When designing a home, the key to building your ideal space is having a wealth of decorative and functional options to choose from. Unfortunately, the avalanche of possibilities which await can give even the boldest of homeowners pause. Before you know it, you’re struggling with indecision – a difficult thing to avoid when faced with so many color choices – not to mention finishes, designs, materials, hardware, and durability requirements!
For those who are serious about refreshing their kitchen or bathroom with brand-new countertops – but wish to keep the existing cabinetry intact – we’ve put together a guide that will help create a complementary aesthetic for those who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. It’s crucial to choose a countertop material that will work in harmony with your cabinets, and we’re happy to assist you in building a color scheme that is not only timeless, but versatile as well!
Below, we’ll highlight a number of popular cabinetry options, all of which are a common sight in kitchens and bathrooms of every style, as well as the countertop materials which suit them best. The world of kitchen and bathroom design is rich with variety, but simplicity is often the best route to take if you’re interested in a look that will stand the test of time. Trends can be fun, but the last thing you want is for your investment to quickly become outdated! Our goal is to assist you in creating a space that will keep you content for years to come.
If You Already Have…
Natural Maple or Oak Cabinets:
If you’re working with natural maple or oak cabinetry, then it’s a fantastic idea to play up the rustic feel of their wood grain. This can be done by incorporating similar tones into your countertops for a beautiful overall effect. If outfitting a kitchen, then it’s best to focus on highly durable options such as granite, quartz, or quartzite, but these stones would work just as well in a bathroom, too.
Because natural wood is so laid-back and unassuming, it can be paired with either predominantly light or dark countertops. The stone’s base shade can range in color from white to black without looking out of place – a decision that is perhaps best determined by the rest of your kitchen’s decor. From there, you should look for a material that features flecks and/or veining in various neutral tones, such as beige, tan, amber, grey or cream. Such patterns will enhance the appearance of your cabinets and bring the entire look together. Try taking along a sample of your cabinet material if you have one available for the best possible pairing.
Dark Brown Cabinets:
Homeowners whose kitchens feature dark brown cabinets are in luck – it’s hard to think of a more versatile option to work with! Whether your cabinetry is sleek and contemporary, or rich and traditional, you’ll have an endless array of suitable countertop materials to choose from. Because of this, it’s a good idea to take the overall aesthetic of your home into consideration while making a decision. For example, if you’re looking for a touch of elegance, then marble could be just the thing. Genuine marble is a beautiful choice for bathrooms, but it isn’t recommended for kitchens. Happily, there are certain brands of quartz that imitate marble with stunning accuracy – without having to sacrifice on durability!
Those who lean toward more modern styles may appreciate the contrast of a white countertop against dark brown cabinetry. Pure white stone will certainly make a statement, but you can also soften the look a bit by choosing a material that includes a mixture of white, ivory, cream, and even flecks of grey. This combination of dark and light is particularly eye-catching in a space that receives lots of natural light. If you like a classic look, then you may prefer to go in the opposite direction. Dark granite or quartz will make a gorgeous complement to warmly stained wood, such as cherry. Dynamic stone that offers plenty of movement works especially well.
White Cabinets:
A kitchen or bathroom that features white cabinets also presents an endless variety of potential countertop materials to choose from. Once again, the decision you make will ultimately depend on personal style and the best match to your existing décor. For a contemporary space, the sky is the limit – it really comes down to just how modern you want to get. Predominantly black granite, quartz or soapstone countertops should offset white cabinetry to perfection, and a pattern that incorporates equal amounts of black and white is guaranteed to turn heads. Alternatively, a combination of white-on-white is perfect for the ultra-modern homeowner who wants a clean and simple look that still manages to be daring.
If you’d like to give your white cabinets a more classic feel, then you may be satisfied with a countertop material that includes various earthy colors – particularly one which showcases multiple shades of brown. From coffee-colored granite with plenty of shimmer to quartz that contains tones of amber and caramel, such a pairing is sure to impart both sophistication and warmth. When you’re outfitting a bathroom and durability is less of a concern, then marble, travertine, limestone and onyx are all viable options as well. Marble is perfect for those who like feeling glamorous while they get ready, and onyx is sure to pack an unforgettable punch.
Black Cabinets:
With the right countertops, a kitchen that features black cabinets can manage to feel contemporary, charismatic, and sophisticated all at once. Instead of coming off as dull or lifeless, such cabinets are capable of adding incredible dimension to a room. The one element that will ensure this, of course, is an ideal choice of countertop. Choosing a lightly-colored stone will provide the perfect foil to your cabinets, and everything from pure white to grey should work well. Marble – or a brand of quartz that looks like it – is an excellent option too.
Warmly-colored stone shouldn’t be ruled out, however. If your black cabinets have already been set alongside a rich color palette, such as wood floors or earthy ceramic tiles, then its well worth considering a countertop that highlights one – or numerous – shades of brown. These can range all the way from tan to chocolate, depending on your preference.