Design A Put-Together Kitchen With Matching Decor
Want to refresh your kitchen with a coordinated, designer look? Carefully selecting and combining decor elements creates a put-together kitchen aesthetic. From cabinetry to flooring, lighting to accessories, a unified decor scheme pulls the whole room together.
With some planning and design savvy, you can craft a kitchen with seamless style. Read on to learn how to design a put-together kitchen through clever coordinating.
Key Elements To Coordinate
Several main finishings and fixtures make up a kitchen's decor. Keep these elements cohesive, and you build a coordinated space. We'll explore popular options in each category along with ways to artfully combine them.
Cabinetry
Cabinetry forms the backbone in any kitchen. With a myriad of styles and finishes, it strongly impacts the overall aesthetic.
Some top cabinet options include:
- Shaker - A versatile classic featuring a simple flat center panel and straight lines.
- Slab - A sleek modern look with no hardware and minimal seams.
- Flat panel - Subtly detailed doors with a central raised panel.
- Raised panel - Traditional styling with prominent central raised panels.
Stick to one cabinet door style throughout the kitchen for cohesion. Combine with hardware in finishes that complement the look - satin nickel for contemporary, bronze for traditional. The cabinet color also sets the tone. Go for crisp white for cottage charm or opt for on-trend navy blue in a more modern kitchen.
Countertops
Countertops play a supporting role but still impact the overall vibe. Key considerations include:
- Durability - Quartz and granite resist scratches; marble etches easily.
- Maintenance - Quartz needs little upkeep; natural stone requires annual sealing.
- Cost - Laminate is budget-friendly; natural stone carries a higher price tag.
Match your counters to cabinets in terms of color, finish, and style. For example, rough-edged soapstone makes a rustic partner to reclaimed wood cabinets. Clean-lined white quartz pops against modern glossy gray cabinets. Include your counter material in the backsplash for a seamless look.
Flooring
Kitchen flooring sees a lot of traffic and should complement your decor scheme. Factor in aspects like:
- Noise - Cork muffles sound; tiles amplify it.
- Comfort - Wood feels easiest on your feet; stone can get hard and cold.
- Durability - Laminate withstands spills; carpeting stains easily.
Flooring flows best when the tone and texture aligns with cabinets and counters. For example, light oak floorboards work with natural butcher block counters and white cabinetry to create a rustic farmhouse feel. Or pair grey wood-look tile with navy cabinets and white quartz for contemporary appeal.
Backsplash
This decorative feature behind the counters protects your walls while accenting your scheme. Pick materials like:
- Ceramic or porcelain tile - Provides endless pattern and color options from geometric prints to handpainted tiles.
- Glass or stone mosaic - For a glittering, textural look.
- Metal like tin or stainless steel - Industrial edge.
- Natural stone - Marble, travertine, or granite slabs add elegance.
Bring in hues from cabinets and counters for continuity. Introduce a fun complementary color or texture for extra flair. Skilled tile layouts like herringbone patterns can really elevate the look. Update just the backsplash for an affordable decor refresh.
Lighting
Proper kitchen lighting mixes task, ambient, and accent needs. Consider:
- Pendants - Hang over islands and key prep zones for focused task lighting.
- Flush mounts - Provide ambient lighting with unobtrusive styling.
- Sconces - Handy for supplemental task lighting at the sink or stove.
- Under cabinet - Discreet but powerful task lighting choice.
Select fixture finishes that integrate into your decor palette. For example, brushed brass pendant lights work with brass hardware and warm wood cabinetry. Smart options like dimmable Wi-Fi bulbs allow easy ambiance control.
Accessories
Well-chosen accents put the finishing touch on your coordinated look. Tie collections together with:
- Artwork - Mirrors, canvas prints, metal wall art in coordinating color palettes.
- Textiles - Window treatments, rugs, towels pulling from key accent shades.
- Plants - Greenery matching the overall vibe, like succulents for modern.
- Functional items - Soap dispensers, utensil crocks, and shelving in finishes echoing cabinet hardware.
Even small details like the faucet, cabinet knobs, and window treatments should align with the broader decor scheme. This thoughtful cohesion is the hallmark of a put-together kitchen.
Bringing It All Together
With numerous elements at play, designing a coordinated kitchen requires careful planning. Use these tips to harmonize all the pieces into one aesthetic:
- Limit color palette - Stick to 3 core neutrals plus 1-2 accent shades.
- Repeat key materials - Echo cabinetry woods, counter finishes, and metals throughout.
- Maintain consistent finishes - Brushed nickel hardware, textured surfaces, etc.
- Balance textures - Layer glossy and matte elements for interest.
- Mind the details - Coordinate accessories with broader finishes.
Also think about the overall visual weight of different decor pieces. Anchor the space with substantial cabinetry and counters. Lighten up the look with tile backsplash, pendant lighting, and accessory touches.
When designing an open concept kitchen spanning multiple zones, seamlessly integrate the scheme. Extend cabinetry, flooring, and lighting finishes throughout the space. This creates a cohesive flow. Let accent shades travel from zone to zone to connect the aesthetic.
Recommendations By Style
Certain finishes and materials work especially well for popular kitchen styles. Use this quick guide to inspire a put-together look tailored to your desired aesthetic:
Modern
The modern kitchen emphasizes clean lines and a sleek look. Our tips include:
- Slab cabinetry in gloss white or bold colors
- Quartz or concrete counters
- Patterned tile or metal backsplash
- Polished concrete or vinyl plank flooring
- Glass, metal, and marble accents
Traditional
Traditional kitchens embrace classic elegance. Design elements might include:
- Raised panel cabinets in warm wood tones
- Marble counters with carved edge detail
- Subway tile backsplash
- Hardwood flooring
- Bronze hardware and lighting
For a cozy farmhouse feel, key finishes include:
- Shaker cabinets in white or light wood
- Butcher block or quartz counters
- Tin backsplash
- Wood laminate flooring
- Vintage-style hardware and lighting
These suggestions just scratch the surface for crafting a coordinated scheme. You can also blend elements from multiple styles to create your own custom look. The unifying factors are thoughtfully combining finishes and maintaining harmony across all decor decisions.
With research, planning, and expert execution, you can design a kitchen that looks professionally put-together. Keeping decor elements cohesive results in a unified aesthetic that enhances any kitchen.