Selecting materials for your kitchen renovation can be the most fun and/or the most overwhelming part of any design project. Before you make any decisions you need to have an understanding of how materials differ. What makes quartz different from quartzite (read this post to learn more about the best countertop materials). Is wood flooring better than luxury vinyl flooring (learn about what’s trending in flooring here) and most importantly, how do those materials work with your design style? 

Aside from preferences you should also consider your lifestyle when selecting materials for a renovation. Families with young children have different needs than a young couple that rarely uses the kitchen. Do some research and find out which materials suit your lifestyle now and in the future.

You also want to have a thorough understanding of cost. Be aware before you begin of what materials cost so that your renovation doesn’t get delayed by indecision. This can happen when pricing comes as a surprise. It also creates unnecessary stress and turns the renovation into a battle with your bank account. If you need more information on the cost of a kitchen renovation, read this post.

Adrienne’s Favourites

Here’s a list of my tried and true favourite items that I rely on for my client projects. This is not an exhaustive list but it will get you started on the right path in selecting your own materials.

My Favourite Countertops

1/ Dekton Quartz 

One of the reasons that quartz soared in popularity recently is because it offers the choice of white and cream that we can’t find with granite. While quartz is stain resistant it can (and does) stain. So how can we get the white countertop we want without any concerns about stianing? Dekton Quartz is the answer. Its low porosity means spills won’t be absorbed but instead will sit on top of the counter so you have time to clean without the worry of permanent staining. 

I also love it because it doesn’t contain polymer resins and it’s heat proof. A lot of us loved granite because we could remove our hot pots and pans from the stove and place them directly onto the counter. Dekton gives us the same flexibility.

2/ Granite

Although neutral colours with minimal patterns are trending at the moment, that look is not for every kitchen. For a lot of homes there’s a need for a more natural looking material and granite is my go-to in those instances. It’s durable and while it can stain the stains can be easily removed with a bleach cloth.

I love to use a combination of materials in kitchens to create a more dynamic look. Often I’ll choose a Dekton Quartz for the perimeter countertops to give the space a calm overall feel. Then I’ll add an interesting granite to the island. This can keep the kitchen from looking too muted or drab. 

My Favourite Flooring

1/  Engineered Hardwood 

If you love the look of classic hardwood floors but hate the cost and instability of hardwood, consider engineered hardwood. It has a thin veneer of hardwood bonded to a core of plywood and the plywood is cross hatched which improves the floor’s stability. That means it’s less likely to react to wet conditions. 

Engineered hardwood can be used in kitchens, mudrooms, laundry rooms or anywhere else in your home that’s prone to moisture. I would never recommend having solid hardwood in a kitchen so I love being able to recommend engineered hardwood. It gives a warmth that you can’t get from other materials.

If you’re interested in learning more, my go-to brands are Fuzion and Opus.

2/  Vinyl Plank or Vinyl Tile 

Vinyl plank and tile floors have been gaining popularity because of their durability. This material doesn’t scratch, dent or stain easily so it’s perfect for busy families where floors take a beating. It’s also waterproof so it’s another option for kitchens, bathrooms and even basements. 

One of the reasons for its popularity is because of the array of colours, patterns and textures. You can get the look of wood, marble, stone or concrete without the expense and maintenance of those products.

My go-to brands for vinyl plank or tile are Fuzion and PurParket.

3/  Tile

We all know how durable tile floors are. They’re extremely easy to clean and maintain and they can take a beating. For that reason, I love them in spaces where my clients require this kind of ease. Front entries and mud rooms are examples of where they work well because of their ability to wick away moisture.

They do have their challenges as well. They can be very hard on our backs if we’re required to stand for a long period so for that reason I don’t love to use them in a kitchen. It’s also challenging to find a countertop material that coordinates with the busy pattern in a lot of tiles. 

It’s important to weigh your concerns and needs when selecting flooring and decide which product is the most advantageous for your space.

My Favourite Cabinets

Selecting cabinets is complex and there’s a lot to consider. You can purchase custom, semi-custom or off the shelf cabinets from big box stores. Before you decide, consider your budget, the style of your home and how much you’ll use these cabinets.

1/  Mid-Priced Cabinets

My go-to for mid priced cabinetry is Superior Cabinets. They’ve been serving western Canada for over 40 years and can help with the planning and design of your space. They do more than just kitchen cabinets so take a look if you’re planning for a bathroom, bar or even an office.

2/  Lower Priced Cabinets

Did you know it’s possible to purchase lower priced cabinetry options through a custom cabinets supplier? My go-to supplier for this is Upper Canada. They have a wonderful selection of decorative panels for kitchen doors and drawers. 

They have two material options for you to select from. The first is TFL which is a thermally fused fibreboard which can give you the look of solid wood for a fraction of the cost. The other option is Vinyl PVC which gives the look of painted cabinetry. Either way, you can’t go wrong and they’ll give you a high end look for a fraction of the cost.

3/  Local Cabinets

If you live in Cranbrook you can visit my favourite supplier which is Cranbrook Interior Woodwork.  They offer a selection of cabinetry with finishes ranging from wood to painted to decorative panels. 

My Favourite Backsplash  

I don’t have a favourite backsplash tile because I like to customize this for each client. A kitchen design comes together when all of the materials work harmoniously together. I do, however, have preferences when it comes to each design style. I think some tiles work to enhance an aesthetic more than others. Here are my go-to preferences for each design style. 

If you’re looking for great retailers that specialize in tile, here are my favourites - Ames, Ceretec, Centura and Julian Tile.

1/ Modern 

I love backpainted glass and because of its clean, simple aesthetic it works really well in a modern kitchen. I like this look when I’m using a Dekton Quartz countertop because this helps to maintain the clean, polished look.

One of the benefits of this type of tile is its durability. It’s extremely easy to clean and care for and can withstand years of wear and tear.

The other stand out aspect of this backsplash is that the glass can be painted in any colour to coordinate with your space and to personalize it to exactly your preference. The photo above shows a completed project where the client chose this beautiful Benjamin Moore blue to reflect her love of the ocean and the Hawaiian Islands.

2/ Transitional

If you want a backsplash tile that will never date your kitchen, subway tile is the answer. While its origins date back to the early 1900’s when it was designed for the brand new New York subway station, it’s a testament to good design. And here we are over 100 years later and it’s still going strong.

Another favourite tile is the fish scale tile and this one has its origins even further back in history. This is a Moroccan design that dates back to the 8th century so you don’t need to worry about this tile ever dating your kitchen. Regardless of how long it’s been used, it still looks fresh and updated even today. 

3/ Rustic

I like to add colour into the backsplash of a more rustic kitchen because it works really well with wood cabinets. I think it looks much better than a neutral tile because a neutral tends to be associated with a more modern space. 

For this type of home I love to use a brick style tile which adds both colour and texture. Zillege or a coloured subway tile work really well to enhance the rustic style. 

My Favourite Appliances

There are lots of great appliance brands so you definitely want to do your research before making a decision on any appliance. 

1/  KitchenAid 

If you prefer a domestic product consider KitchenAid. They have good overall quality and serviceability which is always an important consideration. They have options ranging from low to high end so there’s something for every budget. There are lots of selections for each appliance type and generally they have very good reviews. 

2/  Fulgor Milano

If you prefer European brands this is a good option for you. This is for all of you who love Wolf and Viking brands but don’t want to pay the price. Fulgor Milano is a great alternative that gives you the high end look and performance but as a mid-priced alternative.

3/  Blomberg 

This is my favourite dishwasher and anyone who owns one will agree.  Blomberg is another European product that’s mid-priced so it’s not going to break your budget. One of the biggest features is how quiet it is. You can have it running while you’re close by and won’t be bothered by the sound. It also performs amazingly well at cleaning which is the most important feature. 

My Favourite Sinks

I prefer a stainless steel sink for ease of cleaning. I also think stainless is timeless and works with every colour palette. It’s considered a neutral so it doesn't appear too dark against light counters or too light against dark counters. You really can never go wrong with stainless steel. These are my go-to brands for sinks.

1/ Blanco Silgranit 

This Silgranit sink has become very popular because of how durable and scratch resistant it is. You won’t need to worry about scuff marks that can be left after washing heavy pots or knives. 

Another feature I love is that it’s available in a variety of sizes and bowl types. There’s a range of colours that can be coordinated to your counter. We don’t need our sink to stand out and it’s possible to have it integrate into the surroundings with this sink.

2/ Bristol Sinks

This is another favourite and I love their stainless steel however they also offer fireclay or virtuo granite options. They’re very well priced and good quality so if budget is a consideration, take a look at Bristol. 

3/ Kohler 

This is likely the most recognizable name in porcelain sinks. They have an immense selection and can fit into just about any kitchen design. Kohler sinks are available in stainless steel, enameled cast iron or their own composite material. 

My Favourite Faucets 

I like a faucet with a high arc because it makes filling pots easier and I think they look great at the same time. I also prefer a faucet with simple lines for ease of cleaning. If you’ve ever had a faucet with a lot of intricate detailing you’ll know how difficult it can be to clean and maintain. I also like a pull down spray head with a magnetised dock and aerated water stream for less splashing. 

1/  Delta Leland

Most of us know Delta as a great domestic brand and this is my go-to selection from their collection. They offer really good touch technology which allows you to touch anywhere on the faucets to operate. That means if your hands are full you can use your hand, wrist or elbow instead. 

They also have a great selection of finishes. They are a higher priced item because of the touch technology but once you try it out you’ll see that it’s worth the price.

2/  Moen Adler 

This is another great domestic brand that most of us know and love. The Adler has a really good retractable hose as well as an aerated water stream.  This is an affordable option that’s easy to operate and handle when your hands are dirty. While it’s not smart touch technology it’s easy to manoeuvre the single lever.

3/Grohe Eurosmart 

If you prefer a low arch with a simple design and good retractable hose, consider the Eurosmart. This has a SilkMove technology that offers smooth handling. It also has a pull-out spray head. 

Your kitchen is the heart of your home and you want to ensure that you get everything right for you and your family. What if you decide to sell? A well designed kitchen can make the difference between a fast sale at full price and a home that sits on the market for months. Since we know that buyers prioritize both the kitchen and bathrooms over all else, it makes sense to invest in the best materials you can afford.

If you’re about to embark on your own kitchen renovation but would like a designer to guide you, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss your upcoming project.

Warm regards,

Adrienne