Floors, Backsplashes, Trim, Lighting, Cabinet Hardware, and More with Kitchen Living

What flooring option will be able to handle the traffic of an area like your kitchen but will still look beautiful and add that touch of "wow" to your space? Consider the following options:

• Hardware flooring - Hardware flooring is renowned for its natural beauty and durability. Its classic good looks usually harmonize with any kitchen design. Wood flooring comes in either strips 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" wide, or planks 4" to 8" wide. The availability of wood species is endless, especially in today's market. Coatings for prefinished hardwood have advanced in recent years to include additives like ceramics, aluminum oxide, and acrylic monomers to create an incredibly tough surface.
• Engineered wood - This flooring features a top veneer of real wood backed by layers of cheaper plywood. Strangely enough, this construction makes the floor more stable and less susceptible to change in temperature and humidity. Some newer variations have bases made from recycled wood fiber mixed with stone dust to provide extreme stability. Therefore, engineered wood is great for kitchens! It can be nailed, glued, or installed as a floating floor using self-locking planks. Prices end up being very similar to solid wood. 
• Bamboo - Bamboo has become increasingly popular due to its durability. Bamboo strands are glued together to form solid strips or engineered planks just like hardwood. Since it is made of strands, bamboo can be woven into a variety of patterns and textures. 
• Vinyl and Laminate - The variety of styles, colors, and patterns for these floors are staggering. They are very similar to engineered wood in that the top wear layer is backed by plywood or compressed fiber to make it stable. The big difference is that the top layer is a plastic coating applied over a photograph. The photo-realism allows these products to look very similar to real wood, stone, tile, or stained concrete. Most laminates and vinyls are floating floor systems, which makes them easy to install over existing floors. 
• Cork - This flooring has a natural, warm appearance that is very comfortable underfoot. It also features an unusual grain pattern with whirls and speckles. It comes in either tiles or planks with a laminate type of construction. The top layer of cork is prefinished and glued to a stable core material. The only drawback is that these floors should be resealed every few years to renew the wear layer. Cork flooring can be glued down or installed as a floating floor.
• Ceramic tile - The variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures in tile allow you to create a one of a kind pattern in your kitchen. Ceramic tile is made from a mixture of clay and shale that is baked and hardened in a kiln. Therefore, be sure to purchase only tile that is rated for floor use. Some of the different types are Glazed, Quarry, Porcelain, and Terracotta. Glazed tiles have a glasslike coating which makes them virtually maintenance free. Quarry tiles have a rough texture which makes them more slip resistant. Porcelain tiles are especially hard, durable, and stain resistant. They can also be glazed to make them even tougher. Terracotta tiles are earthy and rustic in appearance, but they are not very durable and must be sealed periodically to prevent staining.
• Stone tile - If luxury is you goal, then stone tile may be the way to go. But be sure to pick a hard stone that will resist moisture and staining. Soft stones such as sandstone or limestone should be avoided, and even harder stones like granite and marble should be sealed every 4 or 5 years. Also be aware of the texture you choose. A polished stone tile can be slippery when wet, so choose stone that has a textured, skid resistant surface.

Below are a few things to consider when picking what lighting will work best for your space:

• Color matters - Lighting is not a one size fits all. The color of your cabinets, backsplash, and flooring will affect both the brightness and feel of your kitchen. Light colors are more reflective and will give the space a cooler feel. 
• General lighting - A kitchen will benefit the most from mixing several lighting types. However, the foundation will usually be recessed or other types of ceiling lights. These provide the basic, evenly spread light you need. But in order to accomplish this, it is usually a good idea to plan them out.
• Work lighting - A well-lit work area is essential for safety. The darker the colors in your kitchen, the more sources of light you will need to make sure you can see what you're doing. One way to accomplish this is the placement of several under cabinet LED lights.
• Pendant lights - These add so much style and personality to the kitchen. In a large empty space, such as around your kitchen island, pendant lights give your eye a place to rest. By providing different lighting than plain ceiling lights, these pendant lights can make sure your island is inviting and the centerpiece of the kitchen.
• Monorail lighting - These light systems allow you to create functional sculptures for the ceiling. The metal track can be shaped to suit the design of your kitchen. Since it's suspended it can easily be mounted a ceiling that may not be perfectly smooth or level. If you want to add further detail, the shades and shapes that accompany these lights are endless.
• Under Cabinet lighting - These fixtures shed light evenly across the countertop allowing you to see clearly. Look for low profile designs that will allow the fixtures to be hidden under the cabinets. Also take note of how your skin, dishes, and obviously the countertop will react to the lighting. 
• Cabinet Accent lighting - These lights can bring a wall of cabinets to life. By installing these inside glass front cabinets, emphasis can be placed on collectables, decorative dishes, or designer pieces.
• Spotlights - Having hidden spotlights can really bring out the various elements in your kitchen. Whether it's drawing attention to your farmer's sink, increasing the visibility of your backsplash, or highlighting the architectural elements in your cabinets, spotlights can act like theatrical lighting to create a mood.
• Interior cabinet lighting - Whether it's to see inside a deep corner cabinet or provide a small light to find snacks in the middle of the night, these puck or simple LED lights can make your life easier.

Trim is one of those aspects that will make a huge difference in the appearance of your space. You might decide on very nice expensive cabinets, but if you skip out on the trim they will look basic and boring. However, you may choose a rather basic cabinet, but by adding various trim pieces your design will end up appearing detailed and expensive. Here are the variety of trim pieces you should consider adding:

• Fluting - Vertical trim that is semi-circular grooved and routed into a pilaster.
• Dentil molding - Molding with tooth like rectangular blocks.
• Insert - A decorative strip placed between two other moldings.
• Rope - Trim that is carved or milled to look like twisted rope.
• Egg and dart molding - Molding that is decorated with an alternating oval and arrow shape.
• Flat trim - Molding without a carved or rounded profile. These are commonly used in Art and Craft kitchens.
• Crown molding - This well known trim comes in a variety of profiles for you kitchen. They will add height and elegance to the top of your cabinets.
• Legs - Structural or decorative, these can support base cabinets to provide a furniture look. They may also be used to support an island bar top.
• Pilaster - A vertical column that is decorative and not structural. It will project slightly out from the the cabinets face.
• Turned Post - These are very large vertical pieces with a circular outline. They are very similar to a leg, column, or spindle.
• Corbels - A decorative bracket that may or may not be structural. These large carved pieces often appear to support island counters, shelving, or your hood mantel.
• Split molding - Basically these are half a spindle that is applied to the front of a cabinet. Therefore they are decorative and not structural.  
• Spindle - A slender turned piece of wood that is usually decorative. Large spindles may also be referred to as posts or legs.
• Bun feet - Round decorative pieces on the bottom of the corners of a base cabinet used to create a furniture look
• Toe kick - These are used to cover the recessed area at the bottom of your base cabinets
• Galley rail - A front "retaining wall" made from small spindles
• Onlay - Literally a decorative carved piece which is laid on the cabinets face.
• Plate rail - A decorative shelf with built in grooves for plates.
• Valance - A decorative panel installed across an open area. Usually placed above a sink, over a window, or on top of open shelving.
• Rosette - A circular ornament that has a floral look. Includes any square ornaments with a circle design in the middle.

There are literally a million combinations you can use for your backsplash. So for the sake of time, here are the basic categories and some of the characteristics of each:

• Ceramic and porcelain tile - These are the mainstays of kitchen backsplashes, offering limitless design options and styles. These tiles have a hard, non-porous finish which makes them easy to clean and very durable. They are also very do-it-yourself friendly so you can install them without too much fuss.
• Stone tile - Stone tile also has a variety of designs, and it is equally easy to install. The only issue with stone is that it's porous, so it will need to be sealed periodically to avoid staining. Stone is also heavy, so depending on the thickness of the pieces, certain measures must be taken before installation.
• Mosaic tile - A tiled backsplash made from smaller pieces of glass, ceramic, or stone tile can be designed to create a image, scene, or pattern. This adds an element of art to your kitchen and provides a detailed aspect to the design. 
• Glass - This can be a really unique look that is not usually found in kitchens. Glass is durable, easily cleaned, and available in both tiles and panels. Perfect look for a modern kitchen!
• metal - Metal backsplashes come in a variety of forms. Some are in tiles, while others are sheets or smaller panels. Metal choices include stainless steel, tin and copper, or pretty much any type of metal that can be fabricated. Some metal backsplashes, like pressed tin, can add texture and design to the metal. This can provide depth and an antique element to your kitchen.
• Plastic laminate / thermoplastic - Usually a simple installation, laminates are cut and adhered to the wall in sheets. These come in a variety of colors and patterns and are extremely durable and user friendly. Thermoplastic panels are similar, but mimic the look of pressed tin.
• Solid surface - This material is usually found in countertops, but can also be used as a backsplash. Several manufacturers make wall panels designed to mimic wainscot, tile, etc. Solid surface is easy to clean and can also be repaired if any scratches or stains occur.

If the devil really is in the details, then you should take extra care when considering which hardware to choose for your kitchen. Not only will you be touching it every day, you'll also need to clean it and interact with it regularly. You'll also need to think about how it will look on your cabinets, etc. Consider the following when choosing the hardware that's right for you:

• Knobs vs pulls - This will determine how easy it is to open your doors and drawers. Knobs require all finger strength to open them, whereas cabinet pulls allow you to use your hand or most of your fingers to do the job. 
• Feel is important - Since you'll be using these everyday try to avoid awkward knobs or pulls. Always try to feel the knob or pull your considering. If you are ordering online, purchase some samples first, so you can view and feel them in person.
• Catch on your clothes - Depending on the style and shape, some of these can catch on pockets, pleats, and aprons.  Fuller, round knobs are less likely to snag. Notice how the ends of this cabinet pull extend out beyond the post. These ends are what tend to catch on things.
• Size matters - The ratio of knob or pull to the size of door it opens will makes a difference. If the knob or pull is too small the door will feel "stickier" to open. Pulls with wide mounting post will also minimize the grasping surface.
• Short vs tall - Shorter knobs and pulls will make your finger contact the cabinet more. This makes a difference since that contact will tend to wear out the cabinet finish over time. Darker cabinet finishes will lighten from the wear, but lighter cabinets will darken from the dirt/oil on your hands.
• Crooked knobs - Square, triangular, or irregular shaped cabinet knobs have a tendency to become crooked, whereas round ones do not. If the knob loosens a bit, it can rotate slighting throwing the balance off. 
• Understanding the finish - Finishes on knobs and pulls may wear out and change over time. Oil rubbed bronze will wear and reveal a different color in worn areas. Brass will tarnish if not protected or polished periodically.
• Easy to clean - Remember that kitchen knobs and pulls are prone to major dirt and oil over time. Dirty hands, grease spatters, and spilled food can contribute to buildup over time. If your knob or pull has intricate details it will be a nightmare, if not impossible to clean.
• Ordering more than you need - This is an insurance policy for down the road. Styles come and go, and if you ever break or damage a knob or pull, it may be impossible to find an exact replacement.