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Which Kitchen Style Are You?

Having a style in mind helps to bring your dream kitchen design to life.

If you’re renovating an older home, consider reviving some of its existing charm, leaning into a more traditional style. Perhaps you have beautiful parquet floors, exposed red brick or ornate ceilings that can be the hero of your kitchen space.

If you’re building, you have the exciting opportunity to choose any style you wish for, celebrated in a modern way.

The overall look really comes together once you add a feature splashback, lighting, and furniture, so it helps to know which joinery finishes and colours to consider.

Here are the top kitchen styles and examples to guide you in creating your perfect design.

Contemporary

Contemporary kitchens are all about current trends. It’s a style that will always be relevant to what’s hot, right now!

It’s no surprise that contemporary kitchens look their best in a modern home or extension where the design can flow effortlessly in an open plan space. They draw upon the most-loved elements of classic styles to create a design that looks spectacular, sleek and smart.

Common characteristics of a contemporary kitchen style include smooth, matte finishes in neutral colours with a unique benchtop and metallic accents. Appliances are integrated and everything has its place which gives the space a clean and tidy appearance.

Sensa Vancouver with paint flow angora form matte Kiev 10
Illuminated elegance. A well balanced, functional kitchen space with curves and warm tones.
A kitchen sink and cooktop running along the back with gold tap and half moon handles. Stone splashback and warm tones.

Classic White

The name says it all, really. Classic white kitchens stay ahead of the trends which is why they’re so popular! The style is perfect for you if you enjoy a simple, functional kitchen space that won’t date quickly.

Kitchens drenched in white are bright, clean and crisp, suiting any style home. They create the perfect base to add small details that won’t go unnoticed.

Tip: Elevate the space by continuing the benchtop for the splashback, use an interesting door handle or add depth to your cabinetry with a subtle profile.

Tocco Alabastera with Premium white Suedette matt with long silver handle .
Classic White small u shaped kitchen. White, bright and functional with crisp features.
Kiev 10 white Draw and draw cabinetry. Subtle profile

Retro

Renovating a suburban Adelaide post-war home and want to pay homage to its history? Or, do you just love the warmth of a vintage-inspired space?

Luckily for you, this is one of the most cost-effective styles as it can be achieved with finishes and colours mostly available in laminate, so you can splurge on retro-look appliances, furniture and lighting to match.

Tip: The hallmark of a retro-style kitchen is the cabinetry. Use timber grain as the core and modernise with neutrals for a two-tone look, or go bold with a vibrant dose of colour.

Tocco Terramoss with Green slate cabinetry color and gold brass half moon handle.
Farquhar Barossa profile in white uppers and Laminex green slate cabinetry. A rich warm green. Leading onto the laundry space.
Oliveri Gold Brass tap and white stone, kit kat tiles.

Minimalist

Taking a less-is-more approach, minimalist kitchens aim for clean lines in neutral palettes which make the space feel large and open.

When it comes to minimalist kitchens, the cabinetry steals the show, celebrating the beauty of simplicity. Small appliances are hidden from sight and large appliances are integrated, keeping the space consistent and seamless.

Tip: Opt for flat, handleless cabinets in a smaller kitchen footprint to make the space feel bigger and less busy.

Dekton Aura with black birchply natural with platinum silver knob.
Organic style kitchen with timber wood paneling ceiling. Solid brass Belgravia handles with warm woodgrain tones.
Belgravia gold brass handles with Laminex burnished wood cabinetry and Laminex Terril in absolute matte. White rangehood extractor with grey tones within the stone.

Hamptons

One of the most popular kitchen styles inspired by the coastal charm of the Hamptons, this style lends itself to the famed Shaker profile cabinets and white tones that give a bright and airy feel. 

Often complete with classic subway tiles, a statement oversized sink, a natural marble island benchtop and elegant pendant lighting for a sense of grandeur.

Tip: Add a touch of Hamptons or go the whole mile.
Read more about Hamptons kitchen style here.

Zenith Enchanted white with pearl grey paint flow cabinetry and silver square long handle.
Tradtional, period style Hamptons kitchen. Galley style with large island and Belgravia T bar knob handles. Glass insert overheads.
Elegant two tone kitchen, galley style with tradtional elements. Freestanding cooker and Carrara marble benchtops. 2 Pac satin Vivid White and Basalt Island. Dulux colours.

Coastal

Light, natural tones and textures like blond timber grains and natural whites, creams and greys are married together to create a haven of relaxed elegance.

A hint of blue brings the ocean to mind, emphasising that coastal feeling.

Tip: Styling plays a big part in finishing the look. Add some natural woven fibres like linen, rattan and wicker for a cosy, lived in effect reminiscent of the Mediterranean.

Laminate white Valencia natural benchtop and planked urban oak chalk cabinet door.
Soft grey, natural kitchen L shape with island on timber floor and silver appliances, sink and tap.
Soft grey, natural kitchen L shape with island on timber floor and silver appliances, sink and tap.

Farmhouse

Farmhouse kitchens let you step into a different time for a comforting touch of country nostalgia, with practical storage and the functionality that modern day families need.

The homely feeling that farmhouse kitchens have comes from rustic wood grains and warm tones, profiled cabinetry and thoughtful styling that gives the space a lived-in look.

Tip: The elements that are most synonymous with Farmhouse style are a Butlers sink, vintage hardware and a freestanding cooker, making it easy to get the look whilst adding your own flair.

Flat Lay. Zenith Firtina with Classic Oak Natural Cabinetry and slim gold champagne handle
Navy Island cabinetry, traditional features and freestanding cooktop, patterned navy tile with gold features.
White stone like benchtop with farmhouse sink, patterned navy tiles and white Barossa cabinetry.

Industrial

Industrial kitchens are where lots of textures and deep tones are contrasted to create a cool, converted warehouse vibe with an interesting personality.

Think bold neutrals and dark timber grains, with man made materials like concrete, brick or metal, in perfect contrast to create a modern urban sanctuary.

Tip: Industrial kitchen style is often thought of as cold and rugged, but it can look impressive when done in a modern sense and balanced with woodgrains and soft furnishings.

Flat Lay. Tocco Platinum Terrazzo with black birchply laminate benchtop and silver Barrington long handle.
Black and white Kitchen. Island bench concrete look stone, wooden stools and black tapware. Contrasting white galley with ceiling height overheads.
Kitchen, Black and white grey delight. A balance of light and dark. Large concrete look island benchtop.

Create Your Unique Space

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to your own space, so draw inspiration from any of these styles and come up with one that is uniquely you.