What determines whether a new designer kitchen should be contemporary or traditional, and why choose one over the other? At Papilio Bespoke Kitchens, we get asked this a lot. There is no right or wrong answer because it all boils down to personal taste, how we live, the architecture of the home, and how we want our kitchen to look.
So, what are the main characteristics that determine a traditional or contemporary kitchen, and which is more suitable for you?
Contemporary Designer Kitchens
Modern kitchens are characterised by their clean lines, sleek finishes, and minimalist design. They often feature flat cabinet doors, integrated appliances, the latest technology, and a lack of clutter or adornment. Contemporary kitchens tend to showcase materials, including wood, metal, and glass, and they do away with elaborate hardware.
Traditional Designer Kitchens
Traditional kitchens can be recognised by their classic style, warm colours, and natural materials like aged wood. They often feature framed cabinet doors, similar to those in Shaker kitchens, decorative hardware, and a more traditional layout. Traditional kitchens can be made from various materials, including wood, stone, and tile. They can also highlight the home’s existing architecture, from fireplaces to stone floors to traditional window frames.
The key to determining which style is best for your new designer kitchen is working with either a blank canvas or in harmony with existing features. Of course, there is always room to add modernity to a traditional country kitchen and hints of the classics in a modern, newly built home.
Papilio’s Contemporary Kitchen
We designed a beautiful Contemporary Kitchen in the Somerset countryside close to Bristol. The property was nestled into the countryside and is a truly remarkable modernist building designed and built by architects Bob and Tim Organ. The entire south-facing elevation of the property is glazed with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing incredible natural light to flood the kitchen. The brief was to create a modern, paired back and honest kitchen for our client to complement this architectural gem. We selected an ultra-innovative and modern material called Fenix for the cupboard fronts in an off-white. The laminate material was ideal for the contemporary kitchen because it is scratch-proof and hardwearing. Matching the Fenix with sustainable birch-faced ply for the kitchen island and stainless-steel worktops and splashbacks, the overall look was contemporary and elegant with a mid-century twist.
Papilio’s Traditional Kitchen
Our Bruton Kitchen project is a fine example of a traditional designer kitchen where working with the home’s existing architecture was paramount. The property is located in a lovingly restored family home in Bruton, Somerset, dating back to the 1600s. The property featured original stone mullion windows, ancient oak beams, original flagstone flooring, elm doors and wonderfully wonky lath and plaster walls. We wanted to stay true to these ancient but beautiful features, so we designed a traditional kitchen bursting with character and warmth. We wanted it to be practical and attractive, with a contemporary twist, yet befitting a 400-year-old farmhouse. We designed a large free-standing island, positioned centrally and hand-painted in a wonderfully sunny yellow. The island was developed with legs, so it sits light in the space, making the most of the original stone floor. We mixed cabinet doors with open shelving to add intrigue. We sourced ancient elm timber for the worktop, which our talented cabinet makers hand-finished to accentuate the grain.
Contemporary vs. Traditional – Which is Right for Your Designer Kitchen?
It’s important to consider your home architecturally. Is it a period property or recently built? What are the key features? Do you need more light or prefer something cosier? Ponder your personal style. Do you prefer low-level modern furniture or opulent antique pieces? Think about how you use your kitchen. Do you want more space for entertaining, or do you prefer to dedicate the space to cooking up a feast?
Ultimately, the best way to choose a kitchen style, whether traditional, contemporary, or something in between, is to chat with bespoke kitchen designers like us. We can show you many examples of our bespoke kitchens and suggest what could work best in your home. And remember! Marrying contemporary and traditional styles is also an option. After all, your new kitchen will be entirely bespoke and guided wholeheartedly by your wishes.
