Choosing materials for your kitchen remodel is one of the most important parts of the process. It’s where design meets function — and where your style becomes real. But with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
At Morganco Design Build, we’ve spent decades remodeling kitchens across the Greater St. Louis area — from classic homes in Webster Groves to modern builds in Chesterfield. We’ve seen what works, what lasts, and what adds real value. This guide breaks it all down so you can make smart, lasting choices for your kitchen — with confidence.
READ: What Permits Do You Need For a Kitchen Remodel in Missouri or 5 Things to Consider Before Remodeling Your Kitchen
How Will You Use Your Kitchen?
Before you start looking at samples or scrolling through design inspiration, take a step back. The first — and arguably most important — step in choosing kitchen materials is understanding your priorities.
Start with Function
Before selecting materials, think about how you use your kitchen every day. Do you cook often? Need space for kids to do homework at the island? Want surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain?
Your answers guide every material decision:
Quartz is ideal for low-maintenance, high-use areas.
Granite handles heat well for serious home cooks.
Hardwood floors add warmth but need more care than tile or luxury vinyl.
In a busy family home in Chesterfield, we might recommend durable surfaces and soft-close cabinetry. In a Central West End condo, the focus might be on sleek finishes and built-in storage.
Pick a Style That Fits Your Home
Your kitchen shouldn’t feel out of place. It should match the character of your home — not just in looks, but in quality.
In historic neighborhoods like Kirkwood or Soulard, natural wood cabinets and classic tiles feel right. In newer homes, clean lines and matte finishes can bring a modern look without going too trendy.
Trends come and go. We help you choose a style that still feels fresh years from now.
Countertops, Cabinets, and Flooring
Choosing the Right Countertop Material
Your countertops are the most-used surface in the kitchen — they need to be tough, easy to clean, and look great. Here’s a quick breakdown of common options we work with at Morganco:
Quartz
Our go-to choice for many St. Louis clients. It’s non-porous, stain-resistant, and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Great for families who want low maintenance without sacrificing style.
Granite
Natural stone with unique veining and texture. It’s heat-resistant and durable, but needs periodic sealing. A great fit for homeowners who want something bold and natural — especially in kitchens where cooking is front and center.
Marble
Elegant, timeless, and perfect for baking stations. But marble is softer and more prone to stains and etching. We usually recommend it as an accent surface — not the main workhorse.
Butcher Block & Wood
Adds warmth and character, especially in transitional or farmhouse-style kitchens. Requires more care and regular oiling, but it can be worth it for the right space.
In homes across areas like Clayton or Ladue, where clients often want a high-end but practical feel, we often mix materials — using quartz for most surfaces and a wood-topped island for contrast and warmth.
Cabinetry That Lasts
Cabinets are one of the biggest investments in your remodel. They should be built to last — not just look good for a year or two. Here’s what we focus on:
Construction Matters
At Morganco, we only use solid wood or high-quality plywood boxes — no particle board. Dovetail joints, soft-close hardware, and full-extension drawers are our standard, not upgrades.
Choose the Right Wood
Maple: Smooth and versatile, great for painted finishes.
Oak: Durable with natural grain texture. Popular in traditional homes.
Walnut or Cherry: Rich, warm tones — ideal for a more custom, upscale look.
Custom vs. Semi-Custom
In many St. Louis homes, we use semi-custom cabinets with personalized details — like custom range hoods or storage inserts — to balance quality and budget. For historic renovations, full custom often makes the most sense to match existing architecture.
Flooring That Grounds the Space
The right flooring ties your kitchen to the rest of your home — and it needs to handle foot traffic, spills, and daily wear.
Hardwood
Classic, warm, and beautiful — especially in open-concept homes where the kitchen flows into the living space. We seal hardwood floors with durable finishes to protect against moisture and scratches.
Tile
Porcelain tile is water-resistant and easy to clean. Great for kitchens with heavy use, pets, or potential messes. We often use heated underlayment in older St. Louis homes with cold floors.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
A newer favorite — looks like wood but resists water and wear. Ideal for families who want the look of hardwood with less upkeep.
In every remodel, we look at how all three of these elements — counters, cabinets, and flooring — work together. The right combination isn’t just about looks; it’s about building a kitchen that functions beautifully and holds up for years.
Finishing Touches
The big pieces — counters, cabinets, floors — set the foundation. But it’s the finishing details that give your kitchen character. These are the elements that make the space feel truly yours.
Tile Backsplashes
Backsplashes protect your walls from splashes and spills, but they also give you a chance to add texture, color, or contrast to your kitchen.
We often use:
Subway tile for a clean, timeless look — especially in older homes in neighborhoods like Tower Grove or University City.
Handmade or zellige tile to add depth and a more artisan feel — popular in custom kitchens in Ladue.
Marble or stone slabs behind the range for a dramatic, seamless look.
The right backsplash can tie together your countertop and cabinet colors — or it can become the focal point, depending on your style.
Hardware & Fixtures
Think of cabinet hardware, faucets, and sinks as the “jewelry” of the kitchen. The finishes you choose here pull the whole design together.
Common finishes we work with:
Brushed brass or matte black for a modern but warm touch.
Polished nickel for a classic, elevated look.
Stainless steel for consistency in more contemporary spaces.
We always recommend choosing solid metal hardware — it lasts longer, feels better to the touch, and elevates the overall quality of the kitchen.
When selecting plumbing fixtures, we look at function as well as design. For example, deep sinks with pull-down sprayers are ideal for busy cooks, while apron-front sinks add charm in traditional homes.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most overlooked — but most important — aspects of kitchen design. A well-lit kitchen doesn’t just look good; it works better.
We design in three layers:
Ambient Lighting – Recessed ceiling lights for general brightness.
Task Lighting – Undercabinet lights for prepping, cooking, and reading recipes.
Accent Lighting – Pendants over the island or a chandelier over a dining area to bring warmth and personality.
In many Kirkwood remodels, we’ve installed soft, dimmable lighting that transitions seamlessly from morning prep to evening gatherings.
Every light should serve a purpose — and together, they should make your kitchen feel warm, inviting, and functional.
Quality Materials vs. Trendy Choices: What’s Worth the Investment?
Not every popular material is built to last — and not every upgrade is worth the extra cost. At Morganco, we guide clients to invest where it counts so your kitchen performs well and holds its value over time.
Timeless Over Trendy
Trends come and go. What we care about is whether your kitchen will still feel right ten years from now — and whether it fits the character of your home.
Here’s what we often recommend:
Neutral cabinet colors like white, gray, navy, or natural wood — they hold up better over time than bright or ultra-modern finishes.
Stone or engineered stone countertops like granite and quartz — they continue to be the gold standard for looks and durability.
Simple, classic tile with thoughtful details (e.g., a unique shape or layout) adds style without dating the space.
In areas like Webster Groves and Glendale, we often remodel older homes where authenticity matters — and timeless materials help blend the new with the old. In newer homes, we still avoid fads like high-gloss cabinetry or bold patterned tiles that lose appeal quickly.
Material Lifespan and Maintenance: What to Expect Over Time
We always ask: How will this material age? Can it stand up to real life?
Worth the Investment:
Solid wood cabinetry – Can be refinished or touched up over time.
Quartz counters – Low maintenance, non-porous, long-lasting.
Quality hardware and fixtures – They feel better, work better, and don’t tarnish or loosen quickly.
Think Twice About:
Open shelving – Looks great in photos, but collects dust and grease.
Trendy finishes – Black stainless or rose gold might not age well.
Cheap laminate or vinyl – Lower cost upfront, but often needs replacement sooner.
In our experience, homeowners are happiest when they choose materials that are built to last — even if it means spending a bit more upfront. It’s the difference between a kitchen that looks high-end and one that truly is high-end.
How We Guide Clients Through Material Selections at Morganco
At Morganco, we don’t just hand you a catalog and ask you to choose. We guide you through every material decision — one step at a time — so you feel confident in how your kitchen will look, feel, and function for years to come.
Our Design Process
Material selection starts early in our design-build process. Once we understand how you use your kitchen and the look you’re going for, we begin narrowing down materials that fit your needs, your budget, and your home’s style.
Here’s how it works:
We meet in our design studio or bring curated samples to your home.
We present options that match your layout and priorities — not a long list of products that don’t fit the plan.
We walk through pros and cons — maintenance, durability, cost — so you know what you’re getting.
We coordinate everything to work together, so your cabinets, flooring, countertops, and fixtures are in harmony — not competing for attention.
We’ve developed long-standing relationships with trusted local suppliers throughout Greater St. Louis — which means better quality, faster timelines, and fewer surprises.
Visualizing the Finished Space
Choosing from samples is one thing. Seeing it all come together is another. That’s why we create:
Sample boards with actual materials — not just swatches.
3D renderings so you can see how your kitchen will look before we start construction.
Mock-ups or on-site visual tests when needed — for tile patterns, cabinet finishes, or lighting layout.
For clients in places like Town and Country or Des Peres, who often want a higher level of customization, these visual tools are especially helpful in making confident, final choices.
We believe good design is built on clarity — and that means making sure you understand every decision along the way.
Choosing the right materials for your kitchen remodel isn’t just about trends or looks. It’s about building a space that works for your life, reflects your home’s character, and holds up to everyday use for years to come.
At Morganco Design Build, we treat every kitchen as if it were our own — combining thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and materials we trust. Whether you're restoring a historic home in Kirkwood or building a new space in Chesterfield, we guide you through every step with care, clarity, and skill.
A well-crafted kitchen isn’t created from a catalog — it’s built through smart choices, expert guidance, and a commitment to getting the details right. That’s what we do, and it’s what we’ve done for generations.
When you're ready to bring your kitchen to life with materials that look good and perform beautifully, we're here to help. Contact us & schedule your consultation here.