One of the most difficult parts of choosing a granite countertop is picking the color you want to use in your kitchen. Even if you want marble or engineered stone, you will find there are a plethora of color options, textures, and styles to choose from. However, granite is often especially challenging since it is offered in so many different varieties and color combinations.
In some cases, you may have an idea of the color you would like to use. For example, if blue is going to be your overall theme, you have to decide what shade and design of blue best suits your style and kitchen. While you may know what you like once you have it installed, it can be a completely different story when it comes to making a decision while the granite is still in slab form. If you make a choice and don’t like it in the end, it is still one you have to live with for years to come.
In the majority of situations, the staff at granite supply company can provide suggestions based on their experience with the stone. Chances are they have worked with a number of bewildered customers who are looking through slabs of stone. However, you still have to provide them with some idea of what you want. If it is at all possible, it is a good idea to bring color samples of your flooring and cabinets. This will help you find color options that look good together.
To Contrast or to Match?
All bathrooms and kitchens have cabinets, but the kitchen is where the coordination of these colors is the most important. It is important to remember that the cabinets and countertops will go hand in hand, which means they need to look good together. However, this doesn’t mean that they have to be a total color match.
The easiest way is to choose countertops and cabinets that match. For example, if you go with blue cabinets, you pick a stone that is mostly blue and the same hue to create a continuous unit. However, if you have selected stronger colors for your kitchen cabinets, a color that is just as strong for the counters may be a bit overwhelming. This is especially the case in a smaller kitchen space. However, on the other hand, if you select two softer colors for each element, they will appear faded.
The solution? Choose contrasting colors. However, this won’t always be the fix. For example, blue’s contrasting color is orange. An orange and blue kitchen is not likely something you will want to live with.
Rather than thinking about granite color in terms of absolutes, think in terms of the stone. It is rare that you will find granite offered in a single color. While it may be mostly solid, it will feature veins or spots of color that you can utilize to actually coordinate with your cabinetry. Even if the counters are lighter in color, they will still look good with your cabinets. The same is true for other stone types, such as engineered quartz. It may also be possible to go with contrasting colors if you choose a lighter colored stone that features flecks of orange in it.
The Stone First
If you haven’t chosen the cabinet colors yet, then you have more options. You can select the slab in a warehouse that you like and then choose your cabinetry color based on what it will match. In most cases, it is easier to change the cabinet color instead of the countertop color.
Some color pairings that you may want to consider for your kitchen cabinets and countertops include:
- Blue green and cherry
- Brown and light oak
- Green and dark brown
- Gray and maple
- Cream and brown
- White and black
Choose Two Colors
In some cases, it may also be a good idea to select two different colored stones for your kitchen countertops. You can select a light-colored stone that features the proper veining for the counters and a darker colored one that matches the cabinets for the center island area. Using this type of two-color route can help to tie the kitchen together.
There is no question that picking granite and cabinet colors can be difficult. However, when you take the time to consider the information here, you will have a better understanding of how to get started. As mentioned previously, if possible, base your kitchen colors around the granite you choose for your countertops. This is the easiest way for you to create a cohesive, great looking space in your home.