As an interior designer, Brian Gluckstein knows that few spaces in the home spark as much excitement—or as many questions—as the kitchen. A successful renovation takes more than good taste. From layout and lighting to finishes and appliances, the details matter. In this edition of Ask Brian, he shares thoughtful kitchen design advice to help you create a space that’s practical, stylish, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

Surfaces and Backsplash Choices

What’s the best countertop material to use?

It depends on your lifestyle and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Marble is beautiful and timeless, but even when sealed, it will develop a patina over time. I love the look, but you have to embrace the imperfections. Quartzite is a great option if you want something natural and more durable, though it’s typically on the higher end of the price range. Manmade quartz surfaces like Caesarstone and Dekton are ideal for busy families. They’re stain-resistant, heat-tolerant, and require very little upkeep.

How do you choose a backsplash that complements the countertop?

I usually look for harmony in colour and tone. If the countertop has a lot of movement, I’ll go for a simpler backsplash—maybe a classic subway tile in a complementary shade. With a solid countertop, you can get more creative. Textured tiles or geometric patterns like octagons or hexagons can add just the right amount of visual interest.

Will hex tiles as a backsplash become dated quickly?

I don’t think so. Hexagons have been around since the 1920s and still feel classic to me. That said, the longevity often comes down to the colour. A neutral palette will age more gracefully than a bold or trendy shade.

Flooring and Finish Selections

Tile, luxury vinyl, or hardwood for kitchen flooring?

It really comes down to your household. If your kitchen sees a lot of foot traffic, especially from kids or pets, luxury vinyl is a smart and practical option. It’s incredibly durable, and the newer designs look very close to natural wood. If your lifestyle allows for it, I love real hardwood in a kitchen—it brings warmth and continuity to the rest of the home.

Is black hardware out?

Not at all. Black is a neutral, and I still use it often in kitchens. I tend to prefer a matte finish, since it doesn’t show fingerprints as much and offers a softer contrast against cabinetry.

How many different types of metal can I use in one kitchen?

I usually suggest sticking with two metal colours. For example, you might pair stainless steel with brass. Within those colours, it’s fine to mix finishes—like polished and matte—as long as the overall palette is cohesive. Adding a third metal colour tends to feel disjointed.

Cabinetry and Storage

How do you decide what colour cabinets to choose?

Cabinetry is one of the biggest visual elements in the kitchen, and it’s not something people want to replace often. I usually recommend staying on the neutral side. Consider the colours already in your home and look for a tone that complements them. Then, if you want to bring in more personality, do it through the wall colour, backsplash, or accessories.

Is the trend still fewer upper cabinets and more open shelves?

We’re definitely seeing more open shelves, but not at the expense of storage. It’s about striking the right balance. Open shelving can make a kitchen feel more inviting and less closed in, especially over a long stretch of counter. I like them for displaying dishes or glassware you use every day—and they’re a great way to show some personality.

Lighting and Ambiance

What’s the best lighting plan for a kitchen?

Lighting plays a huge role in how a kitchen functions and feels. I always recommend layering your lighting just like you would in any other room. Start with general lighting—usually recessed lights or a ceiling fixture—then add task lighting under the cabinets to brighten work surfaces. Finally, bring in decorative lighting like pendants over an island or a chandelier over a breakfast table. It adds warmth and gives the kitchen more personality.

Design Strategy and Smart Upgrades

Are white kitchens going out of style?

White kitchens will always feel classic. What’s changing is how we approach them. We’re mixing in wood accents, subtle colour, and warm metals to keep them from feeling too stark. A white kitchen with the right balance of texture and tone still feels timeless.

What’s a good way to inject personality into the kitchen?

Colour is one of the easiest ways. That could mean a painted cabinet, a striking wall colour, or even a wallpaper detail if you have the right surface. You can also show personality through the backsplash, your bar stools, or something as simple as a beautiful rug runner by the sink.

Is it better to start with the appliances or cabinetry layout?

Always start with the appliances. They come in different sizes and configurations, and the cabinetry needs to be designed around them. Know what type of oven, fridge, and cooktop you’re going to use—and if you’re doing a wall oven or slide-in range—before you plan your layout.

What’s your take on pot fillers?

Personally, I don’t use them. I don’t like having a faucet without a drain underneath. If it malfunctions or is accidentally turned on, there’s nowhere for the water to go. In fact, some municipalities won’t allow them because of that exact risk. It’s a personal decision, but I recommend weighing the convenience against the potential downside.

Kitchen Design on a Budget

Is it worth upgrading countertops from laminate to quartz without doing a full reno?

Absolutely. Replacing laminate with a quartz surface will give your kitchen a much more refined look and feel. If you can add a tile backsplash, paint the cabinets, and update the hardware, you can completely transform the space without changing the footprint. This kind of update offers great value and impact.

From choosing surfaces and hardware to planning layouts and adding personality, Brian Gluckstein’s kitchen design advice offers thoughtful direction for creating a space that’s both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re renovating completely or refreshing on a budget, the right design decisions can make your kitchen a more enjoyable place to cook, gather, and live. Have more kitchen design questions? Follow @glucksteinhome to submit your question for a future Ask Brian feature.

Photography by Angus Fergusson