Floor and cabinets must complement one another

Choosing the right sort of finishes can be crucial to the success of an interior design. The type and color of the surfaces of floors, walls and cabinetry will affect the appearance of all the other elements in a room.

The selection process itself isn't all that hard; personal taste should always be the decisive factor in these decisions. At the same time -- and here's where it can get tricky -- newly chosen finishes must be coordinated with those on furnishings and accessories already in place.

Am I hinting that an interior designer should be consulted in these situations? I am. And it's not just self-interest that's involved. Getting professional guidance often saves lots of time and money.

Q. We've chosen cherry cabinetry in a medium color as the first step in remodeling our kitchen and breakfast area. Now what should we do about the flooring and countertops? I've seen wood-planked flooring in a color similar to the cabinetry, but it's quite expensive.

We want to give the space a cheerful and contemporary look.

A. Since you seem partial to wood, I suggest you think hard about planked flooring, though not in a color similar to your cherry cabinetry.

Keep in mind that hardwood floors can actually prove an economical choice, given their durability and ease of maintenance. As the American Hardwood Information Center (www.hardwoodinfo.com) points out, some seemingly lower-cost alternatives end up being more expensive than hardwood due to the need for repairs.

The combination shown in this photo suggests that a wood-planked kitchen floor should contrast in color with the cabinetry. It's darker in this model, but the floor can also be lighter -- just as long as the color of its wood is allowed to stand out.

This dark walnut flooring in this lovely setting extends into the breakfast area, though it's further contrasted there by a golden area rug. The floor's finish also accentuates both the cream-colored granite countertop in the kitchen and the pale cabinets. In addition, the sky-blue walls and ceiling, as well as the butternut trim, serve not only to accent the wood but also to frame it.

In your own case, I recommend that you install light ash flooring and a black or dark green granite countertop. That combination will help create the cheerful and sophisticated look you're seeking.

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