classic and contemporary — into one clean, simple space. Because it combines the best of both worlds, it’s predicted to be a popular design style for the next several years.

A transitional kitchen balances function and style, with an emphasis on natural light, ample drawer storage and a clutter-free, relaxed feel that’s easy on the eyes. Because the look is less defined and more creatively fluid than other designs, there are many ways to make the space comfortable, cohesive and reflective of your personal style.

What is a Transitional Kitchen?

A transitional kitchen recreates the look of a classic kitchen, while weaving in a modern aesthetic and present-day amenities that simplify daily life. It’s a smart style for any space but notably fits well in older homes, where the look gives a nod to the house’s history along with a modern feel. A transitional kitchen allows for more eclectic decor and details but keeps them to a minimum, focusing instead on the functionality of the materials. The key to achieving a timeless transitional kitchen is to rely on clean lines, neutral finishes and a balanced design throughout.

Incorporating Transitional Vintage Kitchen Elements

There are several ways to incorporate a transitional kitchen style into your kitchen design plans. To get the most out of your transitional style kitchen, we put together a list of recommendations:

Natural Materials

Marble, granite or slate countertops and wood plank floors are common features in transitional kitchen plans. The materials bridge the gap between a vintage kitchen and a modern space, while also giving a blank slate for furniture and accessories.

Neutral Colours

When it comes to kitchen colour ideas, opt for soft and neutral. Hues such as deep gray, warm beige, pale blue, cream and white are common in the transitional kitchen palette, and allow framed artwork and other meaningful accessories to stand out. These shades provide a clean backdrop that ensures vintage kitchen touches have a substantial impact.

Hues such as deep gray, warm beige, pale blue, and white are common in the transitional kitchens

Simple Cabinets

Shaker-style cabinets are ideal transitional kitchen cabinets. With simple, square doors, neutral colours and a matte finish, they give a contemporary feel while providing a clean backdrop for accents like gold pulls.

Antique Decor

A transitional kitchen includes well-curated heirloom pieces that add texture to a contemporary kitchen. Simple, spindle-back wooden chairs, for example, blend simplicity and function with an old-school vibe. An antique runner adds warmth, while jute rugs pair with other natural materials in the space.

A transitional kitchen includes well-curated heirloom pieces that add texture to the kitchen

Spacious Sinks

Apron-front sinks in contemporary finishes give a nod to the farmhouse style while also providing the space needed in a modern kitchen to drink, prep and clean. BLANCO’s
Farmhouse Collection

features more than 60 different apron-front models in three durable materials. A range of colour options suits a variety of transitional kitchens, while the patented SILGRANIT® material ensures your sink can withstand the wear and tear of everyday activities.

A range of colour options suits a variety of transitional kitchens

Vintage-inspired Fixtures

Vintage-style hanging pendant light fixtures and sconces are an opportunity to incorporate personal style and pops of colour. Retro-inspired appliances, bar stools and other furniture take the vintage kitchen to the next level.

transitional design is a great way to incorporate your personality into the space

Bottom Line:

A transitional kitchen lets the charm of classic design shine without sacrificing the amenities or style of modern life. Although trending now, transitional design is here to stay and is a great way to incorporate your personality into the space with treasured heirlooms and vintage finds.

ABOUT BLANCO

For over 100 years, BLANCO has served as passionate kitchen experts delivering premium products backed by industry-leading German engineering. Our niche is transforming how you use the water zone with the BLANCO UNIT, the seamless integration of our sinks, faucets, accessories and organization systems into one smart solution. Everything you need to drink, prep and clean is all in one place.

We are utterly obsessed with improving the heart of the home and want to impart our decades of residential kitchen knowledge to those embarking on their kitchen reno journey or considering an upgrade.

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