You've decided to take the plunge and remodel your kitchen - perhaps your current space is a relic from another decade, or just worn out. Whatever the reason, you want to do it right and end up with a room you'll love for years to come. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Not only do we eat meals in this room, but it's also a place for homework and heart-to-heart conversations. Even party guests hang out in the kitchen.

Kitchen remodeling can be very expensive, so you want to choose your materials and design carefully. Style and color palette are the first decisions you'll make.

White is a classic kitchen color. Although color trends in kitchen design come and go over the years, white will always be popular. Since everything goes with white, you can make decorating changes over the years without breaking the bank.

Two popular design trends today are Country Kitchen and Modern Chic. So how do you choose?

So much depends upon your personal taste and style. What are the biggest differences between the two styles?

Let's start by looking at the attributes of a classic country kitchen:

Warm and cozy. You want to sit down in a country kitchen and stay.
Includes a variety of textures. Every surface in a country kitchen might be different, but all elements are coordinated to work together. Marble countertops look great with reclaimed wood. Shiny ceramic tile offers a nice contrast to painted cabinets.
Shaker or flat panel cabinet fronts. Traditional Shaker cabinetry is the norm in country kitchens, and looks classic and timeless.
Open shelving. Not only do open shelves keep needed items at hand; they allow you to display pretty collections like cast iron pots or china plates.
An island (often in contrasting color). To keep an all-white kitchen from looking like a laboratory, install an island in a contrasting finish and/or style. The island is another opportunity to add your personality. Choose one that resembles a piece of furniture or repurpose an old buffet cabinet or dresser.
Farmhouse sink. An apron front farmhouse sink is quintessential country, especially when paired with an old fashioned bridge-style faucet.

Display accessories. Country kitchen style doesn't mean clutter, but having accessories and decorative items on display gives you a chance to show off your collections and personality.

Now let's look at the common attributes of a modern chic kitchen:

Clean lines. While country kitchens tend to be more organic, modern kitchen design has straight, clean lines. Vertical and horizontal lines keep the space streamlined.
Metallic accents. Metallic finishes are important in modern design schemes, including stainless appliances and polished, brushed or satin nickel or chrome hardware and accessories. Mix and match metallic finishes to avoid a cold and stark feel.

Slab panel cabinetry. Flush or slab cabinets in glossy white lacquer are the ultimate in modern design.
Simple hardware or no hardware. Euro style or hidden hinges maintain the sleek look of modern design.
Uncluttered. Accessories and collections are rarely on display in industrial design.
Minimalist. "Less" doesn't mean boring. Colors, textures and patterns should relate with each other. One element shouldn't overpower another.

If you've already settled on white, deciding between a country kitchen and modern chic is a matter of knowing your personality and lifestyle.

You should choose modern chic if:

• You can't stand clutter
• You like a clean countertop
• You prefer straight, even lines

Choose a country kitchen if:

• Straight lines feel stiff and clinical to you
• You like to be surrounded by your things
• You love varied texture and patterns