How to Pair Kitchen Cabinet Colors and Countertops
Posted by KraftMaid on 21st Dec 2024
One of our design experts shares countertop ideas to help you find the perfect pairing of countertop and cabinet colors for your kitchen.
Between different materials and colors, you’ll come across hundreds of kitchen countertop options for your kitchen. So how do you choose a countertop that pairs well with your cabinet finishes and your style? We asked KraftMaid Design Services Manager Nicole Goetz to talk about a few favorite kitchen countertop and cabinet combinations and what makes each material unique.
BLACK SOAPSTONE COUNTERTOPS WITH RUSTIC ALDER WOOD CABINETS
Dark black soapstone countertops with wood cabinets contribute to a contrasting color scheme.
One way to warm up a contemporary kitchen is to use nature-inspired materials, such as wood, throughout the room. For example, pairing black soapstone countertops with raised panel wooden cabinets in Alder introduces texture and character that brings a homey feel to the otherwise streamlined design.
“Soapstone has a soft, matte finish that patinas over time,” says Goetz. “The varying shades of grey tend to get darker and blacks deeper. And, while soapstone is very heat- and stain-resistant, it takes on scratches and dents with use – which can be left in for a lived-in look or sanded out to retain a smooth surface.”
WHITE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS WITH LIGHT GREY CABINETS
Sleek white quartz countertops with Overcast grey cabinets fit a minimalist vibe.
With today’s engineered quartz countertops, it’s easy to find a look that can unite (or inspire) your entire kitchen color palette. That’s because you’ll find a wide variety of color options with boldly contrasted veining, subdued tone-on-tone speckles and everything in between.
In our minimalist Zen State kitchen, subtle brown and grey swirls in the white Bianco Drift quartz countertops pick up tones of both the Overcast grey slab cabinets and Cherry island accents finished in a warm Wicker stain.
“Featuring a waterfall edge on a center island can add a real wow factor to contemporary kitchens. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your countertop selection,” says Goetz.
GRANITE COUNTERTOPS WITH OFF-WHITE CABINETS
Granite countertops can be a stunning option in a kitchen with a neutral color scheme.
Granite has been a favorite countertop material for decades. It’s tough. It has a luxurious appearance. And the natural, earthy colors give each slab a unique appeal.
It’s that color variation and depth that also makes it easy to match granite countertops with your favorite cabinetry finishes. Here, we created a simple, neutral white palette by pairing creamy Canvas-painted cabinetry with granite countertops that feature a blend of ivory, tan and brown.
“I love granite in kitchens that lean more traditional in design,” says Goetz. “Because it’s a natural material that’s so durable, it feeds into the classic and timeless qualities of traditional style. Plus, it looks sophisticated no matter how you use it.”
WOOD COUNTERTOPS WITH PAINTED CABINETS
The natural texture of wood countertops warms up any kitchen.
If you’re dreaming of a cottage-style or a farmhouse kitchen, then consider wood countertops in your design plan. Whether you choose straight plank wood counters or end-grain wood butcher block countertops, you’ll have a look that never goes out of style.
“In the farmhouse-inspired Cherished Heritage kitchen, we chose wood counters and Urban Grey base cabinets for the center island,” says Goetz. “The wood top added another natural texture to the space. And the painted cabinets evoke a slightly vintage vibe that fits the overall design.”
MARBLE-LIKE PORCELAIN KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS WITH CHARCOAL AND OAK CABINET
Replicate the look of marble with durable porcelain countertops.
It’s hard to top marble when you’re looking to create a sophisticated design. But marble is a porous stone that can be difficult to maintain in a busy kitchen. Luckily, you can get the same look with white porcelain countertops.
“Porcelain is a front runner when it comes to durability,” says Goetz. “It’s chemical-, stain- and UV-resistant, and we’re able to replicate the elegant aesthetic of natural marble – with the color variation in the veining that works to tie together the dark Carbon cabinets, Warm White paneling and Quartersawn Oak stained accents.”
Carrying the porcelain countertop slabs up the backsplash accentuates the richness by showcasing the lavish marble-like material on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
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