Most homeowners, when queried, would state their preference for either remodeling the kitchen or bathroom. This inference is seconded by most real estate brokers who know that these are the two rooms in the house that make the biggest impression on buyers. House stagers also know that making simple changes to either area can add much needed value to a sellers price.

If the food preparation area is designated to be changed, one of the most popular items is the kitchen countertop. They come in a variety of materials, including laminate, solid surface, quartz, and natural stone. However, there are a great variety of reasons why this item needs to be replaced. The main rationale is simply how they appear to the current occupants of the home. If this look becomes old or drab, a replacement is necessary. This will vary depending on the type of home and the budget set aside.

A great motivation to getting this type of work done is a whole new renovation to the space. Most designers have a certain style that they like to work with, and this typically leads to a fresh new look for the counter. It often involves matching both the appearance of the cupboards, and type of floor that is being installed. Each of these lends itself to a perfect coordination of the room. Not all materials go together however, so the homeowner would have the final say so in what is actually put in her kitchen.

Another reason for change is simply the desire for a new surface. However, hanging from one surface to another can be a bigger change than most people realize. Typically, this involves templating and removal of the existing surface, disposal of old items, plumbing disconnect and reconnection, possible electrical work, color selection, sink and faucet selection, and more depending on the scope of your project. It is important to have a good company on your side to help walk you through the countertop process.

There is also the possibility that the countertop is simply worn out. With repeated use, chips, splits, cracks and other assorted accidents tend to wear out some materials. When the countertop is not made of a sturdy material, there are always unforeseen problems that tend to cause damage. This is just typical of any room in the house.

For most people, the idea of new kitchen countertops is an exciting idea. They can spruce up a home, giving it the attractive feel of a new dwelling. This does not even have to be an exotic material, since any change will bring about a sense of anticipation and newness.

Remodeling the kitchen takes a lot of preparation and should also require plenty of time for premeditated style choices. One of the biggest choices to make when preparing to create a new kitchen is what type of atmosphere you want the room to have. Do you want it to give off a modern feel or a more traditional, homey feel? The way to make this decision could be based on the style of the rest of your home or on a change you want to be made regarding what you dislike about your current kitchen. Whichever style you choose, the kitchen cabinets play a crucial role in creating the atmosphere that you want for the room.

What makes a kitchen look more modern or contemporary? Modern kitchens often look much more sleek in appearance than a traditional one with more of a clean, stark feel rather than a cluttered look. They also often have solid, plain colors to minimize distractions and complement the metallic look of appliances like the refrigerator and the dishwasher. In the case of a modern look, kitchen cabinets should look minimal and geometric with straightforward colors like black or white.

With a traditional kitchen the goal is to be warm and inviting in appearance and not be afraid to create accents here and there to make things look a bit ornate. Traditional kitchens typically utilize wood cabinets because they look classic and timeless while making guests feel instantly at home. The cabinets can also have glass doors to give them an old fashioned style which will work with the atmosphere of the kitchen. The traditional kitchen uses soft colors that can complement the wood color of the cabinets and counters.
Whether you decide to go for a modern look or a traditional kitchen, make sure you are consistent in the materials and styles you choose. What matters most is a cohesive look so that people understand what you are going for with the feel of your kitchen. Take time to plan all the little details and preview the kind of design you want online so that when you get started you will be satisfied with the final result.

A growing trend in kitchen design is using two different style cabinets or two different color kitchen cabinets. If you are accustomed to the traditional uniform look in a kitchen, than this may be a new concept to you. There are a wide range of looks you can create by combining different cabinet styles, so I have pointed out a couple of the most common reasons below.

Creating a vintage or old-world kitchen look – when trying to create a vintage look in any room of your home, it is often common to mix antiques and new pieces to give the impression that items were accummulated over time. The same look can be achieved in the kitchen by using different style cabinets. A really good way to use two different styles is to use one color for the island and another for the cabinets. You can also use one color for the wall cabinets and one for the base cabinets. By simply choosing a two different style cabinets and adding some custom accessories, you can create the illusion that your kitchen was assembled over time

Adding a focal point to your kitchen – by using a different style cabinet on a specific wall, or over the cooktop, you can add a splash of color and create a focal point for the room. This is a great way to add some personality to your kitchen, and can be a great way to experiment with a color that may be too bold for the entire room.

Creating separate work spaces- Using two different cabinet styles in your kitchen is also a great way to create separate work areas in your kitchen. This can be used when there is a desk area in your kitchen, or when you simply want to separate the cook top area from the prep station.

The most common combination when using two different cabinet styles is picking a neutral cream color painted kitchen cabinet and a darker stained wood cabinet. Don’t be afraid to experiment with two different shades of stain on the same style cabinet. Good luck with your kitchen remodel.