Kitchen Materials Guide
When it comes to building, design, and décor, most of us do not have an extensive background or training on the subject. It is easy to look at beautiful magazine spreads, architecture articles, and DIY blogs to get a sense for what style speaks to you. But when it comes to reality, how do we choose the appropriate materials for our space?
Of course, the very first thing you must always explore is your budget. Before shopping around, decide on a concrete number that you are willing to spend on this project, and don’t even bother looking at anything that exceeds beyond that point. Secondly, before pulling the trigger on any purchase, make sure to shop around for deals and sales.
We could spend hours, days, months…years on this topic. Therefore, today we are going to narrow it down and focus on the kitchen. This space is an integral part of most people’s homes, and it is important to choose a material that is functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing. Below we will look at three common materials found in the kitchen. Hopefully this will provide some insight into your future design plans.
Wood
This material is extremely versatile. If you dream of a rustic kitchen, wood is the perfect element to bring this to fruition. But wood doesn’t have to signify a traditional style. We love that we are seeing so many modern kitchens utilizing wood in unique ways. Furniture, counters, and décor can all incorporate wood to either soften the environment, or to produce clean structural lines. One of the best features of this product is its durability. If it is properly cared for, it can last a lifetime and beyond.
Pictured above is a narrow kitchen with dark reddish brown cupboards with white counter tops.
Marble
If you are someone that loves pristine clean lines, marble is certainly a material that you want to take a closer look at. The addition of marble into the kitchen can often produce a light airy atmosphere. It can be cost effective and is beautifully paired with other elements such as wood, brass, and chrome. It is heat resistant which is definitely a plus if you spend a lot of time cooking and baking in your kitchen. But keep in mind that marble does take a little bit of work to maintain its beauty and luster. It is a porous material that can be prone to stains if not treated properly, and over time it may start to show scratches that take away from the original shine. In addition to your budget, make sure to consider how much time and energy you really want to spend on maintaining this product.
Pictured above is a kitchen with 3 barstools at the counter and white marble counter tops with white cupboards.
Granite
Granite countertops are a great way to add color to your kitchen. You may be surprised by the variety of whites, blues, golds, reds, and blacks that you will find in this material. The different patterns and hues can accentuate your fixtures and décor. You will have different options such as solid or speckled. Or you may like a more marbled pattern. Think about adding curved countertops, or unique edges. Granite can be used for either a traditional style, or a more sleek and modern aesthetic.
Pictured above is a granite kitchen 2 bowl sink with silver faucet.
If you are looking into buying, building, or remodeling your kitchen, the first thing you will think of is how you want the space to look. Next you might consider the functionality. And at some point, you will always think about the materials. The great news is that you have options depending on your style and budget. The hard part is making the final decision. Good luck!