Pairing Your Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops

Selecting your kitchen cabinets and countertops are big decisions when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. If these two elements clash with each other, then it could throw off the design of the whole room. So, you should always bear the other one in mind when choosing one of these design elements. It might be that you decide what you want your cabinets to look like, for example, and then use that as a reference point when selecting your countertops.

Read on for some tips on how to pair your kitchen cabinets and countertops…

Decide what your focal point will be

You should always design a room with a focal point in mind. When done right, this will be the element that someone’s eye is naturally drawn to when they entire the room. This could be your kitchen cabinets or countertop, or it could be a smaller point such as a kitchen island, a decorative sink, or a colorful backsplash.

Knowing what the focal point will be can help you decide the style of your cabinets and countertops, and whether they should stand out or blend in.

Choosing materials

The right materials for your kitchen remodel will come down to budget as well as style preferences. Natural stone countertops produce a striking look, but they do require a significant budget. Other popular options include laminate, wood, and solid surface.

Most kitchen cabinets are some type of wood – either solid wood, plywood, or an engineered wood such as MDF or particleboard. The finish you apply to them can make a big difference in the appearance, however. Laminate is another option, as is stainless steel, although this can look a little too clinical or professional for home kitchens.

Choosing colors

The colors or finishes of your countertops and cabinets contribute a great deal to the final image. Let’s say you want your kitchen countertops to be your focal point, you might choose a striking black granite countertop to stand out against gray or white cabinets and décor. If another element will be the focal point, then you could have your countertops and cabinets matching in a neutral color, such as gray.

If you want a bolder element in your kitchen, such as purple cabinet fronts, then the rest of the kitchen’s design, including the countertops should be a neutral color so that the room is not overwhelming in style.

If you have solid wood cabinets, then you might choose a clear finish or varnish to bring out the natural grain of the wood. Or for something like MDF or particleboard, you can paint over with a solid color, either bold or neutral, to create a completely different image.

If you need help designing or installing a kitchen remodel, then contact us at The Kitchen Center for custom kitchen cabinets and much more in Winston Salem, NC.