When it comes to kitchen designs, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right materials for your countertops and cabinetry.

Different materials can vary in price, durability, and style, so it is important to consider all your options before deciding. Before choosing the materials, you need to do some pre-planning.

Space Planning

Every kitchen is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, some general guidelines can help you make the most of your kitchen space.

Appliance locations should be based on the Work Triangle design principle. The Work Triangle is the area between the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator. This is typically the busiest area in the kitchen, so it’s essential to ensure that appliances are easy to reach.

Another critical consideration is traffic flow. You want to create a layout that allows easy movement around the kitchen without causing congestion. You’ll need at least 42” of standing aisle space and 48” of aisle space for busy kitchens or areas designed for more than one person to prepare and cook food.

You also need enough counter space for food preparation and cooking. Ideally, you should have three separate countertop spaces that correspond with your Work Triangle design. This means a counter near your sink, a space next to your stove, and an area near your refrigerator.

Color Palette

Kitchen color schemes can be divided into two basic categories: light and dark. There are endless possibilities for creating a unique and stylish kitchen within these categories.

A light kitchen might have walls painted pale blue or green, with neutral or white cabinets and countertops. Light colors tend to make your kitchen feel larger because they reflect more light. This makes light colors an excellent option for compact or galley-style kitchens.

A dark kitchen may feature deep red or black walls with dark wood cabinetry and granite countertops. Dark kitchens create a sense of drama, making these color combinations ideal for spacious open kitchens.

You can also play with a combination of dark and light colors to change the perception of the space. Black or navy lower cabinet doors and counters combined with white wall and upper cabinetry draw attention toward the ceiling, making the room appear taller and more spacious.

No matter what color scheme you choose, it is essential to remember that a kitchen is where people gather to share food and conversation. You should always select colors that create an inviting and warm atmosphere.

Color has a significant impact on mood. Warm colors like red, yellow, or orange promote happiness and boost your appetite. Cool tones like blue and green are calming.

Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are an essential part of any kitchen remodel. Not only do they provide storage for dishes, cookware, and small appliances, but they also set the tone for the whole room.

Style and function are two of the most important considerations. You might choose sleek, white cabinets if you want a modern look. If you’re more concerned with storage, you might opt for cabinets with lots of drawers and shelves.

Whichever style you choose, make sure the cabinets are made from high-quality materials that will stand up to wear and tear. At Motor City Granite & Cabinets, we offer premium quality cabinetry in a range of finishes, including maple, oak alder, hickory, and quarter sawn oak. We can also install glass-paneled cabinets to give your kitchen the illusion of more space.

Countertops

In addition to solid surface and butcher block, quartz and granite are two of the market’s most popular kitchen countertop materials.

Both quartz and granite are durable and heat-resistant, making them ideal for kitchens. However, there are some critical differences between these two materials.

Quartz is an engineered material made from quartz crystals held together with resin. This gives quartz a more consistent appearance than granite, a natural stone. It is also less susceptible to staining and scratching than granite because it is non-porous. Granite is typically less expensive than quartz.

Quartz comes in a wider range of colors and patterns, while granite offers a subtle yet luxurious natural stone look.

Sinks

Popular materials for sinks include stainless steel, porcelain, and granite. Each has its pros and cons in terms of durability, cost, and maintenance.

Stainless steel is durable but can show water spots more easily than other materials. Porcelain is beautiful but can be more expensive than other options. Granite is easy to clean but may require more care than other materials. You need to reseal it yearly to prevent mold growth.

Once you’ve decided on a material, you’ll also need to choose a style and finish. Do you want a drop-in or undermount sink? An undermount sink creates a seamless, modern aesthetic and saves counter space. They are also easy to clean if they have a positive or zero reveal installation. A drop-in sink is easier and less expensive to install.

What about a single or double basin? A double basin provides additional food prep space and an area to dry dishes but typically takes up more counter space.

And what color and finish will best match your countertops and cabinets? Opt for a sink in a shade that coordinates with your counters to create a cohesive look.

Choosing a top brand of sink manufacturer will add style and functionality to any kitchen remodeling project. Two leading brands to consider are Blanco and Delta.

Blanco

Blanco is a German company that manufactures sinks and other kitchen fixtures.
Blanco’s sinks are made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, porcelain, and granite. The company offers a wide range of sink designs to suit any kitchen style, including undermount, drop-in, and farmhouse sinks.

Their sinks are available in various colors, such as white, black, and silver.
Blanco is committed to offering quality products built to last and their warranty covers all defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the sink.

Delta

Delta is another well-known sink manufacturer. Delta’s sinks are made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel and porcelain. Delta is an industry leader in sink manufacturing, and its products are used by some of the world’s top chefs.

Faucets

Remodeling a kitchen right requires careful attention to detail. The knobs and hardware for drawers should match your chosen color and style. So should, the type of faucet you decide on for the sink.

Two of the most popular brands are Delta and Blanco. Delta offers various styles and innovative features, such as touchless operation and hands-free soap dispensers.

Blanco’s faucets are known for their high quality and durability. Blanco models range from simple and elegant to modern and edgy, so you can find one that reflects your personal style.

Hardware

There are three main types of kitchen hardware: knobs, pulls and handles.

Knobs are the most common type of kitchen hardware. They’re easy to install and use, and they’re very affordable. The disadvantage of knobs is they can be difficult to grip, especially if your hands are wet or greasy.

Pulls are a bit more expensive than knobs, but they’re also easier to grip. They come in various styles, so you can find something that matches your kitchen’s décor. The best cabinet styles for pulls include Shaker and Mission.

Handles are the most expensive kitchen hardware but offer the best grip and durability. They’re also the easiest to install. Their most significant disadvantage is that handles can be intrusive and may not fit well with some cabinet styles.

Plan Your Dream Kitchen With Motor City Granite & Cabinets

If you are planning a kitchen remodel or building a new home, contact Motor City Granite & Cabinets. Our experienced design team can help you choose and install the right materials to create your dream kitchen. Call us at (248) 609-3728 to request a quote or arrange a visit to our showroom.