What to Keep in Mind When Selecting Finishes for Your Kitchen

In the process of remodeling your kitchen or designing one from scratch? Hardware finishes and countertop materials are likely top of mind! To ensure you’re tackling your project like a pro, keep reading—we asked experts to share the main factors to consider as you make big design decisions in your cooking space. Intentionally taking the time to do some research ahead of time will ensure you’re happy with your kitchen for the long haul.

With regard to hardware…

Metals and Styles Change

Be mindful that very few hardware finishes will always be trending. As Seth Ballard principal at Ballard + Mensua Architecture says, “In general a total coordination of finishes with nice contrast is what is most important.” He explains that brass came back into style in the 2010s but was then followed by white gold and antique finishes. “Antique brass came back to some degree to warm things up after many years of brushed nickel,” he notes. Polished chrome and polished nickel have generally been mainstays. “They are reflective and never really went out of style,” Ballard says.

Consider Metals in Cabinets

Ballard has noticed an increased use of metal meshes inside cabinet doors in lieu of glass. “This can add a nice pop,” he says, and recommends turning to Van Dyke’s Restorers for a variety of options.

With regard to countertops…

You will want to explore the world of options available to you when it comes time to choose a countertop material. “There are a lot of amazing and beautiful options and finishes for tops – it is worth going to some slab yards to get exposed to the possibilities,” Ballard says. “Bring your cabinet samples and a paint wheel to help to coordinate your palette of finishes.” He suggests visiting Marble Systems in Merrifield, Virginia, to explore various materials. “They sell lots of tiles so you can choose your tile backsplash while shopping,” Ballard says, noting that it’s smart to speak with the staff there about a slab’s durability. “If you run your hand across the slab and feel ridges—anything other than the feeling of an ice skating rink—those areas will require maintenance and can absorb stains,” Ballard explains. He advises those looking for something more resistant to consider Silestone and Caesarstone, which require little maintenance.

Allie Mann, senior designer at Case Architects & Remodelers, is a proponent of quartzite in the kitchen. “Many folks like the idea of white counter tops though shy away from marble, selecting quartz products instead,” she says. “I would suggest considering quartzite which is harder that quartz as a surface and sometimes available in larger slab sizes, for that perfect no seam island!”

Ballard shares a key actionable step to take before visiting a slab yard—getting your plans to a fabricator. “Most slab yards list price range, but the fabricator is who prices the job,” Ballard explains. “This can make shopping difficult, because you may like a slab but have no idea what it will cost.” By providing your plans to a fabricator ahead of time, you can call them from the slab yard and they will guide you on specific pricing.

Keep in mind when selecting materials that they will experience visible wear over time, some more quickly and noticeably than others. “I would say avoid materials with a “living finish” or that will patina over time unless you are fully aware of what this means,” Mann says. “For a kitchen, this can include unsealed copper or nickel or a marble countertop that you do not seal regularly.”

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9