10 Kitchen Styles to Know When Designing Your Cooking Space

From rustic farmhouse kitchens to retro-inspired aesthetics, you’ve got lots of options.

Kitchens are the heart of the home in so many ways. They're a space to prepare meals, yes, but also where loved ones congregate and where meaningful memories are made. It pays to put intentional thought into your kitchen design from both an efficiency and aesthetic point of view.

Numerous kitchen design styles exist today, some embracing warm and earthy elements while others feel slightly retro or take a more modern approach. Ahead, we’re covering some of the most common kitchen styles to help get some ideas rolling as you consider breathing new life into your own space.

Related: 14 Kitchen Trends Taking Over the Design Industry in 2024

Farmhouse Kitchen

True to their name, farmhouse kitchens embrace rustic warmth with elements like reclaimed wood, vintage fixtures, and a cozy, lived-in feel. They also often feature open shelving, apron-front sinks, and seamlessly fuse both antique and modern elements.

“This style exudes a comforting charm that resonates with a sense of nostalgia and simplicity,” says interior designer Kerrie Kelly. “I recommend leaning into a farmhouse kitchen when desiring a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere that celebrates a fusion of history and modernity.”

English Cottage Kitchen

The English country cottage kitchen is similar to the farmhouse aesthetic in that it embraces that cozy and quaint ambiance. Kelly says it’s typically characterized by light, airy spaces, floral patterns, pastel hues, and vintage accents. These spaces also showcase charming details like exposed beams and floral prints.

“The English Cottage style holds an irresistible charm, creating an inviting space filled with character and grace,” Kelly says. “I recommend embracing this style when seeking a kitchen that feels effortlessly elegant, cozy, and reminiscent of a countryside retreat.”

Modern Kitchen

Sleek lines, minimalist decor, and a strong focus on functionality are the cornerstones of a modern kitchen. This kitchen style prioritizes cleanliness and uncluttered countertops and cabinets. It also often incorporates neutral color palettes, cutting edge appliances, and otherwise simple design choices.

“The modern kitchen style embodies a sense of sophistication and efficiency, making it ideal for those who appreciate streamlined, clutter-free spaces,” notes interior designer Nadia Watts.

Maximalist Kitchen

While modern kitchens maintain sleek lines and use a light hand with statement decor, the maximalist kitchen style embraces the exact opposite. Think mixed patterns and textures, bursts of color, and the infusion of thoughtfully curated art and decorative elements that spark conversation.

“I love going for a colorful range or a colorful paint color for the cabinetry and I tend to add lots of wild wallpaper. The goal is to get crazy, get wild, and be your authentic self,” says interior designer Kendra Nash. She adds, “I love the art of ‘collection’ with a Maximalist style. I think creating a collection of items that simply bring you joy is what makes this style come alive.”

Boho Kitchen

A boho kitchen style feels similar to maximalist design in that it embraces eclecticness via an amalgamation of tones, textures, and details. It showcases colorful cabinetry, patterned tiles, unique sconces or pendant lights, jewel-toned fabrics, and a curated collection of proudly displayed decorative details.

“This style is a lot of fun and is an opportunity to create a unique space that has a lot of personality,” says Emily Ruff, interior designer and founder of Cohesively Curated. “If you are drawn to mixing colors and bolder design choices this may be the style for you.”

Mediterranean Kitchen

Coastal-inspired kitchens capture the ease and vibrancy of sun-soaked coastal destinations like Greece, Italy, and Spain. Design details are pulled directly from the earth via rustic terracotta, hardwood floors, whitewashed or cream-colored walls, and palette of blues with bright accents that effortlessly blend into the space.

These kitchens often feature open shelving filled with vibrant dishes or handmade pottery, large windows and doors with sheer curtains to allow more light, intricate tiling that doubles as art, and an unmistakably light and airy feel.

Industrial Kitchen

Just as you might expect, the industrial kitchen style prioritizes an urban aesthetic through raw elements like exposed brick, concrete, metal accents, and utilitarian fixtures. Watts says this is often accented with reclaimed materials and a mix of organic textures. She adds, “The industrial style exudes a distinctive, edgy charm, offering a unique blend of ruggedness and elegance.”

Scandinavian Kitchen

The pillars of Scandinavian design are simple lines, a feeling of being “one with nature,” and light, non-distracting earth tones. Textural elements like rattan chairs and organically sculpted vessels. Enclosed cabinetry is also important to hide any potential clutter.

“I love how this style is the epitome of effortless design,” says Nash. “All items have their place, typically hidden, and the neutrality lets you add multiple layers of textures over time.”

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

Did you know that mid-century modern design is actually rooted in Scandi style and Bauhaus? While those same clean lines and a minimalist approach is favored, this kitchen style also utilizes pops of funky color, retro light fixtures, a fusion of geometric shapes, and sleek, reflective materials.

Nash says, “The pieces from this era are very identifiable, functional, beautiful, and of course, withstand the test of time. I love when clients want to invest in mid-century modern pieces as they never go out of style.”

Old World Kitchen

The goal of an old world kitchen is to highlight days gone by in a way that makes the space feel authentically lived in through the years. That’s done through rustic wood, textural natural materials, oil-rubbed bronze metal, and warm tones. Marble and limestone, which etch and stain over time, are prioritized because they help add more of that lived-in character.

“Detailed curves in the cabinetry with exposed hinges make it look like furniture rather than cabinets, therefore adding a layer of charm,” Nash adds. “The appeal lies in the use of quality craftsmanship, natural materials, and unique, characterful design elements that contribute to the perception of durability and longevity. Think Rome and its materials—still to this day, it lands.”

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