So much of the personality and style of your kitchen is decided by the materials you choose. Wood, brick, marble, metal, the choices are endless. Materials such as natural wood and brick give your kitchen lots of texture and a warm, cozy feeling. White raised-panel wood cabinetry combined with black marble countertops and stainless appliances creates a simple, classic look. For a more modern kitchen, choose elements such as slate floors, granite countertops, and dark wood cabinetry. You don't have to go all-out with one look, try mixing materials for a more personal kitchen. Using industrial materials, such as granite and concrete, give a kitchen a modern edge, but warm wood cabinets keep it from feeling too cold and sleek. Shiny accents, such as stainless appliances, and nickel or chrome lighting, update a classic kitchen. Choosing cabinetry is an important decision that affects not only the function, but also the fashion of your kitchen. Traditional panel door front cabinetry allows for plenty of storage, and provides uniformity to your space. Take full advantage of closed-front organization by customizing shelving and bringing some cabinets all the way down to the countertop. Flat panel door fronts provide all the convenience of close cabinetry, but have a much cleaner, sleeker look. Get creative with your cabinet fronts by choosing different finishes. Glass fronted cabinets provide plenty of room for storage, but have a light, airy feeling. They also provide great display space for some of your favorite tabletop accessories. If you prefer to have everything out in the open, consider replacing traditional cabinetry with shelving. Wood shelves with brackets feel traditional, while metal shelving has a more industrial look. With all the options out there, choosing your cabinets may feel overwhelming, but remember, there is no wrong decision. Be true to your needs and your style preferences, and you'll be sure to love your results.
