Kitchens are truly the heart of a home. Yes, we know living rooms are great. Primary bedrooms and bathrooms are so worth the upgrade. But kitchens? Kitchens are where it’s at. Literally.

Just think of the foot traffic that a kitchen gets daily. All those looky-loos in the fridge for a snack; the constant opening and closing of cabinetry; the water bottle refills; the ever-constant stack of dishes in the sink (okay, maybe that’s just our house). Kitchens really are the heart of a home, even if you’re more of a take-out crowd than a home-cooked meal family. 

So, choosing the right materials for a kitchen remodel is perhaps the most important decision you’ll make when renovating your home. It can set the whole tone for the rest of the house. 

While style is usually the first consideration for homeowners, as designers – we know that style and functionality go hand-in-hand. 

With this in mind, here’s how to select the most appropriate materials for a functional and stylish kitchen:

Selecting Materials for Countertops

Natural stone is a popular choice for countertops here in Miami, and rightfully so. It’s beautiful to look at, and certain types of stone are highly resistant to water and heat. Quartz is a durable, resistant to mold, mildew and stains and is available in a range of color options. 

Granite is highly durable, resistant to heat and abrasions, but it can require regular sealing to maintain its appearance. 

Despite its popularity, Marble is actually more prone to scratches and stains than granite or quartz. Even so, it is resistant to heat, cracking, and breaking. It’s stunning marble veining sets it apart aesthetically. With a higher price point, and a need for annual sealing, marble is best-suited for those who really want that unique look in the kitchen. 

Selecting Materials for Cabinetry

Whether you’re looking at an all-white kitchen, a moody mix of rich wood and muddy paint hues, or a light and airy neutral look – your cabinetry will help set that stage. 

While solid wood is a more expensive choice for cabinetry, the durability and strength they provide are 100% worth it. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you might consider laminate, which is also very easy to clean and comes in a variety of styles. In fact, laminate can be designed to mimic the appearance of real wood pretty closely. Another highly affordable, low-maintenance option is Thermofoil, which is a vinyl material known for its resistance to chipping, staining, and moisture. 

For most homeowners, the material is the starting point that launches into the discussion of style. From shaker and flat-panel to inset and glass, your cabinets set the stage for the overall style you are looking to capture in your space. 

Selecting Materials for Flooring

Durability and water resistance is the name of the game for kitchen floors. While porcelain and ceramic tile are great options for kitchen floors, they are not the only ones out there. And no, you don’t have to forego wood in the kitchen either. 

While tile offers countless design possibilities and a fair amount of durability, tile is not known for its comfort underfoot. If you are looking to incorporate a really cool tile look for the kitchens, our design team can help select some great options that fit your desired aesthetic while also bringing in some great runners to help alleviate any foot pain for those long-standing moments when tackling those aforementioned dishes. 

If you want to go the wood floor route, consider engineered hardwood that offers moisture resistance along with the look of natural wood at a lower price point. For actual hardwood, look to sturdier woods like oak, maple and hickory, which will stand up for the long-haul. 

Ready to build the kitchen of your dreams? If you’re still mulling over which materials to use, give us a call today and we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of the most popular options here in South Florida. We absolutely love kitchens at Debowsky Design Group, and we want you to love yours too!