Transitional Kitchens: Design Ideas To Elevate Your Look

Transitional, or Shaker-style doors have a classic, minimalist design that lends itself well to various design elements that can enhance their aesthetic appeal. Here are several design elements you can use with a shaker style door:

1. Simple Hardware: Choose hardware that complements the clean lines of the shaker door. Sleek, minimalist knobs or pulls in finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black can add a touch of sophistication without overpowering the door’s design.
2. Glass Inserts: Incorporating glass inserts into some of the cabinet doors can add visual interest and break up the solid panels of the shaker style. Frosted or clear glass panels can showcase decorative items inside the cabinets while maintaining the overall simplicity of the design.
3. Molding and Trim: Adding molding or trim around the edges of the shaker doors can provide additional depth and detail. Crown molding at the top of cabinets or base molding at the bottom can elevate the look of the cabinetry and give it a more custom, finished appearance.
4. Open Shelving: Integrate open shelving into the design to break up the rows of closed cabinets. Open shelves can display decorative items, cookbooks, or everyday dishes, adding visual interest and creating a sense of openness in the kitchen.
5. Contrasting Finishes: Experiment with contrasting finishes to create a dynamic look. For example, you could opt for white shaker-style doors on upper cabinets and a contrasting wood finish or bold color on lower cabinets or the kitchen island to add visual interest and depth to the space.
6. Decorative Panels: Incorporate decorative panels into the design to add texture and visual appeal. Beadboard panels, for instance, can evoke a traditional or cottage-style look, while raised or recessed panels can add subtle detail and dimension to the doors.
7. Integrated Appliances: Choose integrated appliances that blend seamlessly with the cabinetry for a streamlined look. Panel-ready refrigerators and dishwashers allow you to install custom panels that match the shaker doors, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic throughout the kitchen.
8. Under-Cabinet Lighting: Install under-cabinet lighting to illuminate the workspace and highlight the details of the shaker-style doors. LED strip lights or puck lights can be discreetly mounted beneath the cabinets to provide task lighting while adding a soft glow to the room.