Selecting your kitchen countertop material can be overwhelming, but did you know that some homeowners have to make the decision twice?!
That’s right. Some homeowners and interior designers are leaning into the trend of mixing and matching different countertop materials. As if choosing one type of stone wasn’t hard enough, now, you need to choose two that are complementary.
While this process can be stressful and confusing, don’t fret. We’re here to help and guide you through this journey, giving you all of the tips and tricks along the way.
Continue scrolling to learn more.
5 Tips for Mixing and Matching Kitchen Countertop Materials
An essential part of your kitchen design is your countertop. It can make the entire space and tie up the overall aesthetic and design in a neat, beautiful little bow.
This can feel like a lot of pressure — we get it! And if selecting one countertop stone wasn’t challenging enough, some people choose to select another one to be featured on their island. One that goes well with the other and contributes to the space’s look, feel, and function. Well, it’s not all for nothing. It’s all in the name of design, which only puts on more pressure.
But you don’t need to do this alone. We’ve gathered some advice and tips from professionals on the matter to help you make the best decision when it comes to mixing and matching your kitchen countertop materials. Here’s what you need to know:
- Keep Patterns in Mind — When shopping for more than one countertop design, it’s essential to note the patterns in each stone. Counters are an investment, and you don’t want to select two that clash.
Choosing two stones with many patterns (also known as movement) might overwhelm your space and be distracting. If you are drawn to counters with plenty of patterns, opt for a complementary second stone that is solid or has minimal movement. This allows your eye to rest, and the countertops won’t compete with each other.
Granite, marble, and other natural stones often have lots of movement, and engineered counters are pretty good at mimicking these patterns. For the perfect balance, pair your movement-packed slab with one that is more toned-down or that is totally solid.
- Use Coordinating Accent Colors to Decorate — Slabs featuring movement will have several or more different colors found within the stone. Go with a slab containing colors you like and want to use as accent colors in your decor and design.
Does your granite showcase a muted purple? Bring in other shades of matching purple in linens, art pieces, dishes, cookbooks, upholstery, and more. Using the colors found in the movement in your slab will create a cohesive and inviting aesthetic. If bright colors aren’t your thing, that’s okay! There are plenty of neutral options you can run with, too.
- A Light Side and a Dark Side — No, we’re not talking about a galaxy far, far away. We’re talking about the balancing act and the ever-important principle of yin and yang that also applies to mixing and matching countertops.
If one selection is lighter, consider a darker option for your second choice. This will add contrast and create interest in the space. You could opt for a classic black and white mix, light and dark neutrals, and more.
There are several ways to achieve a light and dark dynamic in your kitchen. You can just leave it at your countertop colors or take it a step further by mixing it with dark and light cabinet colors. You can pair your lighter stone with darker cupboards and the darker slab with lighter cabinets for a more dramatic contrast. Or, for a more balanced feel, keep it light on light and dark on dark.
- Let Your Island Be the Focal Point — If you opt for a slab featuring bold color tones or exciting patterns, there’s no better place to install them than the center of your kitchen: the island. You can create a focal point, a piece of art even, by wrapping your island in a slab with dramatic movement and sweeping veins.
Creating a show-stopping island doesn’t necessarily mean your kitchen will be over-the-top. To ensure the rest of your selection meshes well with the rest of the aesthetic, keep the rest of your color scheme and design a bit more neutral or muted.
- Mix Stone Materials — If you can’t decide between two materials that feel polar opposites of each other, that’s okay! You don’t have to choose; you can use both! It’s very common and popular in interior design to pair two entirely different stone materials with each other. Even if one is a natural stone and the other is engineered — there are no rules!
Look into pairing quartz with porcelain, marble with wood, soapstone with granite, or another exciting match. The only drawback is one cleaning solution may not work for both materials. This is easily remedied by reading up on the cleaning suggestions for the materials and having whatever cleaning agents are necessary on hand. Additionally, you can mix up how the stones are finished. Maybe you want one option to be polished and the other to be honed.
Looking for an Affordable and Quality Kitchen Countertop? Contact Granite 4 Less Today
Are you looking for a kitchen countertop that is both affordable and made from quality materials? The stone experts at Granite 4 Less can help!
Our knowledgeable team of professionals is here to assist you in finding quality countertops for your property in Salt Lake City at a price that won’t bust your budget. We offer a vast selection of affordable stone counters from quality manufacturers, such as granite, quartz, and marble. We specialize in quartz and granite fabrication and installation services for your home or business.
Our vast selection of unique colors and stone types ensures you will find the perfect countertops for your property. We are dedicated to providing top-quality service and products and strive to work hard to complete your job on time and on budget.
Look at our extensive selection of high-quality bathroom and kitchen sinks, granite, marble, and quartz countertops. Contact us today to learn more!