If you are building a new house or just renovating your kitchen, one of the big decisions to be made is what type of flooring to put in your kitchen.   Tile, wood, vinyl, and stone are all appropriate choices for different people.  How do you know which is the right one for your home?

While it will not last for generations, vinyl is  a good option for those looking for an option that will be inexpensive and easy to install yourself.  Vinyl can be tricky around the edges and at seams of a pattern.  You will have to take great care to cut very carefully and match the repeat of the pattern perfectly.  Vinyl is best for those looking for an interim flooring that will last them until they are ready to make a bigger investment.

Tile comes in a wide variety of looks.  You can get tile to look like almost any type of stone and in any color imaginable.  Make sure to have a professional installer measure so that you buy the exact amount that you need.  Dye lots can vary in color from day to day and if you come up short, it could be difficult to match your tile on a future trip to the supplier.  Tile is extremely durable and if a tile does become chipped or break, it is possible to replace it.  Installation can be expensive but is worth it because of the precise nature of laying tile patterns.  Glazed tile will stand up to stains much better than unglazed, so it is a better option in the kitchen.

Stone is one of your most durable options for the kitchen, and though it can be expensive and installation must be done by a professional, it will last for generations.  It is a beautiful, timeless look, but is not the best option for children or the elderly because when it becomes wet, it becomes extremely slippery.

Wood is a wonderful option because it can often be carried over from the other rooms in the house and contribute to an open flow throughout your home.  Wood is an extremely strong, durable material that will last the life of your home as long as it is kept in good shape and refinished when necessary.  One of the drawbacks is that it will show wear and tear in the finish in high traffic areas.

Each type of flooring has pros and cons, so it is important to make a decision based on your ability to invest at this time and just how durable of a floor you will need in your kitchen.

The kitchen table is often one of the most used pieces in our entire home.  It is truly the definition of a multi-tasking piece.  From science projects to bills to catching up with friends to actually eating, the kitchen table takes us from morning to night.  Because we spend so much time with this one piece of furniture,  it is essential to choose a table that meets both our needs and our style.  With practically unlimited choices in aesthetics and size, how does one begin the process of selecting the right kitchen table for their own home?

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Measure the size of your kitchen or breakfast nook.  You will want at least on each side of the table where there will be chairs.  Anything less makes it difficult to push the chair out.  Ideally, you will have more in the range of 3 feet, but this is not possible in all spaces.  A small round table fits nicely if you have a large, open kitchen and plan to break the space up with the table towards the middle.  A rectangle is nice when you are trying to separate a living area from the kitchen.

Photo: House to Home

How many people will typically dine at your kitchen table?  A small round table is a nice look, but is only practical for very small families.  If you have more than four people dining on a regular basis, then you should consider a rectangular table.  Do you need ample room for serving dishes in the middle of the table?  This will be an important consideration when choosing a table width.  Remember you can always get a table with additional leaves if large groups occur, but are a rarity.

Consider what kind of activities will be taking place at the kitchen table on a regular basis.  If you have children that will often do their homework, crafts, and playing at the table, then you will want to pick a table with an extremely durable top.  There are tables with marble, tile, and polyurethane coated woods that will stand up to all sorts of marks and spills.  If you have a contemporary style, you could even go for a plastic or metal style.  Whatever material you choose, you just have to remember that you do not want to buy a table that you have to tiptoe around.

Photo: Veranda

Lastly, you will want to decide on a style.  There are endless options available on the market today.  Depending on the style of your kitchen, you could do anything from a rustic, farmhouse table, to a french country pedestal table, to a contemporary, clean lined plastic table.

Photo: Hickory Chair

As one of the most versatile pieces and biggest investments that you will make in your home, it is worth sitting down and giving thought to the considerations that go into choosing the right kitchen table.  You’ll end up with an attractive and functional table that takes you from morning to night and from reading the paper to sneaking a late night snack.