Design 101: What Exactly Is Transitional Styling?

One of the interesting interior design topics mentioned, again and again, is the growing popular styling theme Transitional, and how although it is common vernacular in the design community, it is not fully understood or identifiable among consumers. Outside the sphere of interior design and architecture, the term Transitional design is vague and confusing and this presents an opportunity for designers to be more specific and definitive with their customers.

An elegant modern farmhouse kitchen design with sleek framed kitchen cabinets with inset cabinet door construction. The kitchen cabinetry is shown in an off-white painted finish with a classic shaker inset door style.

Dura Supreme kitchen design by Mariotti Building Products, Pennsylvania. Photography by Danielle Coons.

What is Transitional Style?

So how do you define Transitional design style? While there are hundreds of interior design styles to choose from, in general, they fall under a spectrum that consists of three primary design categories Traditional, Transitional, and Contemporary. From here you’ll find each design style leans toward one of these categories, or perhaps lands somewhere in the middle.

The spectrum of interior design styles.

Transitional style is found right in the middle of the spectrum of design. It represents the blend of both traditional and contemporary styles, midway between old world traditional and the high-tech, and the sleek world of metal and glass contemporary. It takes the best of both worlds and encompasses a design characterized by clean lines, simple styling, and an open floor plan focusing on classic, comfortable, and practical looks.

With Transitional being between Traditional and Contemporary, you’ll find many styles under this design category including; Coastal, Modern Farmhouse, and Shaker to name a few.

Design by Chris Chidester at The Cabinet Center, San Ramon, California. Photography by Patrik Argast.

History of Transitional Design Style

The Transitional design style made its first appearance in the 1950s as a response to the previous era that embraced very modern and mid-century modern design styles. In 2012, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) reported for the first time in history for their annual interior design style poll, Transitional design had displaced Traditional design as the most popular design theme. That trend has continued to hold true year after year and the trend looks to continue strongly in 2021 and beyond.

Designed by Melissa Musgjerd of Studio M Interiors and Revival House, Minnesota.

How to Create a Cohesive Transitional Style Kitchen or Bathroom

Transitional style truly takes the best of both worlds (Traditional and Contemporary) and encompasses a design characterized by clean lines, simple styling, and an open floor plan focusing on classic, comfortable, casual, and practical looks. It is not ornate or over-detailed, and it is not high-gloss and ultra-modern. Oftentimes, the clean simple lines of Shaker styling an minimalistic styled elements would be included in a Transitional design theme.

Dura Supreme kitchen design by Kristen Peck of Knight Construction Design, Inc., Minnesota. Photography by Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Creative.

Selecting Transitional Style Cabinetry

It’s important to note that although painted kitchens are VERY popular right now and many painted kitchens are featuring clean, transitional design, paint itself does not define Transitional styling. There are many beautiful stained wood kitchens that have a Transitional design as well.

Dura Supreme Avery door style in Cherry with a Harbor stain.

Dura Supreme kitchen design by Ispiri Design Build Remodel, Minnesota.

Cabinetry within transitional styled kitchens and baths typically feature flat panel and/or slab door styles.

A sample of transitional style flat panel door styles from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.

A sample of slab door styles from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.

A sample of transitional style slab door styles from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.

Accent doors can vary from modern Aluminum Framed cabinet doors to simple glass doors or metal inserts to a traditional but simple patterned Mullion door or Leaded Glass door. Or sometimes just a contrasting color to emphasize an area of the design.

A sample of transitional style accent door styles from Dura Supreme Cabinetry.

A modern industrial styled kitchen design with pipe floating shelves for spices, dark stained cabinets, and decorative bronze mirror cabinet doors.

Simple mirrored cabinet doors work beautifully in this Transitional style Dura Supreme kitchen.

A transitional style kitchen with Dura Supreme Cabinetry featuring a simple X pattered mullion door.

Transitional Styled Design Elements

Cabinetry and furniture lines are simple yet elegant, featuring either straight lines or basic rounded profiles. When selecting corbels, bun feet, moldings, etc for your Transitional style kitchen or bath stay away from overly ornate or detailed pieces. Less is more when it comes to Transitional styling.

Dark gray and rich stained wood kitchen with modern farmhouse style, shiplap wood hood, shiplap kitchen island end cap and brassy hardware and fixtures. Features floor to ceiling dark gray painted cabinets. Cabinetry from Dura Supreme.

Shiplap design accents are commonly found in Transitional style kitchens to add texture and interest to a flat, minimalistic surface or feature. This Dura Supreme kitchen features a shiplap look on the kitchen island and the modern style wood hood.