Transitional kitchens: how to get the perfect blend of old and new

Transitional style is a popular design phrase these days. But what exactly does it mean? And why should you choose a transitional mood for your own luxury kitchen design? In short, transitional kitchens are a timeless blend of old and new style elements that will never date. Harnessing the power of neutrals, luxe materials and contemporary kitchen lighting, it’s a foolproof aesthetic for every bespoke kitchen design. Big or small, the result is the same: smart and beautiful bespoke kitchens you’ll never tire of. Discover five style takeaways of the transitional kitchen and let roundhouse design experts lead the way…

Embrace a neutral palette

Creamy whites, subtle grey tones and warm buttermilk hues strike the perfect colour palette for transitional bespoke kitchens. Far from dull, neutral shades are elegantly classic for both compact galley styles and large kitchen dining ideas. If barely-there whites are too stark for your design tastebuds Roundhouse can embrace a wider neutral scheme. Think warm blush pink, pebble and cashmere grey. Alternatively try ivory doors paired with a contemporary kitchen island in a darker neutral. Finish with your choice of hardware – gold, gunmetal, silvery chrome or even handle-free – and channel the versatile plus points of transitional kitchen design today.

Enjoy classic Shaker style

Simple yet striking, the Shaker door is another key style motif of transitional kitchens. And it’s easy to see why. Don’t be put off by the door’s simplicity as this traditional panel and frame construction is oh so customisable. Indeed, the Classic doors from our Studio Collection offer a blank canvas for your own version of luxury kitchen design whether you want urban cool or traditional country. Experiment with timber finishes, fresh neutrals and accent hues in upmarket kitchen designs. Each one will effortlessly stand up to passing trends. Talk to one of our Roundhouse experts who can show off the plus points of Shaker style for your transitional kitchen.

Use luxurious materials

Elevate the transitional mood with a sprinkling of luxe yet timeless materials like marble, stone, timber and aged metals. There’s nothing like a luxury marble kitchen island or modern brass taps to take your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary – in keeping with the easy-on-the-eye design ethos. Choose from pale grey veined stones or a bold monochrome marble top kitchen island with seating. Natural timber can also flex to your own bespoke kitchen design, whether it’s Scandi-style white oak or rich timber tones. We adore using panels of distressed mirror as a vintage-style splashback too.

Don’t forget good lighting

Like every kitchen design, transitional kitchens need an effective lighting scheme. You need targeted lighting for prepping and cooking and kitchen mood lighting for relaxing, entertaining and eating. The best time to plan kitchen lighting ideas is at the start of a new project. Mix up vintage-style glass pendants over a modern kitchen island. Or how about slick, recessed spotlights to illuminate the hob and sink zones. Let Roundhouse designers help you create flexible and bespoke lighting to illuminate your luxury kitchen design. We can shine a spotlight on transitional kitchens in the very best way.

Keep decoration to a minimum

Don’t overload a transitional kitchen with too much colour, texture or decoration. The classic proportions and tonal palette will create an elegant statement, with very little else required. That’s not to say you can’t inject your own personality in upmarket kitchen designs. A freestanding kitchen pantry cabinet or a row of oak shelves are the perfect way to break up the fitted lines. And if you love a vintage mood, why not lean into the look with an antique chandelier or a bronze kitchen tap.

How to organise a transitional kitchen?

Every transitional kitchen needs good storage to keep it clear and clutter-free. Plan in a mix of built in storage cupboards and kitchen storage racks to hide away ingredients, cookware and cutlery. Zone storage to max out functionality and create flow in your fabulous transitional kitchen.

Our expert kitchen designers can help you make the best choices for your Roundhouse bespoke kitchen, furniture or wardrobes. Visit any of our seven Roundhouse showroomsWigmore St, ClaphamFulhamRichmondCambridgeGuildford Cheltenham and get planning!