As you are planning your new kitchen design, the look and style you select is very important in determining the overall feel your kitchen will portray.

From the country charm of wood cabinets to modern-looking stainless steel appliances, kitchen design styles come in many choices and styles.

So just what determines your kitchen's design style?

Well many of the more successful kitchen design styles are made up of many components go together the right way. The color you select, and the styles of fabrics, furniture, flooring, windows, cabinetry, appliances, and lighting can help to determine a kitchen design style. You will discover that various design elements of the kitchen provide each style with its own unique flavor.

The type of kitchen cabinets you have are an important consideration in regards to the overall kitchen design style. The cabinetry can have a powerful effect on the design of your kitchen.

The style of kitchen cabinet you choose will give personality and a specific atmosphere to your kitchen. Some of the popular styles of kitchen cabinets today are:

English Country - Consists of open china display racks, unique paints and finishes.

Shaker - This style is characterized by purity, simplicity, and utility. Uses flat panel doors that are inset and flush with the cabinet frame. Other features include wood counter tops, wooden knobs, and brass hardware pieces. It combines simple furniture design with clear crisp lines, and strength.

Country - This style creates an old farm kitchen look with glazes and layered finishes. Includes open shelves, pot racks for cast iron cookware, butcher block, and multi-colored cabinet pieces that look like they are separate pieces of furniture.

French Country - There are so many elements that go into the French country kitchen including the use of large pieces of furniture that are made mainly of light colored woods and can be decorated with ornate carving. Natural materials are an important element in walls, cabinetry and furniture that is used in the design of French country kitchens.

Arts and Crafts - This kitchen design style is becoming a popular style for kitchens. In this type of style glass doors and natural wood tones with a matte sheen are used. The style can be eclectic and artistic.

Contemporary - Kitchens that are done in the contemporary kitchen design style often use plastic laminates, special wood veneers, enamels, lacquers, or metal foil laminate for the kitchen cabinet facings. Cabinet doors in this kitchen design style usually use frameless construction with overlay door and no toe kick panel.

Homes can come in many different styles, and built using a variety of materials. So the same goes for kitchen design styles. However, in most cases, people will want their kitchen to match the overall design and style of their home.

It may not be absolutely necessary to select a kitchen design style that is the same as your home's exterior architectural style. Although it is considered a good idea that you should really try to select the kitchen design style that will best complement your home's style.

About the Author:

James Mahoney is the author of many kitchen design articles and has a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen Designers Ideas.com. He also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.