There are various aspects of selecting countertop materials based on color and material properties. Granite countertops are highlighted for their versatility in color options, ranging from light to dark shades, making them suitable for any kitchen color scheme. Quartz countertops, consistent in appearance, are recommended for pairing with hardwood cabinets to counteract their natural variations. Marble countertops are praised for their elegance, particularly in black or white kitchens, although they require extra care due to their susceptibility to acid. Additionally, combining different countertop materials like granite, quartz, and wood is a good idea for a visually appealing kitchen design.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, which is why homeowners and home-buyers alike give it so much importance. Most people spend more time in the kitchen than in any other room during their waking hours. Whether you plan to sell your home for a good price or simply enjoy living in it yourself, it makes sense to make the kitchen as welcoming and attractive as possible. A good way to do that is to put in top-quality kitchen countertops.
You will not even have to spend very much on that kind of upgrade, and the returns are great in terms of function as well as value. Some people claim that you gain back whatever you put into kitchen countertops, so that is good news. Kitchen cabinets are also a good option, but they do tend to cost more. If you have just enough for a small upgrade, putting in new kitchen countertops is your best bet.
The next thing you have to consider is the material you should choose for your kitchen countertop. You have many choices, but the top choices are quartz stone, marble, and granite. If you are not sure which one you should choose, you might want some color facts about top materials for countertops.
Versatile Granite
It probably is not going to help you make your choice by telling you that granite countertops go with almost anything in the color department. Granite is available in a wide range of colors, from white to black and most colors in between, so finding one that will match your color scheme is very possible. Of course, the same is true for quartz, but if you prefer a natural stone, then granite is the obvious choice.
The reason granite is so color versatile is its composition. Granite is an igneous stone that formed from magma, which is a collection of different minerals that dictate its color. The dominance of a certain mineral will dictate its overall color and inclusions.
That said, you should keep in mind a couple of color-matching rules. Choose dark granite if your kitchen receives a lot of natural light, and a light-colored one if it does not. Dark granite looks best in bright light, while light granite brightens up a dark kitchen. Brown or beige granite is neutral, so it works with light and dark kitchens. If you plan to go with a backsplash, you can go with the same stone or overall color or go for something in a complementary color. Contrasting colors will work best in a kitchen in neutral colors.
Consistent Quartz
You might want to consider quartz countertops if you have (or plan to have) hardwood kitchen cabinets in your kitchen. Quartz stone is manmade, so it does not have the unpredictability inherent in natural stones, and natural wood for that matter. Each slab of a specific model is identical, so you can choose quartz countertops to counteract the inconsistency of hardwood.
In most cases, you want opposite colors for this cabinet-countertop match-up. If you have dark cabinets, light-colored quartz countertops make the perfect foil for it. The light color of the stone reflects the color of the cabinets, preventing them from looking grim and foreboding and making your kitchen feel welcoming. Strangely enough, the same is not true if you have light-colored cabinets.
Marble Countertops Work with Black or White Kitchens
Marble countertops are not as versatile as granite or quartz stone, but nothing is quite like it in a black or white kitchen. The elegance of marble is distinctive, and few people can resist its look of luxury.
The most common color for marble is white, although other colors, including black marble, are sometimes available. If you do choose marble countertops for your kitchen, just keep in mind that it has a tendency to react quite strongly to acid, and requires a sealer to keep it from staining. That said, it is heat-resistant and more durable than you think, so that is good news for kitchen countertops.
Combinations
Kitchen countertops are usually one type of material, but that is not a hard and fast rule. Natural stones and quartz stones happen to go great with each other and other types of materials such as wood.
You can choose to have two or more countertop materials in your kitchen to serve various functions. Butcher blocks, for example, combined with granite or quartz, make an interesting look, while marble is particularly suited for rolling out pastry. Choose granite and quartz colors that complement the wood and marble, and you have one awesome kitchen.
Conclusion
Choosing the right material for your kitchen countertops based on these color facts can vastly improve the look and feel of your kitchen. Considering how small an investment it is in general, upgrading your kitchen with new kitchen countertops is a smart move, provided you get it from a reliable source.
Cabinet Land Kitchen and Beyond offers free consultation services and quotes, so you can have the benefit of our expertise without spending a dime.
We are a local remodeling company with a showroom located in Schaumburg, Illinois. We work only with quality natural stones for countertops as well as the best cabinet brands at the best prices compared to our competitors such as Advance Cabinets and Handsome Cabinets.
Visit us today to see what we have to offer. We service Chicago land and have the expertise and resources to complete virtually any type of countertops and kitchen cabinets – ON TIME and ON BUDGET with top-quality craftsmanship that will exceed your expectations.
