Are you planning to update your kitchen’s current countertops? This is one of the most appealing and practical ways to refresh your space and create a new look. Whether your countertops are the only aspect you will change or you are planning a major remodel, the best way to achieve memorable beauty is to match your countertops with cabinets and flooring.
Here are some essential tips to help you craft your kitchen with the appealing charm and functionality you see in designer layouts.
10 Steps for Coordinating Your Kitchen’s Color Scheme
1. Choose a color trio.
A staple design principle is the concept of color trios—two main colors that go well together (such as black and white, or brown with light green), along with a third accent color used minimally to create visual interest. In most cases, your counters will be one of the two main colors, the cabinets will be the second of the main colors, and smaller features such as appliances will provide the accent color. Once you choose a palette, you can match all the elements in your kitchen to it—an appealing approach for a complete remodel.
2. Treat countertops as focal pieces.
Your countertops are often the first feature that you notice. By choosing your countertops first for a full remodel, you give yourself some direction as you select other fixtures. A material like marble or quartz may contain many flecks of color—and you can begin with one of those shades as part of your color trio.
Then, choose a backsplash that works well with your new stone. Often, your backsplash will be the same material as your counter in a similar hue, but you can also opt for a contrasting tone for the backsplash that will catch the eye.
3. Work with existing features.
You may have a lovely kitchen feature such as a historic chandelier, a dramatic piece of artwork, or a stunning bronze stove vent that you intend to use as a focal point. If so, choose a countertop color and style that blends well with anything that you will be keeping in your kitchen design.
4. Create a balance of textures.
A variety of different materials and textures can give your kitchen striking appeal. As you plan for your renovation, consider a material you would like to highlight, decide how you will use it, and look for a countertop material and color that is complementary. A popular combination is white, pale gray, or golden rustic wood cabinets paired with sleek, darker-toned countertops.
5. View color schemes in different lighting.
Hues that appear beautiful in a showroom may turn out to be too dark or too light for your space. Gather swatches of everything you are considering and look at them in your kitchen in natural sunlight at different times of day. When it is dark outside, switch on your light fixtures and see how that affects the materials you have chosen.
6. Consider your kitchen’s size.
Smaller spaces look roomier with counters in light shades such as white, ivory, beige, and other gentle neutrals, matched with bits of brighter color for balance. For a large or for an open concept kitchen, a blend of different hues can be effective, and you can consider dark, dramatic countertop colors.
7. Take cabinets into account.
Cabinets draw the eye, so select a countertop that complements them. Many homeowners enjoy the contrast of light stone along with dark or bright cabinets, though you can also reverse that combination and choose a dark stone with white cabinets. Stained wood cabinets match nicely with warm-toned counters. If cabinets and counters are all the same hue, it is a good idea to introduce a contrasting color with appliances or décor for balance.
8. Think about your kitchen island.
An island can either match the rest of your kitchen, or it can add an element of contrast. To lean into contrasts, look for colors that are opposites on the color wheel. Match some features of the island to other elements such as cabinets or handles to pull the look together. If the main cabinets and counters are light neutrals, consider bright, bold, or rich-colored fixtures for the island.
9. Take a look at your flooring.
Flooring can pull the entire design together. One way to create a cohesive style is to choose flooring that matches the secondary color in your color trio so that it either matches the counters or the cabinets. However, if your countertops and cabinets are close in hue (such as two similar shades of gray or white), the flooring can be a contrasting accent color.
10. Consider your personal style preferences.
Your personal design aesthetic influences your choices of countertops and other kitchen features, and it is important because you will be spending time in your kitchen on a daily basis. If you prefer strong contrasts, consider using white marble countertops with black appliances and cabinets or black granite counters with white fixtures.
If you like a softer, casual warmth, you might choose similar complementary colors such as off-whites, natural grain woods, and other neutrals. Keep in mind that colors in your kitchen do not have to be exact matches, but rather similar shades that look nice together. You can always add flair to your kitchen with countertop appliances in bold colors or by displaying a favorite piece of art.
Craft a Beautiful Kitchen Design with Gorgeous Counters for Your Twin Cities Home
Finding the perfect stone for your new countertops is a fun way to give your kitchen a fresh look you will enjoy for years to come. Our team of designers and craftspeople is ready to collaborate with you to create a gorgeous new look for your space. Explore our options for countertop installations—and picture your house with an appealing new style in all the right colors.


