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Designing Your Kitchen

Many people enjoy the process of making kitchen design selections. Choosing finishes such as countertops, flooring, cabinets, backsplashes, and hardware can be a fun and creative process that allows homeowners to express their style and preferences. However, it can also be overwhelming for others, especially if they are not sure what they want or if they have limited experience with design. 

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Kitchen Remodel Selections

Good, Better, Best

Our designers are experts at helping navigate the thousands of choices homeowners need to make when remodeling homes. In every decision, we consider layout, storage, appliances, materials, and color scheme that will suit your needs and style. On a good, better, best scale, we categorize these five kitchen design selections you’ll need to make during a remodel.

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Cabinetry

Good, Better, Best

There are many ways to customize cabinets—style, finish, hardware, storage, size, and so on. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll focus on storage options and the material of wood.

  1. Standard shelving and drawers. As for material, oak is a popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to its durability, hardness, and natural grain patterns. Birch is a light-colored wood that has a fine, even texture and subtle grain patterns.

  2. Internal cabinet accessories such as trays and spice racks are functional additions. A nice material to use is maple as it is a hard, dense wood that is known for its smooth, uniform grain patterns. 

  3. You’d be surprised what can be hidden behind the cabinetry. We often run electrical work so you can add lighting or plug-in accessories or appliances. If you’d like, we could even build a hydraulic lift for your Kitchen Aid! Material-wise,  rift-sawn white oak is a high-end choice. Additionally, walnut is a dark, richly colored wood with a fine, straight-grain pattern.

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Backsplashes

There are several ways to lay tiles, each with its unique visual impact and technical considerations. The more complex a pattern (or even the size of the tile),  may require more planning, cutting, and installation time than others.

Good, Better, Best

  1. Subway tile laid in straight or stack bond or running bond or brick bond is a popular choice that is an inexpensive and timeless choice for your backsplash. The material is typically ceramic or porcelain tile.

  2. The use of smaller tiles (such as a small format hex tile) or laying tile in intricate designs can add more interest to your design. Glass tile helps to brighten and visually expand a space.  While natural stone tile is highly durable and can add a touch of luxury to the space.

  3. Custom handmade tile or mosaic tiles are made up of small pieces of tile or glass that are arranged in a pattern or design. They can add a vibrant, artistic look to a kitchen backsplash.

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Countertops

Good, Better, Best

  1. Granite: a durable, beautiful, and low-maintenance surface that will last for years to come.

  2. Quartz: made from a combination of natural quartz stone and resin, making them highly resistant to scratches, stains, and impact.

  3. Quartzite or marble: natural, hard materials known for beauty and unique patterns.  The extraction process is labor-intensive making these rare materials. Nevertheless, these highly sought-after materials are considered worth the investment for their timeless aesthetics.

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Lighting

Good, Better, Best

  1. LED wafer lights, one or two task lights, or ambient lighting (scones)

  2. LED wafer lights, various task lights, ambient lighting (scones), and a decorative light fixture.

  3. LED wafer lights, various task lights, ambient lighting (scones), a decorative light fixture, and under cabinet lighting.

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Flooring

Good, Better, Best

  1. LVP or LVT: a cost-effective and low-maintenance option for kitchen flooring. It is available in a wide range of colors and styles and is highly durable and resistant to stains and water damage.

  2. Hardwood: adds warmth and beauty to a kitchen.

    3. Tiling: porcelain or ceramic tile is a popular choice for kitchen flooring due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and wide range of colors and patterns available. 

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    We’re Here to Help

    The process of making kitchen design selections can be complex. Our designers are here to help every step of the way. We’ll ensure that your design meets your needs and is feasible within your budget and timeframe. 

    Interested in working with one of our designers to create your dream kitchen? Get started today!