Planning a kitchen remodel? Whether you are considering a complete overhaul of your kitchen or just to add a fresh coat of paint to brighten it up, there are plenty of websites and blogs offering ideas and guidance, you can even find chat rooms where you can meet people in the know and ask for helpful advice. Get inspiration on anything from your kitchen design and finding the perfect sinks and appliances, to locating kitchen cabinet contractors in your area.

There are all kinds of kitchen designs, from contemporary to Old World. A contemporary kitchen leans toward new, simple designs with straight lines and asymmetry and doesn’t include much in the way of trimmings or moldings. Rather than natural materials, these kitchens use man-made materials such as stainless steel, laminate, chrome and lacquer, concrete, and linoleum.

A traditional kitchen on the other hand has quite a formal, neat appearance, typical of American and European homes from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Invariably these kinds of designs will have detailed trimmings and elaborate moldings, and styles reminiscent of the Edwardian, Georgian, Federal, Victorian, Regency, Italian, Early American, and Neoclassical ages. Cabinets are more likely to be in natural woods facilitating cherry, walnut, and mahogany in their cabinets and applying an antique look to fixtures and appliances.

For a country kitchen then lookout for something in the style of French Country, English Country, and Tuscan Country. Anything with a feel of cottage, garden, or farmhouse about it will provide that simple homely appeal. These kinds of styles are designed to be warm spaces with pastel colors and painted cabinets, floral patterns, and decorative moldings and trimmings.

Old World kitchens have a look that dates back to 17th century Europe. There are no fitted units here; you are more likely to find outsized fire grates, an old-fashioned Aga, and distressed, free-standing cabinets. There is a wide range of designs and styles that are included under the category Old World, some of the more familiar are Tuscan, Mediterranean, Medieval, Castle, French Chateau, and Italian Villa. Kitchen cabinets are designed from natural materials such as real stone flooring, mosaic tiles, brick or plaster walls, and pewter or copper appliances.

A transitional kitchen normally uses both traditional and contemporary features in its design. Cabinets, finishes, fabrics, and textures tend to combine both natural and man-made materials to give a timeless look. This can be accomplished by changing the color of the room, using a natural look for the flooring, and having appliances out on display rather than tucking them away behind cabinet doors. The transitional color scheme is basic to suggest a clean, calm environment, and the use of accessories will be minimal.

Rustic kitchens often have a style taken from provincial America, for example, Adirondack, Pacific Northwest, Southwestern, or Mountain West. Designs can be made to look like a lodge or log cabin and typical cabinet materials use natural woods such as knotty pine, hickory, or alder. The rustic look often has open ceiling beams and uses warm colors of browns and reds, greens, and yellows.

Kitchen cabinet contractors will be able to advise you on the best kitchen layout and design to suit your house and fit in with your family’s needs. There is a great deal to consider and decide upon when designing your kitchen and a contractor can provide you with the various options. Whether it is the material to use for the countertop, the style of sink, which flooring will be longer-lasting, or where to place the appliances, they have the relevant experience to afford you with the latest ideas and information on prices and features.

A professional designer can assist you in obtaining that perfect look and design and also measure your kitchen and arrange a complete design plan. They will organize everything to fit in at your convenience and are even able to re-design the layout of your kitchen if there is an element you are unhappy with or a feature you want to change to improve the look.