In our industry, there is a question that ranks right up there with, “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” The question is how to match new kitchen countertops with the overall kitchen design. Unfortunately, there is no black-and-white answer to the question. There are too many variables in play.
It is one thing if you are simply replacing your countertops while leaving the rest of the kitchen alone. It’s another matter if you are replacing cabinetry. And if you are gutting the entire kitchen and starting over, you’re looking at a much larger set of dynamics.
The easy way out is to simply advise customers to purchase the countertops that make them happy. If you like marble, that is your best choice. If someone else prefers quartz, they should go for it. But rarely is the choice that easy.
The Kitchen’s Focal Point
One way to figure out how to match new countertops with the overall kitchen design is to start with the focal point. Every kitchen has one. So ask yourself this: what do you want the focal point to be once all the work is done?
You might want the new countertops to be what draws everyone’s attention. On the other hand, you might want to emphasize new cabinets. You would prefer that your countertops simply enhance the cabinets for a more subtle look. Whatever your chosen focal point, you can select your countertops accordingly.
Design Around the Countertops
When completely gutting the kitchen and starting over, you might want to make your countertop choice first. Then you design the rest of the kitchen around that choice.
Maybe you would choose a cool granite slab. You could then add stainless steel appliances and cabinets with a light finish. Finally, a darker floor provides a nice bit of contrast that ties everything together. You end up with a kitchen that combines a modern aesthetic with the classic elegance granite offers.
Colors Are a Big Deal
For a lot of homeowners, colors are a big deal. They don’t want the kitchen to be too light or too dark. As a result, they try to include both in the total space. Lighter countertops offset dark cabinets, and vice versa. A lighter floor color might offset dark countertops and cabinets. You get the point.
One way to achieve a nice balance is to choose complementary colors for countertops and cabinets. You could go with the same basic colors but different shades. For example, pair darker wood cabinets with quartz countertops in sand and beige tones.
It is not unusual for interior designers to start with the countertops and their color palette. They use that palette to choose colors for the backsplash and cabinets. Interior designers might even base their flooring choices on one or two colors from the countertop’s veining pattern.
There Is No Right or Wrong
Bedrock Quartz has been around long enough for us to know that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Homeowners need to decide for themselves what they like, what makes them happy, and what they think looks good. Our job is to supply the stone countertops and quality installation they have come to expect.If you are in the market for new stone countertops, we invite you to visit any of our Utah showrooms. You’ll find a delightful selection of granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz slabs to choose from. And during your visit, don’t be afraid to ask any questions that come to mind. Our number one priority is your satisfaction. We want you to be completely comfortable with your purchase.
