Tile: Stone? Glass? Ceramic? Think about how you cook, do you splatter occasionally or are you as neat as can be? These make a difference when selecting a tile for your back splash and even your floor. Stone is a natural product which many people like but if not sealed properly it can be prone to stains and if the stone tile is heavily textured it could get food particles stuck in the crevices. Glass is pretty easy to clean, not usually a good idea for floors. Now it can show fingerprints and water spots but those disappear once you wipe it off. Ceramic tile is a good inexpensive option and durable. Ceramic comes in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes so if you are looking for ceramic you will can easily find something you like.
Lighting: Overhead and Task Lighting is important in a working kitchen. Usually when doing a remodel recessed lights are a great choice but don't forget about task lighting. Under cabinet lighting is a great choice fr task lighting. Overhead light can be blocked by your shadow when doing tasks like cutting veggies. Make sure not to overlook this important detail that can make cooking in your kitchen more functional.
Counter Tops: Granite? Concrete? Wood? Granite has reigned champion for many years now and yes it is durable, its a rock. But there are other options and regardless what material you choose think about the finished edge of your counter top. Bull nose is commonly used in more traditional designs or a rounded bevel edge but think beyond your neighbors kitchen. If you are going for a more modern look then maybe a 90 degree edge is best. Granite is abundant but who knows how long we will be able to source it. Keep in mind granite does need to be sealed and every year or so you could reseal it to keep it looking great. Concrete, this versatile man-made material is making a splash in the residential interior design world. Concrete counter top fabricators can make exactly what you want; you can get any color you want by staining it and you can also get additional materials set in the concrete. I have done a concrete with recycled glass set in it and it turned out great! So no it doesn't have to be just grey. Wood Counter tops are making a comeback! For people who do a lot of prep work (chopping) a wood counter could be your own built in butcher block! But some prefer only doing a certain section of their counters in wood. Also wood can be used as an interesting bar material. A slab of wood with a live edge can be a great accent in a kitchen and even a conversation piece.
Cabinet Hardware: Handle or Knob? Think how you grab to open a drawer or cabinet. This will help you make a comfortable decision. Some prefer knobs that are easy to grab others prefer pulls or a handle style. If you have a tendency to brush against the cabinets and snag your clothes then something with a smooth edge or doesn't stick out too far is probably what you want to keep in mind when looking for new cabinet hardware. Also placement on the drawer or cabinet can make a difference in ease of use.
Cabinet Finish:Gloss or Matte Think about the other elements in your kitchen. Did you go with a glossy glass back splash or high gloss counters? You want some variety in your materials. Try to not make every surface the same gloss level. If you have high shine on back splash and/or counters then consider doing a more matte finish on cabinets. If you go with a natural stone that has a matte finish then high gloss cabinets can be a good choice to create more interest.
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