--- title: "Transitional Kitchen Design: A Collision of Design Styles?" description: "What is a \"transitional\" kitchen design? It's an eclectic design style that uses elements from traditional and contemporary kitchen design to make something new and unexpected." image: https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/021.jpg --- [![Gilday](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/theme2021/images/gilday-logo-white.png) ](https://www.gilday.com/) [ 301.565.4600 ](tel:301.565.4600) - [About Us](https://www.gilday.com/about-gilday-renovations) - [About](https://www.gilday.com/about-gilday-renovations) - [Architects & Designers](https://www.gilday.com/architects-designers) - [Administration](https://www.gilday.com/administration) - [Production & Construction](https://www.gilday.com/production-team) - [Careers](https://www.gilday.com/careers) - [Awards](https://www.gilday.com/awards) - [What Our Clients Say](https://www.gilday.com/gilday-renovation-reviews) - [Press](https://www.gilday.com/press) - Service Area - [Arlington VA](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-arlington-va) - [Alexandria VA](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-alexandria-va) - [Bethesda MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-bethesda-md) - [Chevy Chase MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-chevy-chase-md) - [Cleveland Park DC](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-cleveland-park-dc) - [Kensington MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-kensington-md) - [McLean VA](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-mclean-va) - [Potomac MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-potomac-md) - [Rockville MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-rockville-md) - [Washington DC](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-washington-dc) - [Portfolio](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio) - [Additions](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio#additions) - [Kitchens](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio#kitchens) - [Baths](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio#baths) - [Whole House Renovations](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio#wholehouse) - Services - [Home Remodeling the Design Build Way](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-the-design-build-way) - [Renovation Architect Services](https://www.gilday.com/renovation-architect-services-gilday-renovations) - [Whole-Home Remodeling](https://www.gilday.com/whole-home-remodeling-gilday-renovations) - [Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.gilday.com/kitchen-remodeling-gilday-renovations) - [Bathroom Remodeling](https://www.gilday.com/bathroom-remodeling-gilday-renovations) - [Home Additions](https://www.gilday.com/home-additions-gilday-renovations) - [Pricing & Budgeting](https://www.gilday.com/how-to-budget-for-a-home-renovation-project) - [For Realtors - Pre-Purchase Evaluation](https://www.gilday.com/for-realtors-pre-purchase-evaluation) - [Resources](https://www.gilday.com/renovation-resource-center) - [Renovation Articles](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.gilday.com/contact) x Search the site # Transitional Kitchen Design: A Collision of Design Styles? [Kevin Gilday](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/author/kevin-gilday) ![Transitional Kitchen Design: A Collision of Design Styles?](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/021.jpg) The "transitional" style kitchen by any other name would be what? A mash up traditional and contemporary? A haphazard collision of styles? Could be. But in the hands of a clever interior designer, it would be ... something new and different. ## Not Just Jargon It's annoying, isn't it? We are bombarded by industry and marketing speak that often does nothing more than dress up the same old same old to stir up sales. The kitchen design industry is no exception. But sometimes it is necessary to re-examine and define terms to account for developments in the kitchen design industry because designers and creative people are constantly pushing boundaries. They find new ways to combine familiar style elements to make something new and unexpected. At that point, we need to name it. So: transitional style kitchen design is the word. ## Transitional Kitchen Design Style The kitchen design community has settled on the term transitional to describe an eclectic design style that has become quite popular.  Kitchen designers at Gilday Renovations have been referring to this as a "classic modern" style, one that avoids trendiness and aspires to a timeless look. The Gilday classic is what the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) calls transitional, a visual style that draws from [both contemporary and traditional kitchens](https://www.gilday.com/interior-design-kitchens). The contemporary style kitchen design has a sleek, cool look. Style elements include flat surface (slab style) cabinet doors, horizontal lines, little or no decorative trim molding. The traditional style kitchen design embodies old world charm and warmth. It features multi-layered crown molding and raised panel cabinet doors. Cabinetry overall has the heft and detailing of fine furniture. The look can get quite elaborate with details such as fluted molding, rope moldings and corbels. We'll close out with one example of each kitchen design style so you can get a sense of how elements of both are co-opted in the transitional kitchen style. Here's a good example of a grand traditional kitchen design style by Sarah Kahn Turner: ![traditional kitchen style by sarah kahn turner in washington dc](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/021.jpg?width=1200&name=021.jpg "traditional old world style kitchen by gilday renovations")  *A traditional kitchen design style in AU Park DC.*  Here's a contemporary kitchen design by Leslie Roosevelt for clients who live in Tenleytown, DC: ![contemporary kitchen design style by leslie roosevelt in washington dc](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/west-kitchen-4a.jpg?width=1200&name=west-kitchen-4a.jpg "contemporary kitchen in tenleytonw dc")  *A contemporary kitchen design style in Tenleytown DC.* And, in closing, here is a transitional kitchen designed by Ellen Gilday Witts. This look was developed for a kitchen addition project in Chevy Chase, Maryland:  ![transitional kitchen design style in gray by ellen gilday witts](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/032.jpg?width=600&name=032.jpg "transitional style kitchen in chevy chase maryland")  *A transitional kitchen design style in Chevy Chase, Maryland* ## Bringing It All Together In the image above, note the simplicity of the Shaker style cabinets. Spare but not severely so. The "furniture" look of the lathe turned legs at the island points to the more decorative traditional kitchen style. The minimalist color scheme is shades of gray for cabinets, walls and trim. That might be perceived as a contemporary touch. There is a crown molding finishing the tops of the wall cabinets, but it is fairly sleek and low key compared to the crown you see in the traditional style kitchen design (first photo above). Also, note the 8-panel divided light windows that look out to the yard. Definitely a traditional detail. This could have turned out to be visually confusing. Instead, it is remarkable. The interior designer's sensibility and tasteful arrangement of the space brings it all tastefully together. Learn about how to approach a kitchen design and remodeling project by downloading our free ebook, [The Definitive Guide to Kitchen Design & Remodeling Success](https://www.gilday.com/the-definitive-guide-to-kitchen-design-and-renovation).  [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4060073/fcedc039-fa05-42ab-80a8-3d78d9993148.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4060073/fcedc039-fa05-42ab-80a8-3d78d9993148) ## Related Articles: Kitchen Design and Remodeling [![Modernizing a Classic Kitchen in a 1920’s Bungalow](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/blog-images/02a-kitchen-renovation.jpg) **Modernizing a Classic Kitchen in a 1920’s Bungalow** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/modernizing-a-classic-kitchen) [![Transforming Your Kitchen: Strategies for Modern Living](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/portfolio/Kitchens/Modernizing-Classic-Kitchen/Modernizing-Classic-Kitchen-4.jpg) **Transforming Your Kitchen: Strategies for Modern Living** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-transformation-strategies) [![Kitchen Design Styles to Know Before You Remodel](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/whole-house/Duellman/Kitchen_2_F.jpg) **Kitchen Design Styles to Know Before You Remodel** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-design-styles-to-know-before-you-remodel) [![Kitchen Color Ideas for Your Home Renovation](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/Delan/4-kitchen-towards-family%20-oom.png) **Kitchen Color Ideas for Your Home Renovation** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-color-ideas-for-your-home-renovation-1) [![The Art of Kitchen Lighting Design](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/Shaffer/Shaffer%202017%20Kitchen%206.jpg) **The Art of Kitchen Lighting Design** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-lighting-design) [![How Kitchen Layout Makes or Breaks the Kitchen Design](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/portfolio/Kitchens/Modernizing-Classic-Kitchen/Modernizing-Classic-Kitchen-4.jpg) **How Kitchen Layout Makes or Breaks the Kitchen Design** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-layout) [![Kitchen Renovation Take Two: Refining a Previously Remodeled Kitchen](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/blog-images/kitchen-renovation-1.jpg) **Kitchen Renovation Take Two: Refining a Previously Remodeled Kitchen** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-renovation-take-two-refining-a-previously-remodeled-kitchen) [![Kitchen Color Ideas for Your Home Renovation](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/whole-house/Duellman/Kitchen_2_F.jpg) **Kitchen Color Ideas for Your Home Renovation** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-color-ideas-for-your-home-renovation) [![Three Kitchen Remodel Strategies You’ll Want to Know](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/cutler%20kitchen/wood-island-Kitchen-corner.jpg) **Three Kitchen Remodel Strategies You’ll Want to Know** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/three-kitchen-remodel-strategies-youll-want-to-know) [![Should I Renovate My Kitchen and Bath For Resale? Part 2](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/levine/02%20web%20chevy%20chase%20kitchen%20remodel%20.jpg) **Should I Renovate My Kitchen and Bath For Resale? Part 2** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/should-i-renovate-my-kitchen-and-bath-for-resale-part-2) [![Should I Renovate My Kitchen and Bath for Resale? Part 1](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/Thornapple/2-Kitchen-towards-hall.png) **Should I Renovate My Kitchen and Bath for Resale? Part 1** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/should-i-renovate-my-kitchen-and-bath-for-resale-part-1) [![How to Gain a Mudroom and Powder Room When You Build a Kitchen Addition](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/blog-images/Cleveland%20Park%20DC%20Kitchen%20Addition.png) **How to Gain a Mudroom and Powder Room When You Build a Kitchen Addition** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/how-to-gain-a-mudroom-and-powder-room-when-you-build-a-kitchen-addition) [![How Long Should a Kitchen Remodel Take?](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/malek/03%20web%20Palisades%20DC%20kitchen%20remodel%20.jpg) **How Long Should a Kitchen Remodel Take?** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/how-long-should-a-kitchen-remodel-take) [![How Expert Kitchen Renovation Cures the Many Headaches of Your Outdated Kitchen](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/levine/02%20web%20chevy%20chase%20kitchen%20remodel%20.jpg) **How Expert Kitchen Renovation Cures the Many Headaches of Your Outdated Kitchen** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/how-expert-kitchen-renovation-cures-the-many-headaches-of-your-outdated-kitchen) [![3 Tricks Kitchen Designers Use to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Larger](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/brancaccio/03%20web%20chevy%20chase%20kitchen%20remodel%20with%20wall%20demoltion.jpg) **3 Tricks Kitchen Designers Use to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Larger** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/3-tricks-kitchen-designers-use-to-make-a-small-kitchen-feel-larger) [![Should a Designer or Architect be in Charge of my Kitchen Renovation?](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/levine/03-web-chevy-chase-kitchen-remodel-sized.jpg) **Should a Designer or Architect be in Charge of my Kitchen Renovation?** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/who-should-be-in-charge-of-my-kitchen-renovation-project-certified-kitchen-designer-or-architect) [![If Kitchen Remodeling Only Makes Your Kitchen Beautiful—You’re in Trouble](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/seidel/01a%20web%20chevy%20chase%20kitchen%20.jpg) **If Kitchen Remodeling Only Makes Your Kitchen Beautiful—You’re in Trouble** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/if-kitchen-remodeling-only-makes-your-kitchen-beautiful-youre-in-trouble) [![Three Approaches to Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/pinterest/Pin-01%20Chevy%20Chase%20contemporary%20kitchen%20remodel.jpg) **Three Approaches to Kitchen Remodeling** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/three-approaches-to-kitchen-remodeling) [![What's the Perfect Color for Your Kitchen Renovation](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Gilday-Nov2017/Image/0e46f4_908fbb1a22a74424a7415af8eb5b7072_mv2%20(1).jpg) **What's the Perfect Color for Your Kitchen Renovation** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/single-post/2017/06/09/how-to-choose-colors-for-your-kitchen-renovation) [![Kitchen & Bathroom Design Trends](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Gilday-Nov2017/Image/0e46f4_72cd58c47bfa42ef97f93b0209cda29b_mv2_d_1280_1280_s_2%20(1).jpg) **Kitchen & Bathroom Design Trends** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/single-post/2017/01/26/2017-kitchen-bath-trends) [![Why was this Kitchen Addition Remodeling Necessary?](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Gilday-Nov2017/Image/0e46f4_70f284e6c2f9459fbfed212f9c2c4c0a-1.jpg) **Why was this Kitchen Addition Remodeling Necessary?** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/single-post/2016/04/28/why-was-this-kitchen-addition-remodeling-necessary-1) [![Kitchen Remodeling: How Long Should It Take?](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/01-kitchen-remodeling-magic-1024x597.jpg) **Kitchen Remodeling: How Long Should It Take?** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-remodeling-long-take.html) [![Kitchen Remodeling Alternatives To Granite](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1-granite-countertop-kitchen-island.jpg) **Kitchen Remodeling Alternatives To Granite** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-remodeling-alternatives-to-granite.html) [![Interior Renovation: A Cure For the ](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/kitchen-reconfiguration-1.jpg) **Interior Renovation: A Cure For the "Dysfunctional" Kitchen Layout** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/interior-renovation-a-cure-for-the-dysfunctional-layout.html) [![Why You Need A Kitchen Designer](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/kitchen-cabinet-w-floating-door.jpg) **Why You Need A Kitchen Designer** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/why-you-need-a-kitchen-designer.html) [![The Kitchen Layout Alphabet](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/kaufman-after-842x1024.jpg) **The Kitchen Layout Alphabet** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/the-kitchen-layout-alphabet.html) [![Kitchen Layouts: The Modern Galley Kitchen](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/West-1fl-511x1024.jpg) **Kitchen Layouts: The Modern Galley Kitchen** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-layouts-the-modern-galley.html) [![Our Tiny Condo Kitchen Remodeling Project](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/01a.jpg) **Our Tiny Condo Kitchen Remodeling Project** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/our-tiny-kitchen-remodelingproject.html) [![Kitchen Design Trend Alert: Gray! It's the New.... Something](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1a.jpg) **Kitchen Design Trend Alert: Gray! It's the New.... Something** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-design-trend-alert-gray-its-the-new-something) [![Kitchen Cabinets--They Don't Make Them Like They Used To](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Levine-07.jpg) **Kitchen Cabinets--They Don't Make Them Like They Used To** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-cabinets-they-dont-make-them-like-they-used-to.html) [![Why Remodel a Perfectly Good Kitchen?](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Osborne-317.jpg) **Why Remodel a Perfectly Good Kitchen?** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/why-remodel-a-perfectly-good-kitchen) [![Kitchen Design: Kitchen Reconfigured](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/fineberg-10-plans-AB.jpg) **Kitchen Design: Kitchen Reconfigured** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-design-redesigned-reconfigured.html) [![Kitchen Design: One Room Is Better Than Two](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/0-kitchen-reconfigure-1.jpg) **Kitchen Design: One Room Is Better Than Two** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-design-one-room-is-better-than-two.html) ## Leave a comment We are architects We are interior designers We are builders Let us be yours Gilday Renovations 8820 Brookville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 © Gilday Renovations 2025 - [About Us](https://www.gilday.com/about-gilday-renovations) - [Portfolio](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio) - Services - [Resources](https://www.gilday.com/renovation-resource-center) - [Renovation Articles](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.gilday.com/contact) 301.565.4600 [info@gilday.com](mailto:info@gilday.com) [Privacy Policy](https://www.gilday.com/gilday-com-privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.gilday.com/#website", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Gilday Renovations", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_term_string", "target" : "https://www.gilday.com/hs-search-results?term={search_term_string}" }, "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.gilday.com/#entity" }, "url" : "https://www.gilday.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.gilday.com/#entity", "@type" : [ "Organization", "GeneralContractor" ], "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Silver Spring", "addressRegion" : "MD", "postalCode" : "20910", "streetAddress" : "8820 Brookville Road" }, "areaServed" : [ { "@type" : "State", "name" : "District of Columbia" }, { "@type" : "State", "name" : "Maryland" }, { "@type" : "State", "name" : "Virginia" } ], "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Gilday-Nov2017/Image/0e46f4_15daa73f94264bbd95eb4e173ad2d447.jpg" }, "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Gilday-Nov2017/Image/H_Logo.jpg" }, "name" : "Gilday Renovations", "openingHoursSpecification" : { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "17:00", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens" : "09:00" }, "priceRange" : "$$$", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/gilday.renovations/", "https://twitter.com/GildayBuilders", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/gilday-renovations/about/", "https://www.pinterest.com/gildaycom/", "https://www.houzz.com/pro/gildayrenovations/gilday-renovations", "https://www.instagram.com/gildayrenovations/" ], "telephone" : "+1-301-565-4600", "url" : "https://www.gilday.com" } ``` ```json { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/transitional-kitchen-collision-of-design-styles.html" }, "headline": "Transitional Kitchen Design: A Collision of Design Styles?", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4060073/Imported_Blog_Media/021.jpg", "height": 800, "width": 800 }, "datePublished": "April 20, 2012", "dateModified": "April 20, 2012", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Kevin Gilday" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Gilday Renovations", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4060073/Gilday-Nov2017/Image/H_Logo.jpg" } }, "description": "What is a "transitional" kitchen design? It's an eclectic design style that uses elements from traditional and contemporary kitchen design to make something new and unexpected." } ```