Whenever people walk into new kitchens, they are bound to notice several fixtures that stand out from the rest. Chances are, you’ll also wear these accessories more often than any other.

cabinets

Prominent cabinetry is perhaps the true hallmark of modern kitchens. Despite having been around for many years, recent design innovations and variations have produced highly efficient and aesthetically appealing storage spaces.

Your choice of cabinet finish will definitely play a major role in the overall look of your kitchen. For example, the classic wood finish would create a rustic look within the cooking space. Therefore, the choice of cabinet should not only be based on utility, but also on its aesthetic value. Otherwise, you could end up looking awful, despite having adequate storage space.

sinks

You may not notice the sink at first glance, but you will surely use it much more often than most other fixtures. Therefore, your choice of sink will lean heavily towards utility rather than aesthetic appeal.

The first consideration for a proper sink is its size. You must provide adequate space for cleaning all your utensils. In fact, the Australian standard AS DR01314 – Draft for Design, Construction and Fit Out of Food Premises expressly dictates that the largest item to be washed must be able to fit in the sink. Although this directive applies to commercial premises, it would be quite convenient if you had a sufficiently large sink at home.

The location of the sink would also affect its usefulness and also contribute to the overall look of your kitchen. In some cases, it can be placed on the island instead of the wall unit, where it is normally located. However, the important aspect is that it is easily accessible during the food preparation process.

countertops

Countertops are an exceptionally prominent feature within the kitchen space. They provide a key focal point that enhances the kitchen design. Various types of materials can be used to achieve this.

Granite is one of those materials. Apart from having unique stunning features, this material is also quite strong with the ability to effectively resist chipping and cracking. This makes it quite popular with many homeowners (a 2008 survey by Stone World revealed that the majority of customers (55%) preferred granite to faux stone (12%)). However, the only drawback of this material is its porous crystalline structure. Fortunately, cracks (small gaps) can be covered by regular sealing.

Quartz also works well on countertops. This material can be found in numerous color variations, including: apple green, fiery red, black, cream, and earth brown. It actually has a higher hardness rate compared to granite and better resists chipping and cracking. In addition, it is not porous and repels stains such as wine, coffee, oil or vinegar; therefore making it easy to clean. What this means is that you benefit from all the qualities of stone and laminates, simply by having quartz countertops. Not surprisingly, a 2013 Natural and Manufactured Stone Products Industry Report indicated that quartz products were outpacing overall industry growth.