Kitchen Remodeling Decisions for a Timeless Kitchen

I hope you caught part one of this series on the design decisions for a timeless kitchen that you won’t regret. (In case you missed it, you can read it here.) We know that you might only face a complete kitchen remodel once in the lifetime of your home. This is a big investment in money as well as time, and we know from a designer’s perspective what the big design choices will be and some of the answers to give a kitchen you will love for years to come. We will continue our discussion of this topic with your choices for countertops, tile, and storage including a kitchen island.

#4: Carrara Marble for Countertops

Here the Carrara marble pairs beautifully on an island with a black ganite on the other countertops. It is a timeless classic that’s been used in homes for thousands of years..) It’ll look as good in the next millennium as it does now.

Here’s why:

Carrara’s lacy graining and subtle white colors pair well with your white kitchen or nearly any color of painted or stained cabinets.
When considering other natural stones, you won’t find any that are whiter.
It’s readily available, making it less expensive than other high-end choices.
It is durable enough to last for generations.
With today’s sealants, the problem of staining is not the issue it once was if you reseal once or twice a year.

If you don’t have the budget for marble, consider compromising with a relatively inexpensive laminate countertop now and then upgrading down the road.

#5: Subway Tile for the Backsplash

Subway tile goes back to the early 1900s, when it was used to line New York’s first subway tunnels. Classic subway tiles are white, 3-inch-by-6-inch rectangles. This truly iconic look is part of the American design vernacular, and is destined never to go out of style.

Ceramic tile in the kitchen excels as a backsplash, where it guards against moisture, is easy to clean, lasts forever, and looks classy. To make it even more enduring, keep it all one color and camouflage dirt with gray or other neutral-colored grout.

See in the photo above how the classic look of subway tile still allows for a beautiful mosaic tile behind the stove. The white on white color scheme ties them together and brings unity to the space.

#6: Smart Storage

Many families today a lot of their kitchen stuff outside the kitchen — in laundry rooms, basements, even outdoor sheds. Part of this is because kitchens are no longer a strictly utilitarian space and have become the hub of family life.

San Antonio homeowners also are more apt to shop at warehouse stores both to stock up on staples and try out the latest in small kitchen appliances, cookware and accessories. All of this means less wall space and more stuff.

The solution: smart storage. Cabinet manufacturers have you covered with a multitude of storage options — shelves and drawers have compartments that unfold, turn, extend, and slide for organized storage and easy access.

Sit down with a cabinet designer, see what new storage options are available and decide what works best for your space.

#7 Include an Island

Introduced in the 70’s, the kitchen island is one of the most sought-after elements of modern kitchen design. When home shoppers in San Antonio look at kitchens, having a functional kitchen island can be a great bonus. A kitchen island provides:

An integration of workspace and dining space
Extra counter space for cooking and meal prep
Deep cabinets or drawers for small kitchen appliances, dishes or linens
A design focal point
A buffet surface for entertaining
A separate station for your stove or your sink

Read more tips about a kitchen island here.

Whether selling your home is now on your horizon or you are simply wanting to love and utilize the kitchen you are in, these seven timeless design decisions are ones worth considering. Your kitchen remodel is going to be a serious investment of time and money, and we want you to not only have the kitchen of your dreams now, but enjoy it for decades to come.