Remodeling your kitchen is a massive undertaking — you need to decide if your current layout works and how you’d like it laid out. If the current setup doesn’t work, you need to devise a budget; and much more. As a result, a kitchen remodel is not a project you start on a whim. You’ve likely spent at least a few months planning and saving for this project. One of the first decisions you must make is what materials and finishes you’ll use.
Countertops
There are a lot of countertop materials to consider, from bamboo to recycled glass and soapstone. Three of the most popular options are marble, granite, and quartz.
Marble
Countertops made of marble tend to be white with gray or black cracks or gray or black with lighter cracks, though some are brown with many other colors mixed in. Marble is undoubtedly pretty, but it has a few drawbacks. While small scratches can be polished out, it tends to chip and may need to be resealed occasionally.
Granite
Granite countertops tend to be more varied than marble ones, so finding one that matches your desired aesthetic shouldn’t be too challenging. They are also a bit more resistant to damage. It’s much harder to cut or scratch granite, and heat doesn’t have much effect. However, the edges and corners are susceptible to chipping; it must also be resealed, similar to marble.
Quartz
Quartz countertops have become more popular over the years, and it’s easy to see why. The variety of quartz countertops provides plenty of options, and the patterns on each are stunning. Quartz is also incredibly durable, making countertops made of this material low-maintenance.
One more thing to note about these three materials is their cost. While the price varies based on how much area needs to be covered and your preferred color and pattern, marble tends to be the most expensive. On the other hand, quartz and granite are a bit more affordable. Consider all of these factors as you select the materials you’d like for your countertops.
Cabinets
Once you’ve decided on a countertop, it’s time to select your cabinet color. Cabinets tend to sit very close to your countertops and will likely be their biggest compliment, so choosing the correct one wisely is important.
The first thing to consider is how bright or dark your countertops are and your preferred aesthetic. Some people prefer the kitchen to be darker toward the floor and lighter toward the ceiling, as this color palette draws the eye upward. Others prefer that the palette goes in the opposite direction to ensure that all aspects of the kitchen are admired.
Many people prefer that the cabinets and countertops match to create a more cohesive look. This means that a bright cabinet will be set below a bright countertop. While the piece looks more cohesive, neither stands out, which isn’t appealing to everyone.
Once you’ve decided on the brightness, you must select a color. You could leave the cabinets in their natural wood color, paint them black or white for the most simplistic approach to the brightness debate, or select a color that makes your other kitchen furnishings really pop. Make sure whatever color you choose doesn’t clash with your other color choices, which could make the area unappealing.
Backsplash
The backsplash is an often overlooked part of the kitchen. Your focus tends to be on counters, cabinets, appliances, and more, so the space behind your sink and stove may not seem important. However, neglecting this space is to neglect a massive customization opportunity that will protect your walls.
Many are tiled, creating a beautiful aesthetic with a wide color range, but can be difficult to clean, thanks to the space between each tile being an indented groove. However, this isn’t a major hindrance due to the small surface area. What material you select for the backsplash is important, as it determines your color options and how easy it is to clean.
Many choose to use glass, ceramic, or even quartz tiles. As for color options, this is a great place to create contrast and draw the eyes toward a specific part of the kitchen. If you have dark countertops, a bright backsplash will stand out and add brightness to the kitchen overall. You could also have a similar shade, making the kitchen look more monotone and appealing.
Flooring and Windows
Some of the biggest choices with a kitchen remodel lie with the floor, while the windows are often overlooked. This is a mistake, as how you choose to cover the windows will determine how much light the room receives and how much privacy you can expect.
Blinds and shades can provide privacy, but shades let in more light. Semi-sheer window treatments allow you to control how harsh the light is but may not provide lots of privacy. As you decide what you want to use on your kitchen windows, also keep in mind that some options let in more heat or cool outside air than others, which can cause your air conditioning or heating unit to work a bit harder to maintain temperature.
As mentioned before, the floor is one of, if not the biggest, choices for the kitchen remodel. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, and the color choice is significant. To select the color, step back and look at the kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
For instance, is it bright? If so, a dark floor adds contrast and helps the entire area stand out more. The same can be said for a bright floor in a dark kitchen. If you choose to have your kitchen floor colored, make sure the color doesn’t clash with the rest of the design. If you don’t, the look of the entire kitchen will suffer.
As for the materials, tile, hardwood, and vinyl are all popular choices. Hardwood can add richness to any room but may be harder to keep clean. Tile is a popular choice and has a wide range of materials and colors to choose from. They can be easy to clean unless a spill lands on the spaces between the tiles, and they can also be resistant to scratching. Vinyl is also resistant to scratches and can be used on wood to add durability and make any floor easy to clean.
Making Kitchen Remodeling Easy
Ultimately, what your kitchen ends up looking like is up to you. We’ve provided some key tips and things to consider to help you make the best decisions for your space a little bit easier.
