Choose Cabinet, Counter and Floor Combos That Wow

Few rooms make as powerful a style statement as the kitchen. With so many design elements to balance - cabinetry, countertops, flooring, backsplashes and more - creating harmony can be a challenge. But when done right, thoughtfully matched finishes take your kitchen from blah to spectacular.

Read on to learn the secrets of designing a visually cohesive, show-stopping kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinet Materials and Styles

Your cabinetry sets the foundation for your kitchen's style. Materials, finish, door style and layout all impact the look and functionality of the space. Consider the following when selecting cabinets.

Wood Species and Finishes

Opt for a classic look with cabinet doors made from hardwoods like oak, maple and cherry in a natural or stained finish. Play up the traditional vibe with raised panel doors and detailed trim. Or go contemporary with a painted finish in a bold, modern color. Whether you choose stains that match the tone of your flooring or a crisp white paint that contrasts it, consider how cabinet finish impacts the kitchen as a whole.

Door Styles

Door style significantly affects cabinet design. For contemporary appeal, choose flat slab cabinet fronts with integrated pulls. Shaker cabinets offer flexible style with their clean, simple lines of recessed door panels. To infuse traditional charm, consider more ornamental raised panel doors or add a touch of openness and glow with glass cabinet fronts.

Layout and Design

Your lifestyle should inform kitchen layout. For entertaining, open floor plans pair an spacious island with a great room. Busy cooks benefit from an efficient galley or L-shaped work area. Customize storage with drawers, roll-outs, and specialty organizers to maximize every inch. Open shelving introduces breezy style while closed cabinetry conceals clutter.

Countertop Materials

Countertops significantly impact your kitchen's functionality and aesthetics. Leading materials like granite, quartz and laminate each offer unique advantages. Choosing the right counters to complement your cabinetry and floors takes careful thought.

Granite

As a natural stone, granite makes a timeless, durable countertop. Its speckled pattern adds unique personality that pairs nicely with traditional cabinets and hardwood flooring. Available in many colors from dramatic black to cheerful greens, granite can be an accent or a neutral. A polished finish plays up shine while honed granite softens the look. Edge styles like eased or beveled add finished detail.

Quartz

If durability tops your list, quartz counters are the way to go. Sleek quartz offers the look of stone with added resilience. While available in many patterns, quartz rarely competes visually with more ornate cabinetry. Instead, it acts as a neutral canvas that allows other elements to shine. From marble-look patterns to unique blends, the array of quartz styles complement both traditional and contemporary kitchens.

Laminate

Budget-friendly laminate counters provide an affordable design alternative. Today's laminates mimic patterns and textures ranging from stone to wood to cement, found in everything from contemporary concrete-look counters to traditional butcher block designs. What's more, laminate comes in almost unlimited colors. Durable laminate pairs especially well with busy cabinetry by acting as a quiet style counterpoint.

Kitchen Flooring Options

Flooring finishes your kitchen's look while standing up to heavy wear. Tile, hardwood and vinyl plank floors are leading choices prized for beauty and durability.

Tile Floors

From classic ceramic tile to textured stone, tile brings timeless style to kitchen floors. Variations in grout line width impact the look from modern large-format tile with thin joints to intricate patterns of small mosaic tiles. Match colored or metallic grout to tile color for seamless appeal. Pairing tile with stone or solid surface countertops creates harmonious style. Contrast dark tile with light cabinets for drama.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood infuses warmth and richness into kitchen design. Durable solid wood with inlaid decorative patterns crafts a custom look. For a more budget-friendly option, engineered wood installs easily while still boasting real wood's beauty. Whether you choose oak, exotic Brazilian cherry or whitewashed pine, this natural material pairs beautifully with stone counters and traditional cabinets.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring or LVP offers the allure of wood or tile with superb durability and water resistance. Planks clicking together for simple DIY-friendly installation. Beyond wood looks, vinyl plank imitates stone, cement and other textures. Pair vinyl wood planks with traditional cabinetry or opt for sleek concrete-style vinyl alongside contemporary counters.

Tying It All Together

With myriad kitchen elements to coordinate - cabinets, counters, flooring, backsplash - creating harmony may seem daunting. Follow these fundamental design tips to fashion a pulled-together kitchen design you'll love.

Color Palette

Tie the room together through a cohesive color scheme. Contrasting shades in the same tone work better than clashing bright hues. Neutral cabinetry glazed to match a granite countertop backdrop unifies the look. A navy island and matching tile backsplash pop against blonde hardwood floors and white cabinetry.

Patterns and Textures

Too many competing prints create chaos. Anchor the room with solid cabinets or flooring, then layer in accents through tile, stone surfaces or textured rugs. Quartz or concrete counters balance intricate traditional cabinets while providing sleek contrast. A glass and metal backsplash refreshes ornate cabinet fronts with sleek shine.

DIY vs Professional Installation

While cabinet assembly, counter cutting and floor installation demand pro skills, design-savvy DIYers can save on costs by painting cabinets, retiling counters and installing click-lock vinyl plank flooring themselves. Evaluate your skill level vs when to call in an expert. Planning your projects strategically cuts costs without sacrificing quality.

Creating a kitchen with visually pleasing flow requires thoughtful coordination. Keep style balanced by allowing cabinetry, counters and flooring to share the spotlight. Seek harmony through subtle plays of color, complementary textures and a cohesive finish palette. Approach kitchen remodeling with an eye for not just functional spaces but also holistic, welcoming style.

Download our free Kitchen Planning Guide using the button below for more design inspiration and tips for matching all your kitchen elements with finesse. With diligent planning and expert execution, your dream kitchen awaits!