Among the growing trends in today’s kitchens is mixing and matching materials. You’ve surely seen newer kitchen designs that have different upper and lower cabinets or a kitchen island that contrasts or coordinates with the wall cabinets. Now consumers are also opting to mix and match kitchen countertops as well. Let’s look at some key design tips to consider.
How to Pair Different Kitchen Countertop Materials
When pairing different colors and materials, we suggest choosing no more than three different surfaces. Any more and your kitchen may look busy and disjointed. Add warmth with softer earthy tones and add light with brighter colors.
When selecting a color palette, think about colors that pair well together. Black and white is always a classic combination. So, if you are considering black and white for your cabinets, then use the opposite for your countertop colors.
If you’re looking for contrast, try pairing a smooth surface (such as polished granite, marble or quartz) with a textured surface (such as leathered granite) or a solid color with a patterned marble or granite. If a modern look is more your flavor, try mixing and matching concrete-looking quartz with a solid white quartz or even a classic marble.
Choosing Countertop Materials for Their Function
Think about how you use your kitchen and which areas will be used the most. If you are big on cooking, you may want a granite workstation where you’ll be doing most of your food prep. And if you enjoy baking, perhaps you’d like a marble or granite work surface for rolling out pie crusts and cookie dough. The natural stone surface will keep your dough cooler while you are working with it. Consider placing a baker’s workstation slightly lower than standard countertop height to give you more leverage with your baking tools.
You may also want to consider concrete-looking quartz if you’re going for an industrial, rustic, or modern look. Quartz is easy to keep clean and hygienic, withstands heat, and is nonporous, so it doesn’t stain or absorb liquids. Meanwhile, for an eating/breakfast area that sees a lot of plate and cutlery action, you can utilize something sturdy such as quartz or granite.
Advantages of Mixing Kitchen Countertops
Using more than one kitchen countertop material or color gives you the opportunity to further customize the look of your kitchen. You can contrast dark and light colors as well as different textures and materials. And choosing different countertop surfaces can also help your building or renovation dollars stretch a little further.
Concentrate your kitchen dollars on the focal points of the room. So, if you can’t afford to put marble or granite throughout your entire kitchen, why not use marble or granite in the most prominent places, then accent with wood shelving, butcherblock or other materials? There are many highly distinctive woods that can add a lot of personality and style to your kitchen… and pair perfectly with stylish marble, quartz, granite, and other high-end countertop materials.
Whether you have one long countertop or several different surfaces, it’s easy and attractive to break up the look with different countertop surfaces. But in the end, choosing kitchen countertop materials is sort of like fashion these days… anything goes. It’s all about what you like and what appeals to you. Go for it!
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