Kitchens are a difficult interior to tackle. They have to balance both aesthetic and functional needs. They are extra hard to keep clean and serve as a kind of center for family, friends, and community. Here are some materials you might want to look into when redoing the kitchen.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has both an aesthetic and practical quality to it that is superb. The plain, non-reflective metal creates a neutral, sterilized atmosphere that most people enjoy in their kitchens. Most importantly, it lasts a long time without rusting! Your appliances, fixtures, room trim, kitchen lights, and more can be stainless steel for that very reason. Toasters, ovens, fridges, microwaves, blenders, and other common appliances are all easily found in stainless steel for that reason (or, if not in stainless steel, in an imitation that will match the look of steel while still behaving for the sake of the appliance).

Granite

Granite is a wonderful kitchen choice for a multitude of reasons. It looks fantastic – providing a naturalistic, stylized kind of look that is reminiscent of the outdoors. It can come in many different variations and colors that leave you open to color flexibility with your chosen aesthetic. And that’s not all – granite is a heat-resistant and durable material that comes in many colors. It’s very practical for kitchen use, too, for that very reason. You can place hot pans or spill boiling hot materials without it warping or cracking. Depending on the quality of the granite, you might find that certain kinds of granite last a few years longer than others. Faux plastic granite can replicate the look of granite, and is cheaper, but won’t stand up to the same kinds of stresses.

Wood

For a long time, wood has been a very popular choice for kitchen cabinets. Why? Wood is simple, effective, and easy to install. It brings a lot of the same natural feeling as granite does but is most likely going to be a lot cheaper (unless you get a high-end expensive wood). While cabinets, fixtures, and trim can be woof in a kitchen, be careful about using wood for anything that touches food often. Wood is absorbent and can soak up food and bacteria into it quite easily. It also can be stained – so be judicious.

Remember, the balance between practicality and cosmetics should be your primary concern here. How easy the material is to clean should also be a consideration. If you strike that balance just right, there’s no reason your kitchen shouldn’t look gorgeous and last for years.

Check out this article on how to get more people to see your home on the market!