Layering Materials: The Importance of Design Selections

As you look at kitchen design overall one of the most important aspects is creating different focal points. Places within the space that capture your attention, and give the kitchen a unique and personalized feeling. A way to achieve this is through choosing materials that add variation through color, texture, and even feeling.

When you think about the overall look of your kitchen, the cabinetry is one of the main elements that set the foundation for achieving an aesthetic. While many homeowners think that a single finish for cabinetry is a timeless choice, blending white cabinetry with natural wood brings warm color variation and softens the white which can sometimes overwhelm.

Another consideration is the inclusion of furniture-like cabinetry. To break up the look of upper cabinetry a glass-front cabinet that runs from the counter to the ceiling adds elegance and serves as a beautiful display opportunity. Another rising trend is a built-in coffee or beverage station that is reminiscent of the china cabinets so many of us have. Choosing a different finish will define this beverage station and harmoniously contrast with the rest of the cabinetry.

In 2024 the rise of texture in kitchens is becoming more popular. A reeded style door is a retro inspired choice that adds plenty of visual interest. Pairing a natural wood finish with a reeded door is a way to define the island and once again, visual interest. A simpler door style on the perimeter paired with a textural door will give your kitchen a beautiful variation. However you choose to layer materials in your kitchen, remember that variation will add beautiful contrast.