Gurteen Kitchens
Traditional vs Contemporary Kitchens: Which Style Suits Your Mayo Home?
When it comes to designing the perfect kitchen for your Mayo home, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between a traditional or contemporary style. Both offer unique charm and practical benefits, but the right choice depends on your personal taste, lifestyle, and the character of your home.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between traditional and contemporary kitchens, helping you decide which suits your space best.
What is a Traditional Kitchen?
A traditional kitchen embraces timeless design details and classic craftsmanship. Think ornate moldings, shaker-style cabinetry, warm wood finishes, and elegant hardware. These kitchens often feel homely, characterful, and rich in detail — making them ideal for period properties, countryside homes, and those who love a touch of nostalgia.
Key Features:
Shaker or in-frame cabinetry
Natural materials like solid wood or stone
Classic features such as range cookers and Belfast sinks
Warm, inviting colour palettes
Decorative handles and glass-fronted cabinets
Perfect For:
Heritage homes, cottages, and anyone drawn to timeless, character-rich interiors.
What is a Contemporary Kitchen?
Contemporary kitchens are all about clean lines, sleek finishes, and modern convenience. Minimalist in appearance but highly functional, these spaces often feature handleless cabinetry, integrated appliances, and bold or neutral colour palettes. Contemporary designs suit new builds, modern extensions, or homeowners seeking a fresh, uncluttered aesthetic.
Key Features:
Handleless or slab-fronted cabinetry
High-gloss, matt, or natural textures
Innovative appliances and smart storage solutions
Minimalist detailing and open-plan layouts
Monochrome, bold accents, or soft neutrals
Perfect For:
Modern homes, new builds, or those who love a streamlined, fuss-free space.
Which Kitchen Style is Right for Your Mayo Home?
Whether you’re renovating a traditional stone cottage in Westport or adding a contemporary extension to a new build in Castlebar, the right kitchen style will depend on your home’s architecture and how you live.
Love cosy, characterful spaces? Go traditional.
Prefer clean, open, and fuss-free? Contemporary could be for you.
Can’t decide? A transitional kitchen blends both — shaker cabinetry in modern colours, classic layouts with contemporary lighting, and sleek appliances with timeless touches.
Explore Kitchen Styles with Gurteen Kitchens
At Gurteen Kitchens, we design and craft both traditional and contemporary kitchens tailored to suit Mayo homes of all styles. Whether you’re drawn to rich oak cabinetry or seamless, handleless doors, our team will help bring your vision to life.