Gloss finishes enhance color intensity, helping hues stand out and providing a polished appearance. However, the glossy surface can also create glare, hindering readability in certain lighting conditions.
Matte paper offers a muted look and feel, with practical benefits like reduced glare and writability. It’s ideal for print materials that require a refined and sophisticated aesthetic. Check out Sacramento Cabinet Refacing for more information.
Countertops
When selecting a new countertop, it’s important to balance your dream aesthetic with cost and durability. The kitchen countertop should be durable enough to stand up to heavy use, heat, and scratches while looking stunning for decades. It should also be compatible with your kitchen design/style and provide a good level of stain resistance.
Granite remains a popular choice due to its beauty and resilience. This natural material comes in a range of colors, patterns and veining for a look that’s uniquely yours. This durable surface holds up well to hot pots and pans, can withstand a few minor scratches, and is resistant to stains when properly sealed. However, it is porous and will need periodic resealing to maintain its stain-resistant properties.
Quartzite countertops offer an elegant and durable alternative to natural stone. Its crystalline structure resists stains and scratches, making it suitable for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen. This versatile surface can be honed to a smooth, glossy sheen or sanded down for a more matte appearance. It’s available in a variety of colors and fits well with most kitchen designs/styles. However, it is more costly than other materials.
Wood and tile counters can give your kitchen a classic, rustic or contemporary look, and they’re typically the most budget-friendly options for counters. Unlike most other materials, these types of counters can be spray painted with a high-gloss finish for quick and easy updates. However, they require regular resealing to maintain their stain resistance and can chip easily if mistreated.
Choosing the right paint finish can make or break your room design. Glossy and satin finishes reflect more light, enhancing the vibrancy of colors and providing an eye-catching sheen. They’re best used in high-traffic areas such as a bathroom, kitchen, or kids’ rooms and work well on trim and molding throughout the home.
Matte finishes have a soft, subtle texture and can create prints with understated elegance or edgy displays that are almost lifelike. They’re often more eco-friendly than gloss finishes, as the creation and printing processes for matte substrates are less energy-intensive. They’re also a great choice for front door doors, as they’ll handle any rain or snow without smudges or fingerprints.
Appliances
Stainless steel appliances remain a popular choice for homeowners seeking a clean and timeless look. Its neutral color pairs well with modern, farmhouse and even industrial kitchens, while also enhancing the visual appeal of granite, quartz or concrete countertops. Plus, it’s highly durable and easy to wipe down. Stainless steel appliances work beautifully with glossy wood cabinetry, but also blend seamlessly with matte finishes like black and white glass.
For those who prefer a lighter aesthetic, sleek metallic finishes like champagne or light bronze are an excellent option. These soft metallics add a subtle warmth and work beautifully with natural textures, particularly those in coastal homes. To keep these finishes looking their best, use a high-quality cabinet finish like Sherwin-Williams Emerald(r) Interior/Exterior Urethane Trim Enamel to ensure smooth and uniform surfaces.
Another popular trend that works well in a variety of kitchen styles is matte black. These durable, low-maintenance finishes hide fingerprints and smudges effectively, making them an ideal choice for busy kitchens. They pair well with warm wood cabinetry, concrete, quartz countertops and open shelving in eclectic designs.
Black refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers are a great fit for contemporary designs and modern farmhouse styles alike. They offer a bold, sleek appearance that complements any cabinetry and flooring finish without overwhelming the space. Plus, they’re easy to wipe down, hiding fingerprints and smudges in a flash.
Appliances in matte black or dark gray are also a good choice for those who want to embrace the farm-inspired kitchen trend. These appliances complement the natural tones and organic texture of wooden cabinetry, while also blending with warm metal finishes such as brushed brass. Using mixed metals throughout the kitchen is also a great way to create a balanced look and feel that’s both modern and timeless.
In addition to a soft, understated sheen, matte options also have the advantage of a slightly muted appearance that’s ideal for displaying prints with a wide range of tones and saturation levels. This makes them an excellent choice for black-and-white artwork and fine-art photography. They’re also a good option for environments where scratches might be an issue since matte finishes are typically thinner.
Cabinets
The finish you choose for your cabinetry should support both the style you want and how you use the space. Durability, upkeep requirements, and even safety concerns all play a role in the right finish for your cabinets. Thankfully, new innovations in kitchen cabinet finishes allow homeowners to strike the perfect balance between beauty and functionality. Ceramic-reinforced and heat-resistant cabinet finishes protect against high temperatures, moisture, and everyday wear while offering visual contrast and design possibilities. Textured and glazed options add dimension and texture to surfaces, mimicking the look of hand-scraped or weathered wood for rustic or eclectic styles.
Glossy finishes reflect natural and artificial light, brightening dark spaces while amplifying vibrant colors for a showpiece kitchen design. These sleek surfaces work well in modern and contemporary styles, contrasting with sleek hardware or minimalist designs for a refined aesthetic. They also pair beautifully with white appliances and countertops for a unified, clean appearance.
On the other hand, matte cabinet finishes hide smudges and grease spots more easily, making them a great option for busy households. These finishes are ideal for transitional kitchen styles, farmhouse, or Scandinavian themes. Many homeowners opt for matte finishes for a warm, understated look that’s timeless and versatile.
If you’re considering glossy kitchen cabinets for your renovation, it’s important to test them out in-person before committing. Check them out under a variety of lighting conditions, paying special attention to the sheen under pendant lights or overhead fixtures. A finish that looks perfect in natural light might be too reflective under the brighter, more harsh glow of a pendant.
In addition, glossy finishes don’t always hold up to the rigors of daily life. Fingerprints, smudges, and scratches tend to stand out more on glossy surfaces, especially in darker colors. This doesn’t necessarily rule them out for families, but it does mean that they require more frequent upkeep than matte options.
Choosing the right cabinet finish is a big decision that will affect your entire kitchen design. Working with a custom cabinet designer who offers hands-on guidance and design expertise will help you explore all the possibilities to find the finish that perfectly suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Flooring
When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your kitchen, there are several factors to consider. Durability, safety, style, and comfort should all be taken into account to find the best choice for your home. Whether you’re looking for durable and stylish tile floors or comfortable hardwood, there are a variety of options available to suit your preferences.
A high gloss finish can enhance the beauty of your floor, adding an air of luxury and elegance to the room. Glossy finishes also reflect light, making the space feel brighter and more open. However, it is important to keep in mind that glossy finishes can highlight every scratch, smudge, or speck of dirt, making them more visible than matte finishes. This may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Matte finishes are a popular option for contemporary and minimalist styles. They have gained popularity in recent years due to their modern look and the fact that they conceal imperfections like scuff marks and dust better than glossy finishes. In addition to being a more forgiving option, matte finishes are also easier to maintain. They are less reflective, reducing glare and making the room feel cozier in well-lit spaces. Matte finishes are also better at concealing soil and dust, making them more suitable for high-traffic areas and households with children or pets.
Hardwood is a classic and timeless choice for the kitchen. It can be refinished with a matte, satin, or high gloss sheen to suit the desired style and durability of your home. High-gloss sheens can be a bit more slippery than matte finishes, so they are not recommended for households with small children or elderly family members.
For a budget-friendly yet dependable kitchen floor, tile is an excellent option. It’s easy to clean and water-resistant, ensuring that it can withstand spills and messes. It’s also available in a wide variety of colors and designs, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your kitchen’s aesthetic.