Choosing the right colors, countertops, cabinets and flooring can be a challenge. There are so many choices – from colors to textures, materials to finishes, and more. On top of the style options, function and affordability also come into play. You want to create kitchen that is not only beautiful and functional, but one that is timeless. No one wants to choose a color or style, especially for countertops, cabinets, and flooring, or any one of these big three, that will go out of fashion, become tiresome quickly, or result in reducing the value of your home. If you know it’s time to remodel your kitchen, but don’t have a theme or style in mind, a reputable kitchen contractor can provide you with options and help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Decisions, decisions, decisions – Let’s make some – the right ones!

Simplicity and Style

Not everything is black or white, there are lots of shades in between and your kitchen is no exception. Keeping wall colors neutral – think soft gray, eggshell, classic white, pale yellow, or natural taupe – can give you an excellent backdrop on which to build your personal kitchen style. Bold colors can be introduced later in big and small ways and always highlighting your style. Your style choices from accessories to appliances, can be traditional, modern, or an eclectic mix as you create your new kitchen around a neutral foundational color. Of course, your timeless design begins with the big three which are focused on here – countertops, cabinets, and floors.

As you choose your overall color palette, utilize a color chart, seeking out colors which complement one another. In most cases, you’ll want three hues – two strong colors along with an accent color. The stronger colors should be complementary, with the accent color harmonizing and emphasizing them simultaneously. Remember, simplicity and style are your goals, as is a cohesive and functional palette. Think about one of the most timeless kitchen styles – white cabinets paired with darker countertops, and floors which unite them tastefully.

The Countertop

Your new countertop is the ideal starting point. Why? Among today’s most popular choices are natural stone countertops – like granite and marble – or other materials based on the fluidity aesthetics of natural stones – including quartz, solid surface, and today’s laminate. These options vary in color, pattern, and movement and making flooring and cabinets easier to coordinate. As you consider countertop materials, keep functionality and costs in mind as you make your selection. You don’t want to fall in love with a countertop material which won’t hold up for the long haul, will bust your budget, or will require endless maintenance. Instead fall in love with the ideal material, color, pattern, and movement which you can coordinate your cabinets and flooring beautifully. Once you have your countertop selected, get a sample to use as you move on to selecting cabinets and flooring.

The Flooring

As with countertop materials, flooring materials also come in a wide range of options and colors. You’ll want to coordinate the countertop colors with the flooring, and consider the textures involved as well. Whether you choose hardwoods, tile flooring, vinyl, bamboo, or concrete, choose colors and textures which are pleasing to the eye, will function well in the high traffic area of your new kitchen, won’t require ongoing maintenance, and fit your budget.

The Cabinets

Now that you have your countertops and flooring selected, have your samples in hand and as you choose your cabinets, remember your lower cabinets will come between the floor and the countertop. With that in mind, consider cabinet styles and colors that will unify your kitchen. Often the second strong color you chose is the ideal option for the cabinets, always keeping in mind functionality and budget limits as you make your selection.