Kitchens are one of our favorite spaces to bring to life, and we want to make designing your dream kitchen a stress-free, exciting experience. In our recent article, we discussed the first step of identifying your kitchen must-haves. Once you have these established, it’s time to determine the style of your dream kitchen.
With so many design directions to choose from, narrowing down your preferences can feel overwhelming. But taking the time to consider a few things about your current home, your own likes and dislikes, and how your family lives, can make the process easier and a lot more enjoyable.
When it comes to understanding what style truly speaks to you, one of the best places to begin is your own home.
Assess Your Current Home
While it’s tempting to jump straight into Pinterest boards and inspiration galleries, taking a closer look at your home’s existing style and architecture can provide valuable direction.
Designing a kitchen that complements your home’s structure creates a cohesive, natural flow. Here’s what to consider:
- Age of the Home: When was your home built? The period often influences its architectural style. For example, homes built in the 1950s or 1960s have a mid-century modern feel with a more minimalistic design and clean lines. On the other hand, a home built in the 1920s might have more character, with detailed woodwork and decorative, ornate molding. And while you don’t have to match your kitchen to your home’s age, using it as a jumping-off point can help you design a kitchen that feels like it truly belongs in the home.
- Size & Layout: Think about how your kitchen fits into the overall flow of your home. Is it part of an open layout, or tucked away? Open concept plans often align with more modern or contemporary styles, while more enclosed spaces may suit a more traditional or cottage-inspired design.
- Design features: Look around your home and make note of any other unique architectural details that could offer insight into your home’s style. Maybe you have arched doorways, original hardwood floors, exposed beams, built-in shelving, or oversized windows. You might choose to echo these features in your kitchen design for a seamless look or go in the opposite direction to create a striking contrast.
- Natural Light & Ceiling Height: Does your kitchen get a lot of sunlight, or does it feel more intimate? High ceilings and big windows can support airy, minimalistic designs, while lower ceilings and warm light might lend themselves better to cozy farmhouse vibes.
Consider Your Personal Style
At the end of the day, your dream kitchen should feel like you. That’s why your personal style plays an important role in the design. Think about the colors, materials, and finishes you naturally gravitate toward, whether in home decor or your wardrobe.
For example, if you typically prefer neutrals and soft tones, you might lean toward calming palettes, natural materials, and classic finishes that create a timeless design. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to bright colors and bold designs, you may want to explore vibrant cabinets and playful accents to make your kitchen pop.
Characteristics of Tried & True Kitchen Styles
Still not sure what your kitchen style is? Familiarizing yourself with some of the most popular design styles can help spark some ideas, or at the very least help you determine what you don’t like.
- Contemporary: Contemporary design is all about open layouts, natural light, and subtle sophisticated touches. Kitchens that follow this style typically feature smooth surfaces, sleek hardware, and understated – yet elegant – details.
- Farmhouse: Farmhouse kitchens are known for being open and airy, often featuring big islands (perfect for gatherings) and soft, neutral colors. The details are simple too – think open cabinets, exposed wood and vintage, unique accents.
- Modern: Modern kitchens tend to be minimalistic but bold. They lean into sharp color contrasts, statement lighting, but they also prioritize functionality, utilizing smart storage solutions and durable materials.
- Traditional: Traditional kitchens are known for being classic and welcoming, using neutral tones, natural materials and decorative touches like tile backsplash or paneled cabinetry.
Get inspired with Trending Kitchen Styles
Take some time to review kitchen trends for inspiration and guidance on your design. You can also check out the Epic Showcase for some of our favorite examples of custom kitchens. Some of the most popular 2025 kitchen trends include:
- Brown Kitchens: Brown is the current go-to neutral. Incorporate rich wood tones through your cabinets, statement island, or furniture pieces that bring depth and warmth into your space.
- Color Drenching: Color drenching involves using one paint color throughout the space, covering walls, ceilings, and trim. This creates a bold, cohesive look and is especially popular in earthy tones like natural greens.
- Curved Details: Replace sharp angles with curves like arched cabinetry or rounded islands. These changes add visual interest and a sense of flow to your kitchen.
- Contrasting Cabinetry: Mix light and dark elements to create contrast and balance. Pair darker cabinets with light countertops or backsplashes to keep the space open while embracing bold, moody tones. This style works well if you’re drawn to deep colors or dramatic textures.
Using Your Style to Assemble Your EPIC Team
Once you’ve got a sense of your style, we help you take the next step by building a team of professionals that match your project’s personality and know how to deliver. Whether you’re dreaming of something timeless, trendy, or completely one-of-a-kind, our network of expert architects, designers, and builders cover a wide range of styles and specialties, so you can trust that your needs will be met with precision and expertise.
Ready to get started? Schedule your EPIC consultation today.