A kitchen or bathroom remodel can feel overwhelming, given the number of choices to make. Deciding on a style that appeals to you and complements your home's overall design makes everything else easier. Once you know your preferred style, you can eliminate anything that doesn't fit and accessorize with confidence.

Don't assume the style you've always chosen is still right for you. Take time to look at all the kitchen and bath design styles. A different style might give you better function, easier maintenance, and a look that stays in vogue longer.

If elements of different styles appeal to you, an eclectic look pairs your favorite parts of each style in a balanced design. Consider color, pattern, and texture preferences. Clean lines or elaborate detail? Rich walls or neutrals? Whatever you choose can stay true to you and not compromise on form or function.

Read on for our guide to kitchen and bath design styles.

LAYOUT

The main objective of a layout is to maximize efficiency in your available footprint. Choosing a style that doesn't work with your existing layout is also possible if you can change the position of key fixtures, remove an internal wall, or bump out a wall to add space. Be aware: changes that move plumbing or electrical work increase the budget. Changes that improve storage and traffic flow are an investment that enhances your lifestyle. We cover the most common kitchen layouts in detail in our kitchen layout guide.

Bathrooms

There are several common bath layouts:

A large primary bathroom allows for complete customization tailored to the space and your design requirements. Investments like these add value to a home.

Kitchens

Kitchen layouts can be broken down into several types:

MODERN

Want a structured look with strong, clean lines that's also functional and stylish? Modern is a movement from the first half of the twentieth century with minimalism at its core. Choose high-end materials, and steer clear of cabinetry hardware or pedestal sinks that distract from the simple beauty of a modern kitchen or bathroom. Floating vanities contribute to the spa feeling. Keep colors simple, with neutral or monochrome palettes.

CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary design also focuses on minimalism but combines it with current trends from different styles, bringing more warmth. Keep the contemporary color palette to two colors. Include striking focal points and accessories but keep them few. Plenty of character without being overwhelming.

TRADITIONAL

Traditional is about detail and embellishment. It takes inspiration from soft, natural colors, then adds richer and deeper tones in ornate dark wood cabinetry. Nature is the theme: stone and wood appear in countertops, backsplashes, and floors, paired with ornate fixtures. Carved cabinet doors, chandeliers, and clawfoot tubs are excellent traditional features.

TRANSITIONAL

Transitional combines traditional and contemporary, bringing together the best of both. It focuses on a soft aesthetic that embodies comfort, prioritizing lifestyle as much as look. Nothing in a transitional space is too fussy: it takes traditional furniture and fixtures and chooses sleeker versions with the same homey feel. Shaker cabinets are perfect for a transitional kitchen or bath. Keep the palette neutral or gray with organic textures and minimal accessorizing.

COASTAL STYLE

Beachy or nautical color palettes work beautifully in bath and kitchen design. Open plan kitchens look stunning with coastal-inspired cabinets, floors, and walls that bounce light around the room. A white or neutral palette lets you play with texture and incorporate organic materials like rope, reclaimed wood, rattan, and natural stone. Navy pairs beautifully with white. Pastel or tropical tones like sky blue or warm coral are also great for a coastal kitchen or bath. Accessorize with maritime brass hardware or shells, pebbles, and waterscapes for a finishing touch. Coastal is especially popular here on the South Shore in Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, and Marshfield.

INDUSTRIAL

Industrial has an urban edge with functionality at its forefront. Inspired by repurposed factories, it uses materials that are manufactured and exposes elements that would usually be concealed. Exposed plumbing and stainless steel shelving are examples of this warehouse apartment look. Bricks, concrete, gray steel, and rust tones juxtapose well with white ceramics or matte black hardware. Strong lines and minimalism are the order of the day. Filament bulbs and worn textiles like leather or linen bring coziness to the structured, open look.

RUSTIC

Filament bulbs and open shelving are also used in rustic, but the overall style is warmer than industrial. Rustic is about warm colors and textures and natural materials. Furniture and fixtures should have distressed or brushed finishes, not matte or gloss. Distressed leather and live-edge wooden furniture pair with sheepskin throws, natural stone countertops, and bright copper farmhouse sinks.

CRAFTSMAN

Craftsman focuses on character and individuality, with clean lines and earthy tones like gray, beige, greige, green, and white. The Craftsman aesthetic has roots in the early twentieth century as a counterpoint to mass production. The look takes inspiration from well-crafted pieces in high-quality materials, calmly assembled to keep focus on craftsmanship. Natural stone countertops and wooden floors are the cornerstone. Large windows, stained glass, and shelves in alcoves are signature features.

MEDITERRANEAN

Mediterranean design takes its lead from the coastal region. Bright, rich colors prevalent in classic Spanish design. Whitewashed walls capture this style, paired with blues, oranges, yellows, terracotta, and sand shades. Stay with traditional materials: natural wood, stone, brick, and ceramics. Large rustic tables, exposed wooden beams, and colorful tiles are part of this charming look.

ECLECTIC

If you can't choose one style, opt for a combination. Eclectic results in a kitchen or bathroom that's unique to your taste. It takes planning and discipline to prevent a chaotic result. Start with minimalism and a layout with clean lines. Then choose a theme to pull together the colors, patterns, textures, and fittings you've selected. Storage is especially important in eclectic spaces; design custom storage to streamline and conceal clutter so the focus stays on curated elements.

Talk through your style with a designer

Whether you choose traditional, rustic, coastal, or something else, the right design comes from understanding your taste, your home, and your budget together. If you're trying to figure out which style fits your home, we'd love to talk.

Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881