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KITCHEN MATERIALS
A kitchen is one of the most significant spaces in a home. It will either make or break a home’s appeal. When it comes to remodeling a kitchen it can be quite costly; however cost effective designs are possible. While a budget is critical in kitchen design, there are other things to consider. First, decide how much you are able or willing to spend on the project. Then, decide the style you like: modern, traditional, country-chic; classy bold colors, or casual soft colors? Refer to the following link to read descriptions of different tastes and styles: http://http://nkba.com/default.aspx

Countertops	

You should pick surfaces for the way they perform and complement the style you have chosen. When selecting countertops, consider what foods will be prepared on it. For instance, when preparing foods with citric acid it is important to cook on a non-porous surface. In this case marble would be a poor choice as it is not stain resistant. Finishes also work wonderfully for expanding a surface’s use.

The biggest difference in various countertop materials, or any other surface material, is the price.
 * Laminate is very cost-effective and can mimic the look of a wide array of materials including stone, metal, and wood.
 * Stone has the largest price range from exotic marble costing a few hundred dollars per linear foot, to locally quarried limestone costing somewhere between $60 and $70 per linear foot. Other ways of reducing the cost of stone is by using stone tiles, which can cut a huge chunk off the price tag, although the end product will have grout lines.
 * Stainless steel is quite spendy but is very stain resistant and gives a kitchen a very sleek and masculine look.

Refer to the following link for a countertop material comparison chart which lists the materials I have already suggested, along with some others: http://www.brookswood.com/Countertop%20materials%20selector%20chart.htm

Flooring

Flooring also has a wide cost range. The primary thing to consider when choosing flooring is what you want under your feet. Is comfort important? Longevity? Durability? Cabinets
 * Wood is very versatile and can either look modern or traditional, polished or rustic, and can be stained in a variety of shades from light to dark. Oak, either red or white, is most commonly used in the United States because it is the most readily available.  However there are many different varieties of wood available including maple, birch, walnut, pecan, ash, hickory and cherry, and can be used anywhere in the house.
 * Vinyl is very scratch and stain resistant and is especially resilient which makes it comfortable to stand on but will dent easily.
 * Ceramic tile is a natural material made of clay, minerals and water. It can be glazed or unglazed, depending on the intended use.  Unglazed gives a more rustic appearance while glazed makes the tile last longer and protects it.  Some tiles are practically indestructible while others are more vulnerable to scratching, cracking, and other wear.
 * Laminate flooring is like laminate countertop except it is much more durable. It is also one of the more cost efficient choices without looking cheap.  However, durability can be an issue if the laminate is too cheap.  This material's ability to replicate the look of wood, stone and tile is one of its strong qualities.  Other strong qualities include resistance to stains, impact from dropped items, scratches, and it does not fade from sunlight.

Finally, cabinets are a huge factor in the way a kitchen looks. Molding adds a cozy traditional look, while frameless cabinets give a more modern appeal. It is most common to use solid wood for structural purposes while veneers are for cabinet components that show. Other cabinet components are made from plywood, medium density fiberboard, particleboard, and sometimes hardboard for drawer bottoms. Rich dark tones in cabinetry give it an upscale appeal. Honey-toned cabinets give the room a warm feel. Neutral and pale wood tones give the kitchen a light airy look. You can also make the room warmer by painting the walls with warm colors like golden yellow. Pine can be budget friendly and gives a more rustic look by showing knots and an unpredictable grain pattern. While maple and cherry wood are more expensive but can also be more elegant. In a kitchen, variety can be good as long as it is done tastefully. White cabinets are beautifully contrasted with a natural wood toned island. Black appliances work well with dark wood cabinets. Before painting walls, make sure it does not scream too loudly for attention and that it is a color you can stand morning, noon and night. After picking the colors of the countertop, floors, and cabinets, decide what color appliances you want that will compliment the already existing feel of the space. If done properly, your kitchen has the potential to be the finest space in your home.

References:
National Kitchen and Bath Association. “KBPortal; Your Source for Everything Kitchen and Bath”. 1997. URL: http://www.kbportal.com. 26 September 2005.

National Kitchen and Bath Association. “Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and Conference”. 2005. URL: http://www.kbis.com/kbisshow/index.jsp. 26 September 2005.

National Kitchen and Bath Association. “NKBA Remodeling Guide”. 1997. URL: http://www.nkba.org/xconsumers/content.asp?ID=342. 26 September 2005.

Brooks Custom. “Countertop Materials Comparison Chart”. 1995. URL: http://www.brookswood.com/Countertop%20materials%20selector%20chart.htm. 10 October 2005.