Discovering your personal style and taste can be one of the most difficult parts of starting a new project. You may be asking, “What exactly does it mean for something to be ‘mid-century modern’ or ‘farmhouse’?” or “How would I describe what I’m looking for?” It’s easier to find inspiration pictures and tell your designer what you’re after when you can put a name to your general preferences. Over the years we’ve worked with many customers to identify their ideal look and have also created numerous posts in this endeavor. Here we’ve compiled just a few of our projects – choose your favorites and see what that tells you about YOUR leanings!
If this kitchen has your name all over it, you might gravitate more towards “Farmhouse” styles. This kitchen features an apron-front sink, cream cabinets, and a butcher block island top. It also has a statement farmhouse light above the island and glass front cabinets, another staple of the farmhouse style.
Is this kitchen more in line with your tastes? You might love “Transitional” home design. This kitchen has traditional colors, like rich dark wood and white, but more contemporary appliances and slab front cabinet doors. The gray veined countertop ties together the old and new.
If this kitchen is your favorite, you might like “Contemporary” looks. This kitchen has bold colors and lots of straight lines and angles. The glass on the range hood is another contemporary detail.
You should look at “Traditional” design if you love this kitchen. In this design, we have raised panel cabinet doors and ornate island legs. The pendants and grids in the window are traditional touches that bring it all together.
Can you see yourself sinking into this bathroom? if so, you should consider “Contemporary” design. In this bathroom, we used a blue tile, slate floor, and similar colored countertop for a monochromatic color palette. The clean lines on the plumbing fixtures evoke the contemporary style, as well as the sconce lights.
You might gravitate towards the “Modern Farmhouse” style if this space speaks to you. This bathroom utilizes subway tile, matte black fixtures, and medium wood tones for a more contemporary take on the farmhouse style. The ornate window trim adds another farmhouse detail.
As remodelers, we often work within the styles of the existing homes or transform them entirely to a new style. Here’s a list of some of the most popular styles we’ve worked with (and hope to work with in the future!):
Traditional
Far from old-fashioned, traditional interior styling can be incredibly versatile. Whether you’re trying to achieve a look that is charming and pretty or retro and edgy, adding some key traditional pieces can help bring the room together. The finishes and fixtures used are those that have been seen throughout history rather than “trendsetting.” You might like traditional designs if you like dark, finished trim with rich color palettes and a variety of layered textures; or if you like a white-based color palette with ornate details and windows with grids.
Transitional
Transitional designs are common, as we often seek to marry the older architecture of an existing home with more contemporary finishes. This style typically has fewer accessories, and more geometric or neutral-colored patterns rather than ornate ones. You might like the transitional style if you like nickel toned metals, white and taupe color palettes, and a look that is formal without being ostentatious. You may also gravitate towards this style if you find yourself choosing more contemporary light fixtures and appliances, but more traditional cabinetry and flooring.
Farmhouse
The farmhouse style is one that perfectly blends coziness and functionality. The classic farmhouse sink is a great example of the combination of aesthetics and utility. Originally made for butler’s pantries in 17th century England, they became quite popular as laundry and dishwashing sinks. Today, we see the utility of these fixtures as something beautiful and practical. While farmhouse interiors can lean more contemporary or more traditional, they typically combine a white or cream overall look with rustic wood details. You might choose this look if you enjoy open shelving or glass front cabinets, large apron-front sinks, and lots of natural light.
This modern farmhouse kitchen is a beautiful blending of the Transitional and Farmhouse styles.
Contemporary
The contemporary style is constantly evolving and is much more focused on the “here and now” than on adhering to a particular design aesthetic. Five years ago, this style featured lots of metal and glass, and few ornate details. That is still true, though we are seeing a warmer color palette take the stage, with light wood tones and beiges appearing more than bright whites and cool grays. Contemporary styles offer a “form follows function” logic, ridding the space of frivolity or unnecessary accessories. You might connect with this style if you like a no-fuss look with a neutral or monochromatic color palette; or if you dislike décor that does not serve a specific purpose.
Mid-Century Modern
Characterized by clean, simple lines, pops of blues and greens, and plenty of wood and rusty metals, mid-century modern is a design style with definite staying power. Though it broadly defines the architecture and furniture style of the mid-20th century, unlike the art deco period prior, mid-century design is much more straightforward and less “frilly.” You might take to this style if you like organic, simple pieces with an emphasis on function; or teak wood, jewel-toned colors, and angular architecture.
Minimalist
The minimalist trend first appeared in the early twentieth century and has continued to be a style favorite. Minimalist interiors are stripped down to their essential elements, without extraneous detail, to make the design statement “that less is more.” You will often see open floor plans with lots of natural light in this look. You might select this style if you like neutral or airy color palettes, cabinets without visible hardware, and functional accessories rather than decoration pieces.
This Cape Cod remodel features a Cottage kitchen.
Cottage
Lately we’ve been seeing the “cottagecore” look making its way onto the scene. Characterized by greenery and lots of light, this style is romantic and nature-driven, with many cozy and rustic details. It’s popularity seems to have been born from the pandemic-driven desire for a “simpler” way of living, and mimics some of the details of the English countryside. You might like this style if you enjoy plant-life in your home, reclaimed furniture, and a “lived-in” feel in your décor.
Industrial
From steel and stone to brick and brass – industrial interior style is all about raw and exposed materials. Industrial styles embrace the ductwork and piping most design styles seek to hide. Statement lights are often a key feature for industrial interiors and are particularly important for softening an otherwise cold space. You might find the industrial style appealing if you love metallic, brick, and raw wood elements, or high open ceilings and dark yet neutral color palettes.
Keep in mind that some styles overlap, and although this list is not all-encompassing, it should be a helpful start in finding direction for your home design – whether it is a simple refresh or a full-scale remodel. Many people find themselves seeking to fuse two or more different styles or gravitating toward a subset of a broader style. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom redo, or an addition to your home, our Powell Construction design team is well-versed in a variety of styles and will help you with the selections that will achieve the perfect fit for YOU.