Contemporary v's Traditional Style for Your New Kitchen

 When it comes to luxury kitchen design, two main style trends dominate: contemporary and traditional. Both styles have their own unique appeal, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

At Papilio, it's not either or, but our design process begins with a consultation with our clients to determine your likes, dislikes, style aesthetics, usability and the property's architectural style. Often, these criteria fall under modern or traditional, with an entirely bespoke process to design your new luxury kitchen. 

So, what are the main characteristics determining a contemporary or traditional kitchen, and which is more suitable for you?

Contemporary Kitchens

Modern kitchens are characterized by their clean lines, sleek finishes, and minimalist design. They often feature flat cabinet doors, integrated appliances, and a lack of clutter or adornment. Contemporary kitchens can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, and glass.

Our Contemporary Kitchens 

  We designed a paired back and honest kitchen for our Contemporary Kitchen project in the Somerset countryside close to Bristol. 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 very hardwearing. Matching the Fenix with sustainable birch-faced ply for the kitchen island and stainless-steel worktops and splashbacks, the overall look was modern with a mid-century twist. 

Another example of a contemporary kitchen that embodies modernity with craftsmanship is in our Clifton Kitchen in one of Bristol's most prestigious areas. The luxury kitchen design was inspired by the expansive space awash with light, clean, uncluttered lines and swathes of pristine white wall space. Our brief was to add character, which is precisely what we did! The kitchen material palette comprised oak door fronts with a heavy grain and slight texture, contrasted with feature black cabinet handles and taps, the finest American walnut for the peninsular and coffee/breakfast station, and sustainable and ultra-modern worktops by Neolith. 

Traditional Kitchens

Traditional kitchens can be characterized by their classic style, warm colours, and natural materials. 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.

Our Traditional Kitchens

A great example of a traditional kitchen design can be found in The Georgian Manor House Kitchen near Bristol. For the design, we drew inspiration from the Grade I listed property. Using oak veneers to take centre stage across the cabinetry, worktops and open shelving units, all custom-made by our expert cabinet makers. Adding to the traditional aesthetic, the sink run was finished in an opulent Calacatta Oro marble sourced directly from Italy. A unique gooseneck regulator tap in antique brass by Waterworks completes the glamorous wash area. To satisfy our client's love of cooking, a 5-door Aga range cooker with an electric module including gas burners highlights was installed. 

Our Bruton Kitchen project is another traditional kitchen design worth mentioning. 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 beautiful, with a contemporary edge, yet befitting a 400-year-old farmhouse.

We designed a large free-standing island, positioned centrally and hand painted in a wonderfully sunny yellow to add a hint of modernity. The island was designed 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 a sizable ancient elm timber for the worktop, which was hand finished by our talented cabinet makers to accentuate the grain. 

Which Style is Right for You?

The best way to decide which kitchen style is right for you is to consider your home. Is it ancient or recently built? What are the key features? Are windows small or floor-to-ceiling? Do you need more light or prefer something more cosy? Consider your personal style and how you use your kitchen. Are you big on entertaining, and do you need lots of space to cook up a feast? Do you prefer a more contemporary or traditional look? 

Ultimately, the best way to choose a kitchen style once you've researched is to chat with us. We can show you many examples of our bespoke kitchen and suggest what could work best in your home. And remember! Blending contemporary and traditional styles is also a popular option. After all, your new kitchen will be entirely made for you!