Preparing for a kitchen renovation can bring up so many feelings for homeowners. We’re excited at the possibilities for what could be but it’s also possible to feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do and learn along the way. If you’re tackling a kitchen renovation either currently or planning for a future reno I've written a post about the realities of a renovation and what to expect.
One of the ways that I help my clients is by sharing some of the materials that I’ve used previously and that have proven to be useful to other homeowners. Today I’m sharing that list with you.
10 Materials I Love to Use in Kitchen Renovations
1/ Quartz Countertops
Quartz has taken the first place in countertop materials over the last few years. In the past we all wanted granite but we have slowly moved away from that and towards this more durable and easy material. I particularly love using quartz to design waterfall countertops like I did in this kitchen renovation. We also love to add quartz as the backsplash. Doing so offers an easy to clean, durable and cohesive look.
One of the main reasons that quartz is so popular is that it can mimic the look of natural marble but without the maintenance. After the long-running popularity of granite’s dark and busy patterns the pendulum swung in the opposite direction and suddenly everyone wanted the calm, serene lightness of quartz.
2/ Glass Front Cabinets
Yes, there is an additional expense when adding glass to your cabinets but it’s a good investment. Glass helps to give a more elevated appearance to your kitchen and will look like you had a designer onboard, even if you did it alone.
Glass has such a big impact aesthetically that even the smallest addition can transform your space. You can apply this to just the small cabinets at the top of your cabinet bank or in just a couple of accent cabinets but the impact will be significant.
3/ Oak Flooring
I love the look of light to mid-tone flooring and oak is the perfect choice. It always looks timeless and although it’s currently trending hard it truly will never go out of style.
There are a variety of materials you can use to get the look and don’t need to blow the budget on solid wood. Although you can’t mimic the elegance of real solid oak, there are a few high quality flooring materials that are more cost effective and still provide beauty and durability.
4/ Subway Tile
There are always tiles that are trending and some of them are timeless and will always be in style while others are going to time stamp your renovation. Pay attention to what’s considered trendy when selecting tile. You don’t want anything that will be dated within a few years because replacing tile is a big expense.
One of the materials I always rely on is a subway tile. They are never, ever going to be outdated but they can add so much visual interest to your kitchen. The array of colours, sizes and finishes ensure that you’ll always be able to find a subway tile that works with your home.
5/ Matching Grout
If you spend a lot of time on Pinterest you may have noticed an uptick in bathroom renovations that included white tile with black grout. While it does look nice at first glance, it will always draw your eye to it because of the high contrast. I don’t want the grout in my kitchen renovations to be a focal point so I make an effort to match the grout to the colour of the tile.
The only exception to this rule for me is when I use white subway tile. It’s so hard to clean white grout so I may use a soft gray or a soft taupe. The colour isn’t exactly the same as the tile but the contrast is so minimal that your eye won’t detect the change. This will make cleaning your grout a bit easier than white grout.
6/ Mixing Materials
If you’re managing your own renovation you may feel overwhelmed by the selections and want to navigate towards safety. While that’s understandable it can also be limiting the final aesthetic. Part of what makes a well-designed kitchen so appealing is the risks homeowners take, particularly in mixing the materials they use.
One of the easiest ways to mix materials is through the cabinetry selections. I love to mix a painted cabinet with a wood cabinet or two different paint colours on various cabinets. The effect is always unique and looks customized for you.
7/ Statement Pendant
When you consider the materials that go into a kitchen renovation you’ll see that there are a lot of hard, angular surfaces. This can make a kitchen feel cold so it’s important to add some organic shapes that will help to soften all the lines of a kitchen.
One of the most impactful ways to accomplish this is through pendants and light fixtures. Look for pieces that have a strong visual impact but also help to offset the straight lines of cabinetry. Pendants can also create an elevated look in your space and you don’t always have to pay a lot for statement pendants. If you want to learn more about the importance of lighting in every room including your kitchen, read this post.
8/ Gold Hardware
There is no right answer when it comes to hardware. Use your palette as inspiration but when all things are equal I think gold hardware can add an element of sophistication and luxury to a kitchen.
I love incorporating gold faucets as well but if you prefer a nickel or chrome, go for it. There’s a lot to love about mixing metals in a kitchen as well.
9/ Wall Mounted Oven(s)
Regardless of whether you love cooking or not, an oven is an essential part of every kitchen. Most homeowners assume when they’re designing their kitchen that the oven needs to be installed alongside the lower bank of cabinetry but does it have to be like that?
I love installing an oven (or two ovens) at counter height or above because this can make it easier for homeowners, particularly those who have mobility issues. No more bending over to lift heavy objects from the oven.
10/ Gas Stovetop
Gas stoves are very popular amongst homeowners who love to cook because they offer the best and most even heat distribution for cooking. That’s not the only reason to love a gas stove though. I love the rough, industrial look of the grills against all the painted, metal and shiny surfaces throughout the rest of a kitchen. There is something that allows these pieces to stand out and create opposition in the design.
I hope this helps you prepare for your own kitchen renovation. If you would like to discuss how a designer can help you, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss how I can help you with your upcoming project.
