What Exactly Are Transitional Cabinets and How Can Builders Use Them?
Putting your finger on what “transitional” actually means can be confusing, but Gordon Van Vliet, president of Kitchens by Savina, breaks it down for builders who are interested in this style.
[Related: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CUSTOM, SEMI-CUSTOM CABINETS?]
“Because transitional cabinets are so loosely defined, they’re tough to pin down, but that doesn’t mean it’s an ‘anything goes’ approach,” Van Vliet says. “You’re going to be combining the traditional with the contemporary, but in a way that looks deliberate, not eclectic.”
Builders can take traditional shaker cabinets and spice them up with contemporary features. Van Vliet suggests updating the cabinets with a white or grey paint job or new hardware.
Find out more by watching the video.
Transcript:
If you’re starting the process of planning a kitchen remodel, there’s a pretty common word that you may have come across, but maybe don’t fully understand: Transitional Kitchen Cabinets. This video will help you understand what people mean when they talk about transitional cabinets, and how they’re different from traditional cabinets.
[ Related: MEET THE MAN WHO SAVED THE WOOD-MODE CUSTOM CABINET COMPANY ]
Traditional kitchen cabinets are pretty much what you think they are. Think of classic cabinet doors with inset or raised panels and other details, likely with a traditional wood finish. They use pretty classic looking hardware, and while their design is timeless, it can also look a little dated.
A little bit of this, a little bit of that
To understand transitional kitchen cabinets, first think of the look of contemporary cabinets - with their austere, smooth finishes and understated, sleek design. Transitional cabinets are a half-step between the two, combining the visual elements you want from each design scheme to build the kitchen you desire.
[Related: CHECK OUT THIS HOUSE'S RENOVATION INTO A CUSTOM CABINET PARADISE]
Because Transitional cabinets are so loosely defined, they’re tough to pin down, but that doesn’t mean it’s an ‘anything goes’ approach. You’re going to be combining the traditional with the contemporary, but in a way that looks deliberate, not eclectic.
It’s all about balance
Consider the design of shaker cabinets: They’re about as traditional as you can get. But with a modern paint job in white or grey, and some contemporary hardware, they can really make any kitchen remodel shine. Transitional cabinets are all about combining the classic and the contemporary, like bold black and white colors with traditional textures.
[Related: NEW SMART COUNTERTOP TECHNOLOGY TURNS ALMOST ANY SURFACE INTO A TOUCHSCREEN]
No matter what your design is for your upcoming kitchen remodel, it’s a good idea to choose a design that gives you some flexibility down the road - transitional cabinets can do just that. I’m Gordon Van Vliet and I run Kitchens by Savina in Rochester New York. We’ve got a series of videos to help you with any kitchen goals you have - like how to make the best of your remodeling investment, or how to choose the right colors for your kitchen. Be sure to like this video if it helped you, and subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. Thank you for watching, and we’ll see you next time.
[Related: ARE COLORFUL APPLIANCES THE NEXT KITCHEN TREND?]