You’ve worked with your designer to find the perfect bones for your kitchen. It has a beautiful flow that fits your lifestyle and the functionality to make you feel comfortable in the space. Now it’s finally time to add your unique personality to the place that will be the hub of your home.
Cabinetry Sets the Tone
Your style is first visible in your choice of cabinetry. Everything else in your kitchen will be based around this choice. Today there are so many types of wood, manmade choices and custom finishes; there’s sure to be something that feels just right to you. With so many choices, it’s also easier than ever to pick something that will be stylish today and classic for years to come.
While stained wood cabinets still garner the lion’s share of cabinetry today, the popularity of painted cabinets has been on the rise for years with no signs of stopping. White is the perennial favorite, but other color options, including different paint colors for upper and lower cabinets, are also gaining a following. Don’t be afraid to explore these possibilities with your designer.
Countertops Let Your Style Pop
Countertop choices today are more varied than ever before. Stone continues to be a classic decision. The natural color and variation in stone such as granite never feels old or dull. Marble and slate are beautiful additions to any kitchen. And while they have more upkeep and maintenance, they make a stunning statement for an island or other focal point.
Today many people are also trending toward quartz and other composite materials. These offer a more uniform surface look, but the color and texture within them is unmatched. Upkeep is a breeze, too, which makes them doubly appealing.
Light Your Space
Light is an integral part of your kitchen design. Many kitchens today have expansive windows to let in natural light. Your designer will work with you to make a lighting plan to suit your needs. Typically, there are three types of kitchen lighting to consider.
Ambient lighting is the overall lighting for your kitchen. It can be provided by windows during the daytime, but most often it also consists of lighting located in the ceiling, such as recessed can lights. This allows for the everyday functions of the kitchen.
Task lighting is used for specific work areas of the kitchen. It can be a ceiling mounted beam, under cabinet strips that brighten a countertop, or lighting under the range hood that illuminates the cooktop surface.
Spot lighting highlights focal points of your kitchen. If you have glass shelves or cabinets, spot lighting might be used to focus attention on heirloom dishware or shine through glasses. Pendant lighting over the kitchen island or entertaining areas can help engender a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Flooring Ties It Together
You might not think it, but flooring is one of the most important aspects of kitchen design. It needs to be durable enough to withstand constant traffic as well as moisture and exposure to a variety of sticky, acidic or just messy substances. In addition, more than any other part of the kitchen, flooring needs to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home’s flooring. And don’t forget about choosing something beautiful that you’ll love to look at day after day. Luckily, there’s a broad selection of natural and manmade flooring solutions that can fit the bill perfectly.
Deciding on the finishing touches for your kitchen renovation or addition can be one of the most exciting parts of the process. Consider how you live, and above all, what you love, and you’ll create a kitchen that will keep you happy year after year.