Old World kitchen styles have an antique and authentic feel to them and reflect kitchens built in the 1800s.
Features include hearth-like cooking centres, unfitted cabinets, raised panel cabinetry, countertops of stone, rustic tile or wood, stone walls and/or floors, loose furniture pieces and tables used as islands with plenty of space for storage. Old World kitchens are heavily decorated, consist of deep rich colours and most commonly use cherry and oak.
Contemporary kitchens are modern, simple, minimalist, geometric, functional, versatile and open. Cabinetry is frameless with little or no decoration and slab or horizontal lift-up doors. Glass in overhead cabinets is common, as well as curved cabinets and counters. Other features of contemporary kitchens include horizontal lines, asymmetry, man-made materials such as stainless steel, laminate, chrome, concrete and lacquer. Lighting plays a major role, especially in and around cabinets. Popular colours include blues, reds and bright colours, which is often found in the decoration and accessories.
Traditional kitchen styles are reminiscent of English and American designs from the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Materials seen are wood, stone or other natural materials. Traditional kitchens feature perfect symmetry and balance. Cabinetry has cherry, walnut or mahogany stain finishes with trim, such as fluted panels or corbels, corner blocks with rosettas, beaded, crown and rope molding. Cabinet doors are usually raised or have slightly arched panels. Other features include marble or granite countertops, polished brass fitting details, antique fixtures and appliances and formal curtains such as those with floral patterns or stripes.
Country kitchens create a comfortable, welcoming environment. One can mix and match finishes and furniture pieces and be influenced by country styles from different parts of the world. Cabinets can be painted and glazed and have distressed elements, and doors can be left open, displaying colour and adding to the decor. Chicken wire or metal cabinet inserts that are handmade add to the homely feel of the kitchen. Floors are in wood or natural tiles and have throw rugs for warmth and comfort. Commonly seen designs have floral, checked, plaid and striped patterns or animal designs. Country kitchens are decorated with charming items, such as antiques, flea market finds, woven baskets, potted herbs in windows, butcher blocks, hand painted tiles, fruits and vegetables.
Many luxury homes have rustic kitchens. Rustic style is simple yet beautiful. Natural wood is used, such as knotty pine, hickory and alder woods, as well as traditional pottery and hand-knotted carpets. Rustic kitchens are decorated in earth tones and reds, yellows and greens.
