---
title: How Can I Add Texture to My Chicago Kitchen Design?
description: Adding texture to your new kitchen design can be a great way to add personality and character to your remodel. You may want to consider these as...
image: https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hub/265052/file-2405318441.jpg
---

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# How Can I Add Texture to My Chicago Kitchen Design?

[Ron Nanberg](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/author/ron-nanberg) | Mon, May 7, 2018 | [Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/topic/kitchen-remodeling)

We’ve written in the past that [function trumps form](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-remodeling-form-over-function-or-function-over-form) in kitchen design – and that’s t![Chicago Kitchen Design](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/hs-fs/hub/265052/file-2405318441.jpg?width=319&height=214&name=file-2405318441.jpg)rue in many ways. When it comes to the *form* aspect of the puzzle, we think of the kitchen in terms of an artistic composition, and this composition includes things like a united, harmonious theme, focal point(s) balance, symmetry, contrast…and *texture*!

# Are Textures Balanced in Your Chicago Kitchen Design?

Texture keeps things from getting too one-dimensional, adding [interest and contrast](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-remodeling-ways-to-make-a-white-kitchen-pop) with other fetaures and finishes. Some kitchen designs require more emphasis on texture than others. For example, [traditional kitchen designs](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-custom-cabinets-is-traditional-your-style) tend to be “texture rich” because fancier wood trim and an emphasis on furniture-like features automatically add texture to the mix.

On the other side of the coin are [modern or ultra-contemporary designs](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-design-contemporary-has-overtaken-traditional), which can wind up looking so linear and sleek, they wash out. These are the design styles that often benefit most from a texture check and adjustment.

## 5 Ideas for Ensuring Your Design Has Interesting Texture Dynamics

Not sure if the textural component is interesting enough in your kitchen? Here are 5 ideas for upping the texture ante.

## Create a dynamic backsplash

The backsplash is a fun way to add artistic flair and texture into a kitchen. Mosaic patterns, additions of metallic elements, a colorful array of glass tiles and other texturally-rich backsplash options are a great way to add texture. You can use this theme for [the entirety of the backsplash](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-design-idea-should-my-backsplash-match-my-countertop), or make the backsplash a focal point behind the stovetop, or to showcase your tea or coffee bar.

## Opt for stained cabinets that show off wood grains

Wood grains have both texture and motion, a double-win. You don’t have to use them for the entirety of your kitchen. In fact, this [Highland Park Contemporary Kitchen](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/contemporary-kitchen-design-highland-park) is a perfect example of how exotic Macassar cabinet veneers, and sleek, glossy, flat-panel cabinets were combined for a stunning effect. Had the homeowners insisted on all-white cabinetry, the kitchen would have had a flat, boring effect. The contrast of an exotic wood added attractive texture and character.

You don’t have to use an exotic wood to do this, choosing cabinets with [rift or quarter-sawn wood](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/contemporary-kitchen-design-highland-park) can increase the appearance of a classic cabinet wood by altering the way grains show up when compared with the standard plain sawn methods, which yield consistent grain patterns.

## Textured (or textured-looking) cabinet finishes

The cabinet [finish you select](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/bid/278123/Finish-Options-for-Your-Custom-Cabinetry) is another way to bring texture into the mix. Something as simple as a glazed finish adds subtle texture, highlighting cabinet door contours. Distressed, crackled and brush-stroke finishes also add noticeable textural notes.

## Choose a pattern-rich slab

Bold patterns are another way to gain textural boosts. Those multi-colored or larger, [mineral flecked granite and quartz slabs](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/chicago-kitchen-and-bath-remodeling-quartz-is-the-new-granite) will do this for you. Countertop edge details can also add more dimension. If there’s a highly-patterned slab you like, but you fear it’s too much for the entire kitchen, think about using [more than one countertop option](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/why-consider-using-multiple-countertop-materials-in-your-kitchen-design) for both textural and contrast benefits.

## Moulding and wood details

Crown moulding around the ceiling, bead-board, corbels – all are examples of wood details that add textural and dimensional punch. While often associated with traditional kitchens, there are [wood details for every style](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/blog/9-ornate-detail-options-for-a-traditional-chicago-kitchen-remodel) preference and your Chicago kitchen designer will help you identify the best options for your space.

Visit [Kitchens & Baths Unlimited](https://www.kitchensbathsunlimited.com/) to glean more professional tips on how to add texture to your luxury Chicago kitchen design.

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