Transitional Kitchen Designing

Transitional kitchens combine both formal and traditional elements while incorporating modern aesthetics for a sophisticated yet modern look. It is a great fit for older homes that give a nod to the traditional roots of the house while giving it a modern feel. The hallmarks of a transitional kitchen are natural materials, clean lines, simple door styles, with a touch of texture, a pop of colour or a more simplified level of detailing. With the right balance, they combine the clean look of modern kitchens with the warmth of traditional kitchens with many possibilities to explore!

Transitional Kitchens Portfolio

GORMLEY AVENUE

Cabinets: MDF Double Shaker, White Laquer
Countertop: Frosty Carina Caesarstone
Hardware: Crystal & Chrome Knobs

OLD FOREST HILL ROAD

CASTLEFIELD AVENUE

BROADWAY AVENUE

GLEN ROAD

Cabinetry: Shaker Panel, Lacquered Maple, Chantilly Lace
Countertop: Caesarstone 5141 Frosty Carrina
Hardware: Polished Chrome Bar Pulls

SHERWOOD AVENUE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Lacquered Maple, Arctic White
Countertop: Caesarstone Coastal Grey 6003
Hardware: Brushed Nickel Bar Pulls

FIRST AVENUE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, MDF, Chantilly
Base Cabinetry: Slab, Black Walnut, Natural
Hardware: Polished Nickel
Countertop: Caesarstone London Grey

INDIAN TRAIL

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Maple, Lacquered Finish White
Island Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Cherry, Venice Stain
Hardware: Polished Chrome
Countertop: Super White Quartzite

BRAESIDE AVENUE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Maple, Lacquered Finish Custom Colour Snowfall White
Hardware: Brushed Nickel
Countertop: Caesarstone Raven
Island Countertop: Caesarstone Frosty Carrina

GLENGROVE AVENUE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, MDF, Lacquered Finish Cloud White
Hardware: Polished Chrome
Countertop: Snow Flakes Polished Granite

ARUNDEL AVENUE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, MDF, White Lacquer
Hardware: Brushed Nickel
Countertop: Caesarstone Concrete
Countertop: Arborite 434A
Fireplace Unit: Custom, MDF, Custom Colour
Laundry Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, MDF, White Lacquer

BAYCREST AVENUE

Cabinetry: Raised Panel, MDF, Lacquered Finish Dove
Hardware: Satin Nickel
Countertop: Alaska White Polished Granite
Island Cabinetry: Raised Panel, MDF, Lacquered Finish Custom Colour Stone Brown

HADDON AVENUE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Maple, Dove
Island Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Cherry, Chestnut Stain with Antique Brown Glaze

GLENGOWAN AVENUE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Maple, Lacquered Finish Natural Linen
Island Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Cherry, Chestnut Stain with Antique Brown Glaze
Hardware: Brushed Nickel
Countertop: Polished Granite

SCARBOROUGH GOLF CLUB ROAD

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Maple, Lacquered Finish Cloud
Island & Pantry Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Cherry, Barcelona Stain
Hardware: Brushed Nickel
Countertop: Typhoon Bordeaux Polished Granite

SEALSTONE TERRACE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, MDF, Lacquered Finish Latte
Hardware: Brushed Nickel
Countertop: Corian

SHIELDS AVENUE

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, MDF, Lacquered Finish Cloud White
Entertainment Unit and Dining Room Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, Cherry, Venice Stain
Hardware: Brushed Nickel
Countertop: Giallo Ornamental Dark Granite

The Transitional Lines
Transitional kitchens borrow most from contemporary kitchens when it comes to lines. Well-defined and straight lines make transitional kitchens easy to obtain that sleek look. Although details exist, a visitor can still get a great sense of the space without the emphasis on any one detailed part.

As in the contemporary style, making these lines work takes effort. Designers need to plan cabinets around the dimensions of the room as well as the dimensions of the appliances. All elements of the kitchen, walls, counters, and cabinets, need to work together to create a unified whole.

MANOR HEAVEN

Cabinetry: Recessed Panel, MDF, Lacquered Finish Crema
Hardware: Brushed Nickel
Countertop: Typhoon Bordeaux Granite


The Transitional Materials

Transitional kitchens are typically much more conservative with colour than traditional kitchens. This is because colour can be too distracting and emotive, thus interfering with the overall simplicity of the room. To keep it simple, typically neutral tones are used. This can create an uncomplicated design that has warmth and is comfortable and family-friendly.

Yet, these kitchens can be made more detailed through the use of varied textures. The best textures come from the natural materials common in traditional kitchens: wood and stone. Cabinets may be painted or stained wood. This gives the cabinets a rustic texture distinct from modern lacquer. Counters look best in a quartz stone, while tiled backsplashes can have varied looks from many products.

Adding the little touches

Transitional kitchens really shine in little touches that play with both the contemporary and modern styles. Light wood chairs take guests back into the past, and a little extra brushed metal in one corner brings guests back into the contemporary era. Some millwork near the ceiling provides a softer touch that can be offset with modern light fixtures. Exposed wooden rafters might look traditional up close, but from a distance, their long clean lines look modern. These little touches make every transitional kitchen unique and fascinating. The goal is to make a kitchen as visually interesting as possible, while still maintaining a clean and crisp overall feel.