Cabinets are so much more than the place where we store serving dishes; they're the common part that ties modern kitchens together. Whether you're going for a fashionably kitchen cabinet design, sleek and modern, or a customary country inspired kitchen, cabinets will be necessary in pulling off the whole look.  When planning a new kitchen cabinet design, the choice of cabinets, countertops, flooring and wall colors are key decisions.

Will the kitchen cabinetry match with the kitchen flooring? Should you select a stock cabinet, or order custom cabinets? What materials should you consider for your countertops? These articles will provide you design ideas and tips for the completely new kitchen or a beautiful kitchen upgrade. There's a strong charm to having a soothing and homey kitchen with a rustic flair, but one touch too many and visitors will think they walked into a Little House on the Prairie.

To avoid going too far, it's best to choose a few elements that speak to your rustic vision, but then provide some contrast with contemporary and functional elements. Look into classic wooden cabinetry or a traditional long table, or traditional brass fixtures to produce the rustic element. Then contrast it with new appliances or a cool stone countertop to create the perfect look for a hybrid modern and traditional kitchen.

Cabinets with grey or ash coloring can brighten up your kitchen without being blinding. If you're  searching for something more thrilling than a standard white kitchen, but don't like wood tones in your kitchen, warm grey kitchen cabinets can offer that perfect touch of color and life without being either too dim or too dull. The color also plays well with any other appliances or fixtures you might have already. It works well with stainless steel, white, or black appliances, and will most likely work with whatever light fixtures excite you. It also lends itself well to a mix and match approach to your kitchen furnishings, which is excellent if you have quite a few kitchen pieces you already love your kitchen.

Cabinets can go even further afield too; if you want a more colorful and brave approach, consider dull blues or indigos for some bright modern kitchen cabinet design. Stone or tile backsplashes can add texture, color, and depth to your kitchen. Cabinets don't need to be the only focal point of your kitchen; backsplashes can be that special touch that takes your kitchen up a notch. Tile or stone backsplashes are very popular at the present time, and can add a touch of color to contrast with your cabinetry and counter tops, or as a way to extend a color scheme that's already being set off by a different element in your kitchen.

If you have a kitchen with lots of white and bright surfaces look towards cool colors like blues and grays, or consider darker stonework. On the other hand if you're going for a different approach, like the grey cabinets mentioned above, a white tile backsplash works best. If you're more fascinated in the rustic appearance, hewn stonework makes an extraordinary backsplash that contrasts well with rich wood tones elsewhere. Lots of kitchens can work well without a backsplash, but don't undervalue how much of a positive difference this relatively simple addition can make to your home.