Countertop Color and Style to Match Your Space

10 Tips for Choosing a Countertop Color and Style to Match Your Space

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.

Primary bedroom on the second floor.

Should You Put Your Primary Bedroom on the First or Second Floor?

Are you considering an addition that will include a brand-new primary bedroom? Investing in a beautifully designed bedroom suite is a practical and popular way to make your living spaces feel roomier and more functional. Plus, the increased square footage enhances your home’s overall value. 

Knowing where you want your primary bedroom to be located—on the first floor or an upper floor—determines whether you decide to build up or out—or both. There are advantages to each option. Let us take a closer look at the different options so you can make an informed decision about where to add your new bedroom suite.

Benefits of Using the First Floor for Your Primary Bedroom

Having a ground-level bedroom suite can provide several advantages worth considering. Following are some of the most popular reasons homeowners choose this layout for their new addition.

Enjoy Convenient, One-Floor Living

A first-floor bedroom suite is ideal for those who prefer having all their living space on one level. This ranch-style approach enhances accessibility for those who live with disabilities, and it is convenient for parents who want to be on the same floor as their children. It also tends to be more energy-efficient to heat and cool one floor instead of two.

Experience Peaceful Privacy

If your goal is to create a soothing oasis, consider placing your primary bedroom at the back of your house. Away from the busy street, surrounded by your backyard, you can easily relax in a lovely, tranquil environment. With a set of French doors, you can create a private patio to take in nature’s beauty. 

Comfortably Age in Place

Whether you plan to stay in your house for many years or you expect to care for aging loved ones, a primary bedroom suite that takes accessibility into consideration is a smart investment. There will be no perilous stairs to navigate, and whoever occupies the bedroom can more easily come and go on their own, offering independence and comfort.

Keep Family Members Close Together

In some cases, it may be beneficial to have bedrooms close to one another—you might want to be close to a baby, elderly loved ones, or special needs family members who need you nearby. If those bedrooms are on the first floor, then building out a primary bedroom on the ground level makes sense.

Streamline the Addition Process

A first-floor addition builds out from your home’s existing footprint. Because this process is simpler compared to a second-floor build-up addition, you will likely experience fewer disruptions to your daily routine—and the investment may be more cost-effective.

Advantages for Choosing to Add a Second-Floor Primary Bedroom

While there are good reasons to consider placing your new primary bedroom suite on the ground level, there might be advantages to having it on an upper level. Many people appreciate what a second-floor primary bedroom can offer, so before deciding one way or the other, take these benefits into consideration as well.

Enhance Your House’s Overall Value

While any type of addition increases square footage, a full, second-story add-on—complete with a beautiful primary bedroom suite—is the optimal way to raise your house’s market value. You will not have to add to your foundation in order to build up, which is a plus.

Achieve Distinct Spaces for Different Family Members

Many families enjoy the ability to give teenagers and adult children privacy. One way to do so is by having the primary bedroom suite and additional bedrooms on separate levels, offering both convenience and more independence for everyone living in the house. 

Appreciate Beautiful Views and Natural Lighting

Depending on where your house is located, the elements of your landscaping, and the layout of neighboring homes, an upper-floor bedroom may be a better choice. Top-floor bedrooms often offer a more appealing view of the outdoors as well as invite more natural light into your bedroom suite. 

Create a Secluded Guest Area

For those who host guests often, the addition of a second-story primary bedroom suite can offer privacy for your visitors, without the complication and expense of building a fully separate guest house. Of course, if you like the idea of offering part of your house for short-term or long-term rental, a second-floor suite with a primary bedroom and a separate entrance may be an appealing alternative to a garage or basement conversion.

Ask These Questions Before Making Your Final Decision

To aid you in narrowing down your decision about where to place your new primary bedroom, evaluate these questions:

  • Do you have sufficient land to build out your first floor?
  • Will your yard become smaller than you would like if you build out instead of up?
  • Does your neighborhood have any Homeowners Association restrictions that limit building a second floor?
  • Are you prepared to make the significant investment of budget, time, and lifestyle impact that a second-floor addition involves?
  • Will a second-floor addition offer you a significant boost in home value?
  • Will a second-floor addition fit in nicely with other homes on your street, or will it seem out-of-place?
  • What other factors are most important to you if you add on a new primary bedroom?

Create the Perfect New Primary Bedroom Suite with an Elegant Addition from Beissel Renovation

Deciding where to put your new primary bedroom is one part of your home renovation planning. It is just as important to partner with a remodeling team that listens carefully to your vision and builds your new addition with precise craftsmanship. At Beissel Renovation, part of Beissel Window & Siding, we bring over seventy years of expertise to the work we do, and we are dedicated to ensuring you are completely satisfied. Learn more about our approach to home renovation—and picture your new primary bedroom suite coming to life.

Small kitchen made to feel bigger with a renovation.

Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Bigger

There is something special about a kitchen that makes it the heart of a home. It is the place where you gather for meals and visit with loved ones every day and on holidays. You deserve a kitchen that is as inviting as possible. Even a small kitchen can deliver sizable charm and personality with the right design choices.

From space-saving tips to renovation suggestions, here are some of our favorite ways to create a spacious, attractive kitchen that will serve you well.

Ways to Give Your Kitchen a Roomy, Inviting Feel

There are several practical redesigns you can make in your kitchen without totally redoing the space. If that is your goal, consider these helpful tips.

1. Choose a Soothing Color Scheme

One of the simplest approaches to creating a sense of spaciousness is to select soft, tranquil, airy colors. There are several color schemes that deliver a light, breezy style.

  •  White opens up your space and reflects light. To provide warmth and visual interest, use a few low-contrast shades of paint, and incorporate different decorative textures.
  • For a bright appearance, yellow is excellent. Its warm, sunny ambiance is welcoming and invigorating.
  • Light green and teal remind us of the breathing room we feel in nature. These are lovely accent colors for a white kitchen, especially when complemented with live plants and flowers or a display of dishes.

2. Invite in More Light

Insufficient lighting can cause a space to feel cramped. Older kitchens often lack sufficient illumination. One option to lighten up the space is to add reflective surfaces that amplify the room’s brightness. To leverage this approach, you might choose to:

  • Add a large mirror to reflect light.
  • Install glass tiles as backsplash.
  • Use high gloss paint and cabinets.
  • Incorporate sleek stainless steel appliances.
  • Install glass doors on cabinets to create the illusion of greater square footage.

3. Use Delicate Furnishings

If your dining space does not allow for a lot of movement, evaluate your furniture. 

  • Invest in a cozy bistro table with tall stools or a slim kitchen table with benches that slide underneath when not in use. 
  • Choose visually lightweight materials such as bamboo and wicker.

4. Eliminate Unnecessary Clutter

It does not matter how big a space may be if there are too many items filling it. Achieving a spacious feel requires a proper balance between fixtures and the empty space around them. To make this tip work for you:

  • Go through cabinets, shelves, and countertops to remove items that no longer serve you.
  • Install convenient fixtures such as a steaming hot water tap, food waste disposal unit, and hidden trash receptacles.
  • Create attractive, recessed storage space between wall studs at appropriate locations.
  • Build corner cabinets where you can store small appliances until you need them so they do not have to be left on the countertop.
  • Replace ornate decorations with delicate, minimalistic artwork.

5. Install Space-Saving Fixtures

If your kitchen includes large appliances and cabinets, you might consider replacing them with sleek, modern styles. Choose space-saving fixtures that make moving around your kitchen comfortable.

  • Compact dishwashers handle a small household’s needs well, without taking up space.
  • Slimline refrigerators look sleek rather than bulky and can be coupled with hidden storage for items that do not require refrigeration, such as bread.
  • Large pots and pans can be suspended from decorative ceiling hangers to make more room in cabinets for other items.
  • Slim cabinets can broaden floor space to make maneuvering easier as you cook and clean. 

Kitchen Renovations that Add Space

Sometimes, it takes more than a refresh of style elements and fixtures to give you the space you desire. Re-envisioning the overall structure of your kitchen can transform it into a truly spacious heart for your house. There are several ways to approach this, depending on your personal goals and budget.

1. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

A small kitchen can be practical for many people—but when guests come over, it may feel crowded. By installing eye-catching French doors, you can appreciate a beautiful combination of style and practicality as gatherings can easily extend outside to a patio or porch.

2. Rethink Your Kitchen Sink and Counter Space

Often, a kitchen can seem tiny due to a lack of adequate counter space. One simple way to address this is to replace a bulky double sink with a trendy single butler sink deep enough to accommodate large pots without taking up too much room. This also allows you to install more countertop space.

3. Remove a Wall

One timeless way to make a kitchen more spacious is to create an open-concept layout. If you have a full or partial wall that can be knocked out, this approach can instantly widen and brighten your kitchen. This can allow you to add new features that a closed space did not allow, such as installing a butcher block island or using a large table and chairs for entertaining.

4. Invest in a Full Remodel

If your existing kitchen no longer serves you well, a complete remodel may be compelling. There are many routes you can take with a remodel, from gaining a few feet with a build-out addition to an entirely new room with a full room addition that gives you a truly spacious kitchen.

Achieve the Luxurious, Roomy Kitchen Design with Beissel Renovation on Your Side

Updating your kitchen is a wonderful way to bring new life and joy to your home lifestyle. When you are ready to remodel your small kitchen to create a more spacious feel or a more functional layout, our team of experienced craftspeople are here to guide you. With Beissel Renovation’s stylish designs that successfully incorporate your preferences and our thorough attention to detail from start to finish, we ensure you are fully satisfied with your renovation. Discover how our kitchen remodeling services can give you the transformed home you are dreaming of.