Choosing cabinet and countertop that compliment each other isn’t just about coordinating the color. While there are some color tips you can follow, you should also consider aspects like your lifestyle, budget and style. For example, if you have young children or a large family, you’ll need a countertop that’s durable and cabinets that provide a lot of space. Building the home you’ll retire in? Consider a style and design that will support your lifestyle over the next decades. Once you’ve established lifestyle factors, your preferred style and budget, here are some tips for coordinating countertops and cabinets.
Start with the cabinets
The cabinetry in your kitchen will arguably be the most significant investment you’ll make in the space, so it’s important to evaluate your options. In addition, you may have your heart set on deep brown or sleek white cabinets, so you’ll want to make your granite countertop selection after landing on a cabinet choice.
Select the cabinets first, and then consider if you want a contrasting look of a dark cabinet with a lighter countertop, an option for families who want to hide the dirt. Because counters are wiped down more often in the day, going lighter doesn’t automatically mean more work to keep the clean. Or vice versa: Use a light cabinet with a darker countertop. You can also choose lighter fare, such as an all-white kitchen, or the opposite: dark cabinetry with a darker slab of granite, and then lightening up the look with bright floors and wall color.
Move onto the counter
Accent the cabinets with your countertop selection. Keep in mind the wide range of selection granite provides. There are black, brown, red, blue, green and white colorations from which to choose. No matter what color of cabinetry you’ve selected, you’re sure to find a granite slab to match. It’s helpful to bring a cabinet door or two with you when you’re selecting a granite slab. Hold up the door next to the slab. The granite should match at least some of color in the cabinetry, even if it’s minute.
Make your selection
The final step in the process, consider that the granite counters and cabinetry will need to compliment the wall color and flooring, as well as any other decor in the kitchen. Once you’ve settled on a few granite colors and veining, take the samples home. You should evaluate the look of the granite next to all of the cabinets and in various spaces in the kitchen. Look at the samples next to natural lighting and in darker corners of the space. Look at the colors in the daytime and at night, under the lighting.
As you’re making your granite selection and matching the counters to the cabinets, there are other elements to consider. For example, if your kitchen is smaller, you’ll want to stay lighter with the granite slab. You can also choose to contrast the granite counters with the backsplash for some interest, or coordinate the two for a seamless look.
The options are endless when it comes to matching your granite counters to the cabinetry, along with other kitchen components. The most important things to keep in mind is to not rush the decision and to work with a professional who can walk you through the process. Make sure you’ve got a big enough budget to make the project worthwhile. Investing in quality materials and an expert to do the job will result in a project that delivers a big return.