1. Start with your countertops. "Countertops require careful contemplation, especially for a large island, as this can be the biggest single item of color and texture," says Ahmann. This large surface area is a great place to start and can be the basis for the rest of your kitchen's materials palette.
Choose a countertop that's durable and easy to clean. Justrich recommends looking into granite or composite materials like Caesarstone first. For a bigger statement, go for stainless steel, zinc or natural wood. Aim for light, smooth and reflective materials. Large-format tiles or slabs of stone will minimize grout lines and create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface.
Kelly recommends sticking with a single countertop material, with a slight variation at the pantry or island, for consistency and simplicity.
by Hart Associates Architects, Inc. Choose a countertop that's durable and easy to clean. Justrich recommends looking into granite or composite materials like Caesarstone first. For a bigger statement, go for stainless steel, zinc or natural wood. Aim for light, smooth and reflective materials. Large-format tiles or slabs of stone will minimize grout lines and create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface.
Kelly recommends sticking with a single countertop material, with a slight variation at the pantry or island, for consistency and simplicity.
2. Consider the cabinetry. Depending on the kitchen, Ahmann might start with the cabinet as the beginning of the materials palette. "This is what ends up being most 'in your face,' as the wall cabinets are smack dab at eye level," he says.
Kelly keeps his materials choices as simple and natural as possible. Slate, marble and wood are all common choices. He recommends sticking to a small palette — three or four materials — to keep it simple. Look for light-colored cabinetry to keep the space open and bright, using other materials in small doses for visual depth and texture.
Contemporary Kitchen Kelly keeps his materials choices as simple and natural as possible. Slate, marble and wood are all common choices. He recommends sticking to a small palette — three or four materials — to keep it simple. Look for light-colored cabinetry to keep the space open and bright, using other materials in small doses for visual depth and texture.
3. Use additional finishes to pull the space together. "Let contrast be the key," says Justrich. "If the counters are rich and dark, go with a lighter backsplash. A monochromatic approach is great, but if the countertop is visually active, calm it down on the backsplash." Choose a backsplash color that visually contrasts with your countertop and cabinetry. Floors are usually decided based on the surrounding rooms, but make sure the colors won't clash with what's in your kitchen.
The other little things — lighting, fixtures, bar stools and hardware — can tie the look of the kitchen together. Again, less is more here. "Kitchens of multiple materials and colors require a lot of finesse," says Ahmann.
Tell us: How did you choose your kitchen materials palette?
Homeowner Workbook: How to Remodel a Kitchen
by Fivecat Studio | Architecture The other little things — lighting, fixtures, bar stools and hardware — can tie the look of the kitchen together. Again, less is more here. "Kitchens of multiple materials and colors require a lot of finesse," says Ahmann.
Tell us: How did you choose your kitchen materials palette?
Homeowner Workbook: How to Remodel a Kitchen
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Find Local Pros by Category:
Architects & Designers · Interior Designers & Decorators · General Contractors · Home Media Design & Installation · Landscape Architects & Designers · Kitchen & Bath Designers · Design-build Firms · Closet & Home Storage Designers · Carpet and Flooring · Fireplaces · Tile, Stone & Countertops · Specialty Contractors · Landscape Contractors
Find Local Pros by Metro Area:
Atlanta · Austin · Baltimore · Boston · Chicago · Dallas · Dc Metro · Denver · Detroit · Hawaii · Houston · Las Vegas · Los Angeles · Miami · Minneapolis · Nashville · New Orleans · New York · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Portland · Salt Lake City · San Diego · San Francisco · Seattle · St Louis
Footnote: What I would really love to see are some examples of kitchens without the use of stainless steel finish appliances. Surely there must be some. :)
1. Pick your "flavor"! A country kitchen? A sleek urbane environment? Consider the feel of the rest of your home. A super modern kitchen in a colonial spec build in suburbia... may feel too out of sync for the next person if you sell. Get the "pop" of modern from smaller choices within your kitchen plan.
2. Now choose your cabinetry, and your flooring. The style of door, and whether it is light, white, flat, trimmed, recessed panel, raised panel, inset door, or full overlay door, or open shelving... will affect feel, and PRICE. You don't want these to disappear into the floor, so consider them together with your floor choice. Most times, the floor will be the same hardwood you have in an adjacent room. Tile is fine, but cooler, and it creates a "breaK" from the rest. The more changes in flooring surfaces in a home, the more cut up a house feels.
2.5!! Sink, appliances, faucet etc!! Sizes affect your cabinet plan, so to
the best of your ability, make those firm choices from the beginning.
A 48 inch professional range, will have different venting requirements than a 30 inch cook top
3. Choose your counter tops. Know that granite, often becomes a "color and pattern" so consider your adjacent rooms. If you want room for future change in adjacent areas... keep it light, and neutral, and low maintenance. Icy white Zodiaq looks super in a modern kitch, but watch for certain metals to mark it. Pewter, your jewelry, a belt buckle. Caution!
4. The backsplash: You CAN run a counter surface up the backsplash. The counter is the decider in any case. If you chose a "yogurt swirl" granite... you want a simple tumbled stone splash. If your "feel" is "high end Hamptons" white cabinets and a marble counter, a white subway tile, perhaps. Keep the flow and feel of the kitchen when you make your decision.
5. Lighting: Once you know how much, and what type, and where...pick all the low voltage such as under the counter, or any high style hanging pendants first. The electrician will need the specs, and the last thing you want is to
have to chop up new drywall.
6. Cabinet hardware. The one place you can take your time. As long as it is there for the finish! And if you are torn, and can't decide a backsplash, also know it happens almost dead last.... and can happen any time. Do not make yourself nuts, if you prefer to wait and see your counters installed.
The more advance planning ... the smoother the re-model. No waiting for apps and counters that were ordered too late!!!
There are a lot of things that go into construction materials - glues, formaldehyde, petroleum derivatives... Do your homework if you are concerned about health issues, particularly respiratory problems. Also, one of the biggest issues in our landfills is construction materials coming from renos. As I interviewed contractors I always asked about disposal. Those who gave me a blank stare were off the list...
Finally, I had some contractors insist on one material or another (maybe because they had a deal with the subcontractor installing it, no idea); I was very clear that I did not want marble - looks beautiful but requires re-sealing, stains easily and is way more breakable than other countertops. I also did not want granite because of how it is collected - yes, a natural material but still not a green choice in my book. Finally went with quartz, making sure it's not the one with the incorporated Microban in it, and glass tiles for the backsplash.
Obviously not everyone has environmental concerns to address as part of their decision making process when it comes to renovations, but I found that often that's less because they do not care and more because they are simply unaware.
And I'm sure there are also 'a few' who have to look at their checkbooks before they make a final decision.
Would that put off a potential buyer?? I will worry about that when it's time to sell. The reality is you should not buy appliances right before selling unless yours are ancient and poorly kept. No matter what you buy you won't satisfy everyone and buyers tend to discount appliances anyway, when they have so many options to get what they want at all price points.
One thing I do like but it is very pricey is the European colourful appliances, with red or blue doors. Would rather choose my own colour though, as what are the chances of a previous owner having the same taste as myself? Another nice option is built in apps with doors that match the cabinetry for a seamless integrated look. Again, that is costly...
My final thought on stainless steel is to do what pleases you. I seriously doubt that even the most avid stainless steel fan will pass up a house that meets all their requirements because of the appliances finish.
It's interesting how this topic seems near and dear to a lot of folks, makes me think today's blog posts should be a stainless steel appliances essay:-)
I was in a restaurant bathroom. I saw my hex tile on the floor. I saw they grouted with charcoal grey. A fabulous solution to scrubbing endless white grout. I saw the cabinets were wenge, or espresso. Then that told me I wanted a light countertop. (I did originally want the Ceasar stone Grey honed finish). I went with the light honed material as my countertop. They also paired the white subway tile.
I like to get inspired when I get interested (obsessed) with a certain material. A dish or a carpet. Then I factor in my horribly small space. And my horribly small budget.
I also agree with the last comment about SS and granite. I don't hate it but Im surprised as I get older to be drawn towards cleaner simpler styles and the sleeker Italian cabinets...I will always have my pops of color and warmth though.
Oh, well, does anyone like soapstone countertops? Granite is popular, but it stains.
I have the ss appliances, only because it is popular and I did all of my kitchen in 2005. I found that beauty may trump utility. My dog made paw scratches on my duel fuel range/oven (he loves the dirty pans). I banged into my FischerPakel dish drawer. My Sub Zero fridge has evidence of my fingernails hitting the panel every time I grab the handle. I love using all of it.
I don't regret anything. My CaesarStone countertops can be repaired, filled.
Everything will get ugly, dirty....
So decide how much you want to spend on something, and how long you choose to live with it.
Yesterday's Avacado Green will be the new Stainless Steel.
I always wonder why people take opinions and choices as something wrong.
I'm the first to look at pictures and sites for ideas, and ask questions. But I find it can often clutter and confuse the mind and make you second guess yourself rather than be like we once were as children and just say I like pink or I like purple, be okay with it and not care what anyone else says.
I like contemporary and yes I like stainless. I liked the idea of covering the appliances until I asked what happens if something happens to the appliances. What we would have to go through left me totally turned off so that I went back to the stainless idea. I did ask about the cleaning of stainless and was told the newer ones are easier to keep clean. Yes, I know they want to sell the stainless.
To some they feel stainless will be outdated. Stainless has been around for years as others have come and gone, just not as noticed because it wasn't a fad back then. Look at restaurants, that's all they've ever used. I do like the new white ice but definitely feel that will become dated as it is a specific look.
People may be tired of stainless because it is shown over and over in picture after picture. Think of it the same as anything else, eventually people say the same thing for that.
You have to go with what you like. The minute you see a picture and you jump at it write down what you like. Save it don't second guess it. Continue on until you find the look that is right for you. Regarless of what anyone says.
In building, I still have plenty of time to decide. I enjoy reading thoughts and opinions, hoping to learn much. But in the end I will make the choice that is right for me. ...even if it is stainless that constantly has to be cleaned and seems cold. ...and that's okay.
Phoggie - if you're doing mid/dark/cherry wood-tone cabinets, I would go with black or SS appliances over white (black would be my choice), it would be too much of a contrast to use white. If you want white appliances, I would go with white, light gray, yellow, light/mid blue or lighter (natural birch, natural maple) cabinets. Also try to pick a style of cabinet that in theory, will not go out of style if you're thinking resale. Some styles can look dated quickly, usually can't go wrong with a Shaker style.
Totally understand the stainless steel dilemma — I have an ancient white fridge/oven set up in my kitchen, so it can be frustrating to see the same appliances over and over. We actually have a great ideabook on white appliances, if you're tired of the all metal look:
For other finish inspiration, do a search on white appliances, colorful kitchens or whatever you're looking for in our photo section! Some fun ideas are sure to pop up. I'd also suggest browsing our topics pages, like the countertops page (http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/Kitchen-Counters#Kitchens) for some more material inspiration.
Best of luck Houzzers!
We chose quartz countertops (Cambria Waterford), which are late in arriving because of a production issue, but should be here this week, and I'll be excited to see them. So glad those of you with quartz are happy with it! Our architect/contractor recommended quartz as easier-care than granite.
Personally, I prefer to choose my own appliances and find it unfortunate that one is even to expected to leave them when selling their home. NOT to cause another debate, but it IMPO it is the Real Estate industry that we can thank for that.
Always enjoy your articles.
P.S: Thanks Vanessa for letting me reply to 'mefly'. Shan't make a habit of it. Promise! :)
Do the white my dear. No NEED for a different tone on the island. Sound like you love timeless, and a six million dollar home with a Christopher Peacock white kitchen... is an all white kitchen!
Every countertop person will tell you that on marble. But marble has been in kitchens for centuries!!! and we have been walking on it for that long as well. I say go for it, or check out Zodiac Carerra bianco, which...... can give you the feel with no worries at all. Having said that, there is nothing like the real deal, but do note that for several years, it has been coming from the earth a bit darker, muddier, and with more grey. You may have to search out your slabs to find your idea of perfection!
, if you love Carrara marble you love true white. Subway tiles are classic in true whites as well. Sounds to me you have made your decision, and one that is timeless as well. Don't agonize, go for it! ( tip, take two quarts of Benjamin Moore Decorator white, with one quart Benjamin Moore linen white, mix, and you have a "perfect" cabinet white. Not too icy, not too yellow, not too grey. I had my custom cabinet people make that one of their standard choices, and it is now the best selling of all their "whites" : ) It is clean white and bright without the harsh.
Unless it's an area not used much I say go to something like quartz. You can get all white or variations of whites. It's not a lot of work to take care of and is beautiful.
Sorry marble lovers. I love it too. Just not in the kitchen or bathroom.
Your builder has made a legitimate statement. Not knowing where in the country you are located and the associated climate or the cabinet door style you have selected, both of which can have a profound affect on your cabinetry, my advice would be to ask your builder to install factory made semi-custom cabinets where the paint and glaze are "baked on" then sealed for a more durable finish than what you can expect in a paint in place project, especially if you are in a humid climate. Pleae note that most factory cabinet manufacturers will ask the customer to sign a form acknowledging the vagaries of paint.
You're right of course, but the apps of today are pretty darn amazing. A GE monogram five burner cooktop with a center 18,000 btu burner that will boil up a kettle of pasta water in 90 seconds is one that comes to mind, but even the lowliest appliances are a far cry from those of old! Thankfully huh? Shop around for the conveniences and features most important to you, and don't over or under buy, based on your daily habits, and budget.
Stainless Steel, Black, White, Graphite Gray, Stone Gray, Taupe, Biscuit, Cotton White, Sage, Mint Julep, Sea Glass, Iridescent Blue, Viking Blue, Cobalt Blue, Lemonade, Racing Red, Apple Red, Burgundy, Plum, and Chocolate.
What is the final cabinet color, what are your floors, what material are the counters with the "undecided" color, what is your style, traditional, modern, classic, what? With trusses and a roof, you are quite a way away from a kitchen install. Nothing will happen if you take another week. That is virtually a guarantee. It's the most important room in the house. .....and you are going to own it and your result a lot longer than a week. Ps. on butcher block island top.... yes it can be sanded, But it is a germ fest of permeable surface unless properly cared for, for food prep. Think twice. Make that three times. And tell the builder you need until January 1. Everyone in the manufacturing process is "out to lunch", the design trade pretty much the same. The counters don't go in until the cabinets are set and a template created....ask for January 1 and use the holiday to think!!! Calmly. Happy holidays!
My plans are delayed due to being over budget and are in cost cutting mode. May I ask how much your counters cost? We got an initial quote of $160/sf for a total of $8500 for 53sf of counters needed (it's not a huge amount needed). That just seems ridiculous, I know the Cambria is pricey, but...? I later found out my contractor consulted someone local he knows who doesn't have a lot of experience with quartz and not a Cambria dealer. I told him he needs to price it out more and through a dealer. I'm in the Chicago area.
Thanks!