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1. Backsplash and Paint

A dash of paint and a new backsplash can add the right pop of color to your new kitchen. How do you know which tiles to choose, or where to add the backsplash? Start by comparing backsplash tiles to your countertops to see if the colors match and work well together. The tiles you end up with should be cohesive with the lighting fixtures, hardware and counters. Do not be afraid to play around with different colors, shapes and finishes until you find the right look.

When choosing paint for your kitchen, stay within the color scheme. Your flooring, cabinets, appliances and fixtures should work together for a balanced aesthetic. A great rule is to match your walls and cabinets to your island, then add an accent color with your backsplash tile. If you love a dramatic monochromatic look, keep all your walls one color and change the shade of your cabinets so they are just one hue up or down from the wall color.

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2. Kitchen Cabinets

As modern taste and trends make their way into the home, wood-finished cabinets are often replaced with open shelving and glass paned doors. If you prefer to have a lot of storage or a fully stocked pantry, having more cabinet space can make a huge difference in your kitchen.

You should also think about how high you want your cabinets to reach. Units that go up to the ceiling may add more storage space, but they can make your kitchen feel smaller. You will have to consider the design and placement of wall cabinets, base cabinets and drawers when building your dream kitchen. Or you can add your own flair with custom cabinets that are completely unique.

You’ll also need to decide between custom, semi-custom, or pre-fab (stock) cabinets, since each option comes with a different price tag and level of flexibility. Pre-fab cabinets are mass-produced in standard sizes and are ready to install, making them the most budget-friendly option. Semi-custom cabinets offer more flexibility in size, finish, and style while still being built from a manufacturer’s existing framework, putting them at a mid-range price point. Custom cabinets are built to your exact specifications from scratch, giving you the most control over materials, dimensions, and design, but that added craftsmanship comes at the highest cost. Weighing your budget against how much personalization you want will help you determine which route makes the most sense for your kitchen.

3. Islands and Peninsulas

Kitchen islands got their start in the 1950s and have only gained popularity since. Along with extra cooking space, islands can offer additional storage, a place to sit and eat and the discreet placement of a dishwasher or wine cooler. It seamlessly combines the living and kitchen spaces while still offering style and personalization.

One of the more popular and modern adaptations of an island is the waterfall kitchen island. Unlike traditional kitchen peninsulas, which are flat slabs of granite or marble placed on top of base cabinets, waterfall islands are one piece that flow to the floor. Along with using classic materials like marble, you can choose quartz, stainless steel, a butcher block and even concrete for waterfall countertops and islands.

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4. Kitchen Flooring

Once you have decided on a design, you can start choosing the elements that will bring it to life. Every room begins with flooring. Once you have decided on the type and color of flooring you want, you can build the rest of the kitchen around it. Choosing your flooring is one of the easiest decisions to make during the renovation process.

Start by considering the overall look you want your kitchen to have. Do you love a country farmhouse kitchen, or a modern minimalistic setting? Hardwood floors are a classic, but you may prefer a tile flooring that is easier to clean. There are hundreds of colors, patterns and mediums to choose from. Your daily habits, routines and personal style will help inform your decision.

5. Appliances

Perhaps the biggest investment in your kitchen, your appliances play a major role in the design and functionality of the space. Modern stainless steel and classic vintage cutouts each have their purpose and place when creating your perfect kitchen renovation. The most recent trend is camouflaged appliances, which are flawlessly masked as additional cabinets or storage. This allows your space to appear cleaner and minimalistic while still holding the same functions and convenience.

The appliances you choose for your kitchen will last about 10 years. A built-in refrigerator will save space while looking stylish. Adding a dual oven or microwave drawer can make cooking user-friendly and more enjoyable. You have the opportunity to explore the best ways to highlight your new appliances or tuck them away to surprise your guests.

6. Storage

Before you finalize your designs, double and triple check that you have more than enough storage. Often, kitchen remodelers underestimate the amount of food they buy, how much cookware they have and how much space their appliances really take up.

Reflect on where exactly you want to store your food. Do you want to expand your kitchen with a separate pantry, or include additional cabinets that are designated for snacks? Do you like the idea of hideaway storage, such as a tip out tray for under your sink, a pull-out cutting board, building racks, hanging storage or hidden shelves behind the backsplash?

With kitchen technology developing and expanding, you can consider how to save space while still having everything you need right at your fingertips.

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7. Smaller Details

It is the smaller details that add the most character to a space. There are millions of kitchens out there, but this one is special because it is uniquely yours.

A vintage faucet can add charm and character to your kitchen. Under cabinet lighting, tile niches, a pot filler by the stove and a special place for your herbs and spices can subtly show off your flair while adding functionality. Remember, you have more than enough time to find the smaller details that best fit your home. Consult with our experts in kitchen design services by calling us at (318) 724-5656 to bring charisma and efficiency into your space.