How to Match Your Countertops with Your Kitchen Decor

Creating a cohesive kitchen design begins by coordinating colours and selecting appropriate materials that look great together and stand up to wear and tear.

While it may be tempting to choose a countertop material based on appearance alone, maintenance, durability, and cost are also important factors. Then there are your appliances to consider, as well as the backsplash, flooring, and wall colour.

Whether you’re looking to purchase porcelain, marble, or granite kitchen countertops, these tips will come in handy.

Kitchen Countertops: Choosing a Suitable Material

Here are some ideas to help you choose a countertop that matches the rest of your kitchen’s decor.

1. Wood Countertops

Wood has a warm and inviting appeal that adds natural richness to any space. It’s a good choice for homeowners looking to create an airy, bright, and inviting kitchen. It’s also suitable for transitional spaces that mix contemporary and traditional styles.

Wood countertops are also a good option for kitchens with wood cabinets – that is if you don’t mind the material dominating. If your kitchen has a rustic and casual feel, go with lighter wood countertops. If the space features a Scandinavian or a cottage-like vibe, choose unstained or lightly-stained options. Darker woods offer a more polished and formal appeal, making them suitable for areas that receive a lot of natural light.

2. Porcelain Countertops

If you’re in search of a durable kitchen countertop but have a tight budget, porcelain is the way to go.

Porcelain used for countertops comes in slabs, making them ideal for creating a seamless design or a sweeping kitchen island. It’s also easy to care for as there are no grout lines to worry about.

The material’s low maintenance, versatility, and durability make it suitable for kitchen applications. The slabs are also resistant to scratches and heat.

You can combine porcelain countertops with tiles of the same pattern or colour on the baseboards, walls, and flooring. Moreover, as technology is continuing to improve, you can purchase slim-format porcelain slabs, ensuring your large kitchen island looks seamless.

If you have a kitchen with neutral tones, choose a grey, tan or beige porcelain countertop. Alternatively, if your kitchen has a monochromatic colour scheme, you can choose different shades of the dominating colour. For more traditional kitchens, choose a minimalist white countertop.

3. Granite Countertops

Granite is a popular kitchen countertop material. By choosing the right kind of granite, you can enhance the overall beauty of the space while also adding to its functionality. Choosing the wrong colour can make your kitchen appear odd and non-cohesive.

For instance, if you choose dark granite (think grey or black), make sure your kitchen has ample light; otherwise the space will appear dull and impersonal. On the other hand, light granite countertops (think beiges or browns) work well in kitchens with shining white appliances.

4. Quartz Countertops

One of the most sought-after countertop materials is quartz which is a manufactured stone. Consider an off-white or white slab with multi-toned grains or flecks to give your space a subtle richness. This countertop can work well in different situations since it looks fresh and contemporary. Its pale tone adds a sense of lightness and cleanness to the space, with subtle sophistication.

In a more traditional kitchen, it’s best to choose a minimalist, white-coloured countertop that will add to the elegance of woody elements.

5. Laminate Countertops

Laminate is a cost-effective and striking solution to worn-out and dated countertops, with homeowners able to choose from a wide array of patterns and colours.

However, to ensure you’re choosing the best one, consult a countertop provider near you for complimentary samples. You can place these next to your cabinets and walls to understand how they look under artificial and/or natural lighting. Remember, lighting has a huge impact on how the laminate countertop will look once it’s been installed.

If your kitchen has a contemporary and bold colour scheme, choose a dark-stained laminate. It can bring in a natural feel that contrasts with modern appliances. Alternatively, a light-coloured laminate countertop in a kitchen with white interiors flooded with natural light can create a welcoming atmosphere. You may include natural wood elements in the range hood or beams (if there are any) to create a casual yet cozy space.

Note that laminate can be damaged by extreme heat so you’ll need to use a trivet or hot pad. Likewise, a matte surface finish tends to hide scratches and dents better than glossy ones. Additionally, it’s a non-porous material and doesn’t harbour germs and bacteria, making it safe for food preparation.

As you can see, there are several ways to pair your kitchen interiors with your countertops, be it porcelain, granite, or any other material. Your pick comes down to your preferences and needs. After all, kitchen countertops require a substantial investment so you want to make the right choice.