Is transitional style going out of fashion?

It's designed to avoid trends, which is why it ages slowly. Updating hardware and lighting is usually enough to keep it current.

What hardware suits a transitional kitchen?

Brushed nickel, champagne bronze, or satin brass in cup pulls, knobs, or simple bar pulls.

How much does a transitional kitchen cost?

For an average 150 sq ft kitchen, a transitional refresh on existing cabinets typically runs $8,000–$20,000, a full remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end redesign $70,000 or more. Worth the splurge: marble-look quartz with soft, realistic veining.

Can I see my own kitchen in Transitional style?

Yes. Upload a photo, choose Transitional, and pick Refresh, Remodel, or Redesign. You'll see your kitchen from the same camera angle in about 30 seconds, and your first design is free.

Transitional style

Transitional kitchen ideas

Transitional kitchens sit between traditional and modern: simple recessed-panel doors, soft greige paint, marble-look quartz, and classic lighting. It's the safest choice for resale.

Try Transitional on my kitchen

Sample kitchenTransitional remodel

Sample 1990s oak L-shaped kitchen before redesign

The same kitchen redesigned in Transitional style

The look

What makes a transitional kitchen

Cabinets: Simple recessed-panel doors painted soft greige
Countertops: Calacatta-look white quartz with soft gray veining
Backsplash: White 3x6 ceramic subway tile with light gray grout
Hardware: Brushed nickel cup pulls and knobs
Lighting: Classic metal-and-glass lantern pendants
Flooring: Medium-tone natural oak planks
Walls: Light warm gray
Mood: Timeless, balanced, and broadly appealing

Three budgets

Transitional at every level of change

Shown on our reference kitchen, the same room we use to compare every style fairly.

Transitional kitchen refresh — RefreshNew paint, counters, tile, and hardware on the existing cabinets.

Transitional kitchen remodel — RemodelAll-new cabinets and finishes in the same layout.

Transitional kitchen redesign — RedesignThe kitchen re-planned inside the same walls.

Best for

Selling within a few years
Homes with traditional architecture
Couples with different tastes

Design tips

Recessed-panel doors work with almost any hardware, so you can change the look later.
Marble-look quartz gives the classic look without marble maintenance.
Keep trim simple; heavy crown molding pushes the room back to traditional.

Budget

What a transitional kitchen costs

Typical 2026 US ranges for a 150 sq ft kitchen. Get a line-by-line estimate in the remodel cost calculator.

Refresh: $8k–$20k; Paint or reface, new counters, tile, hardware, and lighting.
Remodel: $25k–$60k; New cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances, same layout.
Redesign: $70k+; Custom cabinetry, premium finishes, and a new layout.

Where to splurge

Marble-look quartz with soft, realistic veining.

Where to save

Stock recessed-panel doors; the style hides small differences in quality.

Cabinet colors that suit transitional

Navy blue kitchen cabinets Dark green kitchen cabinets White kitchen ideas Greige kitchen cabinets

Transitional kitchen FAQ

Is transitional style going out of fashion?: It's designed to avoid trends, which is why it ages slowly. Updating hardware and lighting is usually enough to keep it current.
What hardware suits a transitional kitchen?: Brushed nickel, champagne bronze, or satin brass in cup pulls, knobs, or simple bar pulls.
How much does a transitional kitchen cost?: For an average 150 sq ft kitchen, a transitional refresh on existing cabinets typically runs $8,000–$20,000, a full remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end redesign $70,000 or more. Worth the splurge: marble-look quartz with soft, realistic veining.
Can I see my own kitchen in Transitional style?: Yes. Upload a photo, choose Transitional, and pick Refresh, Remodel, or Redesign. You'll see your kitchen from the same camera angle in about 30 seconds, and your first design is free.

More kitchen styles

Modern

Contemporary

Traditional

Farmhouse

See your kitchen in Transitional.

Upload a photo and get a photorealistic redesign in about 30 seconds. Your first design is free.

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