Contemporary kitchens can be very sleek, but while a purely modern kitchen often celebrates structure and grid, a contemporary kitchen is often more playful in form and finishes, including elements of other styles and creating its own reflection of the times.

Definitions of "modern" vary widely, but when we think of modern kitchen designs, we often think of frameless cabinets, sleek and simple hardware, strong horizontal lines and a lack of ornamentation, with the natural beauty of the materials shining through.

Warm and homey farmhouses anchored a life on the land, and they still offer great functionality and comfort. Their open shelving, wide sinks, classic flooring and big kitchen table make them easy to work in and easy to love.

'Worn', 'distressed' and 'rough hewn' may not be the first words that come to mind when we think of kitchens. But today, rustic rivals the classic white kitchen in popularity-thanks to their timber, stone, brick, vintage appliances and fireplaces.

Traditional kitchens are defined by their details, which can include arches, decorative moldings and corbels, raised-panel cabinets, a mix of antique finishes and furniture-like turned legs-even a chandelier. Whether they have a classic American or old-world flavour, they still carry the stamp of their owner's personal style.

Think of a fusion kitchen as the great moderator. With the warmth and welcome of traditional design and the clean, simple lines of contemporary style, fusion spaces project balance and harmony. Because they offer a great deal of flexibility, they're a great choice for homeowners whose taste spans the two.

Cozy, happy and unpretentious, a cottage kitchen harks back to simpler times and evokes a sense of easy, carefree living. Beadboard, soft colours, vintage hardware, wood floors, bright accents and curtains will infuse your kitchen with cottage comfort.

Craftsman style arose in the early 20th century as a reaction to the mass-produced fussiness of the Victorian era. Its rich woods, built-ins, handcrafted tiles and well-made simplicity continue to charm us.

What is classic? The answer is as varied as cooks are. Still, white or cream kitchen cabinets, simple architectural details and black accents offer a blank slate that homeowners can personalise with contemporary, traditional and eclectic touches as they see fit.