Choosing kitchen cabinets and countertops for higher end rental

[Amit M.]

I'm remodeling from the studs a 2BR/1BA unit in San Francisco. Expected rent will be about $3000. Tenant quality here is very high- young college educated white collar professionals. So I'm doing a quality and thoughtful remodel. 

I'm struggling with kitchen cabinet and countertop selections. On one hand I know that clean and modern design is in these days, especially among the young and affluent. My fear with getting cabinets that are 'in style' these days, with a fine lacquer finish (like chocolate brown, or white or gray) is that I'm worried that any imperfection will stand out. I'm used to maple shaker style cabinets, which I feel having a wood grain, can hide minor dents and usage wear better. 

With countertops, I see that white or gray low gloss stone is really in.  But I'm worried that it will show stains like wine, lemon or vinegar. I usually get polished black granite, which contrast nicely with the lighter maple, and also blends in with the stainless appliances. I know the shaker maple with black granite is not the latest style, so I'm thinking I should update on new remodels. OTOH I don't want to buy too "latest and greatest" trendy, because it could look dated in several years.  With good quality tenants kitchens can last 20 years, so I'm trying to be updated and modern, but still conservative or neutral in style so it will work years from now. 

I'd love to hear from rental owners and designers who have had experience with higher end tenants. Should I just get the modern lacquer finish with popular stone countertop and not worry about it?  Or does the maple/black granite have a classic look that should be desireable  years from now?  Appreciate your input.  

[Darren Sager]

@Amit M. we also only like to use Quartz for custom counter tops in our kitchens because of the maintenance factor.  Higher end clients drink more wine.  It spills.  It stains granite in many cases.    As for cabinets I don't think that brand name will have any impact upon your rents.  What I would be more concerned about is the quality of construction so that you know they're going to last.  Use solid wood doors and plywood frames.  Make sure drawers and doors have a soft close feature as this will also increase the lifetime that the cabinets will last (in addition to protecting kids fingers)

Lastly I would splurge a bit on the back splash.  This is where (in addition to the Quartz) you have have the wow factor that can draw someone in at a low relative cost.  Put nicer tiles in.  Be sure to use Epoxy grout so that the grout will have less of a chance to stain from food flying around (and grease).