Kitchen Countertops: How to Choose a New Countertop Color
Posted on: January 3, 2022
If you are redecorating some part of your home, you may want to consider changing your kitchen countertops' color. Some homeowners find this process to be overwhelming, with so many options to choose from. However, there are several important factors to consider when choosing your new countertop color. This article will go over some basic tips for choosing the right color.
What Type of Countertop?
There are many different types of countertops available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some common options include granite, marble, quartz, and laminate. Each type of countertop is ideal in certain situations and not recommended in others.
Granite is a durable material that works well in an outdoor environment or if you have small children who may attempt to climb up on counters. Marble is a popular option due to its relative ease of care and classic appearance; however, it can be susceptible to stains from acidic foods such as lemons. Quartz is particularly attractive with its seamless luxury appeal; however, it can be prone to scratches and cracks, especially if it is not properly maintained. Lastly, laminate countertops are a relatively affordable and low-maintenance choice. However, they can be susceptible to damage from heat and stains.
What style of Kitchen?
Kitchens come in a variety of styles, including modern, transitional, traditional, rustic, eclectic, etc. The best way to choose the right color is to determine which style would look best in your kitchen. Additionally, you should consider what type of lighting will be used in the room, as this may affect your decision about whether or not to add bright white or more muted tones into the design scheme of your kitchen.
The Overall Mood of Your Kitchen
You need to think about how you want people who use the kitchen to feel. You can create a sense of warmth and relaxation, or you can opt for something more high-end and sophisticated. Generally, warmer tones with reds, yellows, oranges, browns, etc., tend to make the kitchen appear more inviting. If you want your kitchen to seem less homey and more formal, then perhaps cool tones with blues, greens, grays, etc., would be a better choice.
A Word on Fun Colors
Some homeowners choose to add bold colors such as bright orange or lime green into their kitchens in order to catch attention. However, it is important not to overlook this option as a great way to achieve a specific look that may not otherwise fit within your overall design scheme. For example, if you have a modern kitchen with clean lines and an open floor plan, adding bright yellow countertops may provide the perfect touch of warmth that is needed.
Neutral Colors Can Work, Too!
It is always a good idea to choose a color that can be incorporated into your overall design scheme. This means choosing a color that works well with the colors you have already chosen as well as those you plan on using in the future. In other words, it is not recommended to use bright red countertops if your kitchen cabinets are made from espresso wood and you want them painted white in order to achieve a clean and modern look.
General Suggestions
As long as you choose a countertop material based on what would work best for your needs and follow the guidelines discussed above, there is no wrong way to come up with a final decision about what color will work best for your kitchen countertops! Some general suggestions when it comes to kitchen countertop colors are:
- Stick to the same color family if you plan on using different countertop materials throughout your kitchen.
- Use bright white as an accent color in the room to provide the feeling of open space and keep things looking fresh and clean.
- Add dark grout between lighter countertops in order to make them appear seamless. This is especially important for marble, quartz, or other natural material options that are prone to showing imperfections.
- Save money by covering small areas with contact paper until you can afford a permanent touch-up! Alternatively, use inexpensive tiles as an easy way to test drive a new design before investing more money into it.
How Will You Use Your Kitchen?
You need to consider how you will use your new countertop color within the context of what type of kitchen it will be located in. For example, if you are looking for a high-end look, then perhaps quartz counters would be your best bet. It provides a smooth, luxurious appearance that is aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, if children or grandchildren frequently visit your home, then laminate or granite might be a better choice as they are more durable materials.
Do you Entertain or Have Guests Over?
In general, it is a good idea to consider whether or not you entertain guests in your kitchen often. If so, then perhaps marble would be a good option as it tends to make the room look more stylish and inviting. However, if you do not entertain or have guests over as much, then there may not be a need to spend the extra money on something that will generally go unnoticed.
When All Else Fails, Go With Your Gut
The best way to choose a new countertop color is simply by going with your gut instinct. There are many different factors that can play into this decision. Therefore, you should narrow down all the possibilities until only one remains; the best possible choice for your kitchen countertops.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a new kitchen countertop color is almost as important as choosing the actual countertop material itself. If you make a mistake at this stage, then it can be costly and require additional expenses to fix. When in doubt, always choose the most practical option for your household by taking into consideration all of the factors discussed above!
