When designing from scratch the ideal kitchen, several homeowners want to try out creative ideas. However, sometimes they end up going for something less in quality because they don’t know how their unique style will turn out. The kitchen is the perfect place to express your personality. The key is making sure all the elements follow one design. That’s why today we will answer a frequently asked question: Can I mix and match kitchen countertops?
We know that right now, some of you might be thinking that mixing and matching countertops is a bad idea. But in reality, this can work. There are just a couple of rules that homeowners need to follow. First, the kitchen needs to be functional. This is a space where everyone needs to multitask, and for that reason, it needs enough room to store and prepare meals. Also, it should be organized. Otherwise, it will be too difficult to find the utensils. Apart from these simple principles, there are another couple of rules that will ensure this trend works in any kitchen.
Four Rules on How to Mix and Match Countertops
1. Consider the patterns
If homeowners are going to mix and match countertops, they must keep in mind the pattern of each one. For instance, it will be a bad idea to get two surfaces with a lot of movement. In the end, the kitchen could end up looking cluttered and distracting to the eye. Instead, it will be better to get one countertop with a soft veining pattern, and the other should be a solid colour.
To achieve this, purchase one natural surface like marble or granite and then combine it with an engineered surface. In this regard, our favourite is a quartz countertop. Even though many manufacturers sell this material, we recommend Caesarstone.
2. Balance the tone
The main rule on how to mix and match kitchen countertops is by balancing the entire colour palette. That means that if the first countertop has dark undertones, the next one needs to have light ones. When using this technique, homeowners can also pick one side of the kitchen to be dark and the other to be light. In this stage, it is essential to be careful because the goal is not to make it seem like two different rooms in one. Instead, to create an aesthetically pleasing contrast.
3. Have accent pieces
If you don’t want people to notice right away that there are two different countertops in the kitchen, it is important to have accent pieces. These elements will attract the attention of all the guests and complement the whole design. These accent pieces don’t need to be something extravagant but rather unique. For instance, some antique pendant lights over the kitchen island. It might also be something simple, such as pieces of plants hanging over the peninsula. The key here is finding an unusual element but at the same time shares the same style with the kitchen countertops.
4. Combining Materials
To mix and match kitchen countertops could be a difficult task since there are different materials. That’s why sometimes homeowners believe that the best way to do it is by combining similar surfaces. For instance, fill the kitchen with natural stones such as quartz and granite. But, this can also work with opposite countertops like wood and recycled glass. This pairing will create contrast in the kitchen and balance the tones.
However, if homeowners decide to combine materials, it is vital to keep in mind both surfaces will need separate maintenance. This means that it will take more time to clean the kitchen.
Top Countertop Pairings
With the four key rules we have presented in the section above, homeowners will be able to mix and match countertops in their kitchens. However, in case they need some help, here is a list of the best pairings we could find.
1. Stainless Steel and Quartz
We know that many people dream about having the perfect chef’s kitchen. To achieve this, many of them install stainless steel countertops. The good thing is that this material is heat and scratch-resistant. Plus, it is easy to clean. But, a stainless steel countertop is not exactly the ideal surface to have a family breakfast. That’s why, if you want to twist this chef’s kitchen, you can install an all-white quartz countertop on the island.
2. Concrete and Composites
When trying to design a moody kitchen, most homeowners decide to install countertops that have dark undertones. But, as we learned above, it is vital always to keep the balance. In this regard, if the kitchen already has a concrete countertop, the ideal surface to create contrast will be composite. The best part about this is that a composite countertop is antibacterial and stain-resistant. However, keep in mind that because the composition of both materials is different, the cleaning tools will vary as well.
3. Wood and Quartz
Luckily, mixing and matching quartz countertops is easy because of their texture and design. A combination of wood and quartz surfaces is great for all those homeowners who like baking. This will create the ideal space to roll dough, mix ingredients, cut cookies and more. Once you are done with all the preparations, these countertops will also be easy to clean. It is crucial to be careful with any liquids when it comes to wood since the surface can get stained.
4. Marble and Wood
As stated in the previous section, one of the rules when pairing kitchen countertops is not being afraid to try materials that are opposite to each other. Marble and wood might look like surfaces that don’t match at first, but the key is finding the perfect marble slab. Since we are going to use wood, we have to find a marble countertop that has a soft veining pattern. Remember, the tone needs to be light. The best way to use this pair is by installing marble on the main countertop and wood on the island.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
