Regular maintenance of your new kitchen will increase the useful life of cabinets, appliances, faucets, back splashes and hardware and also enhance your enjoyment of the space. We always ask clients in the Upper Valley how often they plan to cook, entertain and eat in their new kitchen. We also ask what other activities regularly take place in the kitchen. Other variables to consider include who will clean the kitchen and how much time and effort you want to keep your kitchen spotless. We consider all of this information to develop a road map for specifying the right flooring, counter tops, back splashes, walls, appliances, plumbing and fixtures for you.
Cabinets attract grease, spills, and fingerprints and require regular care to maintain their look and feel. Inset doors require more care, maintenance and effort to clean than their flat panel counterparts. Inset doors feature recesses and grooves where dirt, grease and dust can more easily accumulate.
White kitchens remain the most popular according to a recent Houzz study. White offers an unlimited palette to add pops of color, incorporate metallic tones and make unique design statements with textures, materials and contrasts. White cabinets are also easier to maintain than those with dark paints or stains because darker colors show dust and fingerprints. Scratches and nicks in stained cabinets are easier to fix than those on painted cabinets.
The type of wood finish also affects maintenance requirements. Oak, hickory, beech and other species where the grain shines through are less likely to show stains and scratches.
Ceramic and porcelain tile are easier to maintain than wood or stone floor coverings. Ceramic and porcelain floor coverings are moisture-, stain- and scratch-resistant. You never need to seal ceramic or porcelain, but hat’s not the case with stone.
Due to its durability and aesthetic, stainless steel has become a kitchen staple for appliances, counter tops, sinks and range hoods. But, as much as we’d like it to be true, it turns out stainless steel is a misnomer.
Stainless steel is highly susceptible to water stains and fingerprints. Additionally, dirt, grease, grime and dust can cause your stainless steel surfaces to rust if they regularly cleaned. It’s not difficult to keep your stainless-steel sinks and surfaces in top-notch condition with daily maintenance and proper cleaning agents.
Quartz is a virtually maintenance-free counter top material, and that is one of the reasons more homeowners in the Upper Valley are making quartz the number one counter top material for their new kitchens. Quartz is scratch- and stain-resistant and can be cleaned easily with soap and water.
Are you leaning toward painted cabinets and walls? A popular and easy to maintain choice is a satin finish due to its durability and ability to absorb light. Semi-gloss paint is a smart choice for baseboards and trim due to its ability to resist moisture damage, stains and scratches better than other paint finishes.
Brushed finishes for cabinet hardware, faucets and other components are popular because they hide fingerprints and water spots much more effectively than polished finishes or chrome.
What finishes will work best in your new dream kitchen? Give us a call at 603-448-9700 or visit our showroom at 105 Hanover Street, Lebanon, NH and let us help you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your home.
