The kitchen has evolved from construction grade cabinets and plastic laminate countertops to a modern showcase with commercial grade appliances and exotic stone countertops. The days of extreme ‘over the top’ kitchen remodeling may be long gone, but that still doesn’t change the fact that the kitchen is one of the hardest working areas in the home. Choosing durable yet attractive finishes is still important, but it shouldn’t break the bank. Here are some tips on choosing materials for your kitchen, including how to get a high-end look without spending a ton of money.

Selection of countertop materials

There are so many countertop materials to choose from, many people just don’t know where to start. There is also a wide range of prices even within a material (such as stone). For an affordable option, consider plastic laminate. There are some sophisticated patterns and colors available now that, when paired with a tile backsplash and designer paint colors, can look great together. There are also new edge details that eliminate seams that can be damaged.

For budgets in between, look for solid surface materials like Corian. These materials have evolved well beyond basic white and are now available in patterns that are more like stone. One big advantage of solid surface countertops is the ability to integrate a sink into the countertop. Therefore, cleaning with water in the sink and cleaning is easier.

Another newer countertop option is Quartz. Quartz countertops turn quartz into slabs that look almost like stone. One of the many benefits of these countertops is that they do not absorb liquids that are spilled on the surface.

Natural stone countertops are also a popular choice and a visit to your local stone patio will show you that there are literally hundreds of options. To help you find a suitable stone faster, ask for help searching for stones only within a certain price range and/or color range. When you find a stone you like, try taking a sample home and see how it holds up to wine, ketchup, mustard, and spilled oils. Beware of stones with many fillers. Fillers are a sign of lower quality stone and can be more easily damaged and even fall out.

Other new options are concrete, glass and paper countertops. Many of these are fine for kitchen use, but some won’t be durable enough over time. If you are using a material that has not been tested over time, inspect a facility that has been in use for some time.

Selection of cabinet materials

One tip when choosing cabinets is to look at the interior door style of your home (the doors to each room, such as a bedroom). Many times, choosing a cabinet door style that matches the interior doors of the home is an easy and safe way to ensure that your new kitchen design looks good. Don’t make the mistake of selecting a fancy door style unless your home calls for it. You don’t want your friends walking into your kitchen and saying, “Wow, look at your fancy cabinets!” You want them to say, “wow, look at your amazing kitchen!” You want them to notice everything. If you have children and pets, consider a stained wood cabinet instead of a painted one. They will usually end up looking better for a longer period of time and are easier to touch up when cut. If you’re considering a faux or decorative finish, keep in mind that when looking at a painted sample on a door, you’ll generally want it to look less weathered than you think it should rather than overly weathered. When you’re installing all the kitchen doors, it can look very ‘over the top’ if you’re too strict with faux or decorative finishes.

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Often the first thing I consider when choosing a floor is combining an adjacent floor material in another room or space. If there are wooden floors in adjoining rooms, a good solution may be to extend the wood into the kitchen. This is especially true in a smaller space, where continuing with the same flooring material will usually make the space feel larger. If you don’t want hardwood floors in the kitchen, then consider a tile that has a similar color value to the adjacent hardwood floor, so the transition won’t be harsh and break up the space. A resistant material such as cork can be an excellent option for the kitchen, since it is slightly soft when stepped on and better tolerates a plate being dropped on it. Natural materials like Marmoleum are also great and a good “green” option.

How to Select Backsplash Materials

For whatever reason, backsplash is often the most difficult material choice for people. But the backsplash is one area that can have incredible visual impact and help tie the design together. If you’re having trouble choosing a material, look to the other kitchen surfaces for inspiration. In a more modern kitchen, choosing a stainless steel backsplash to match your stainless steel appliances can be a wise decision. For a less expensive option, look for plastic laminates that look like stainless steel that you can even install yourself (but resist the urge to use them on countertops, as many aren’t rated for use on horizontal surfaces). Glass mosaics can be another good option to join materials of different colors. There are so many glass mosaic options available today that choosing one can be a challenge. A safe place to start is by choosing a glass mosaic that brings out the colors of your countertop. Other material you might want to consider are sheet glass, plastic laminate, stone tile, ceramic tile, or even wood (painted or sealed, of course).

While choosing kitchen materials can be challenging, just take it one step at a time and you’ll get there. Start with finishing the countertop and cabinet. Once you have chosen them, select a material for the floor. Then choose your backsplash and paint colors. This process will help you choose everything more quickly, so you can finish construction a little sooner and then enjoy your new kitchen.