When it comes to stone countertops there are so many options to choose from. Here at Slabworks of Montana we can help you create a custom design to fit any style, but all of that flexibility can be overwhelming. You have to think about what type of stone, what finish, what kind of edge, and of course what color countertops you want. It’s a lot! Our expert staff can help you narrow down your options, but for those of you looking for a starting point we’d like to share our recommendations on how to choose the right color stone for your project.
We highly recommend that you pick the stone for your counters before you choose your cabinets. This is especially important when working with natural stones because colors and patterns are not uniform. No two slabs will ever be identical because they are sculpted by nature, not in a factory. It will be much easier to match the cabinets to the color of the countertops than the other way around. However, if you’re working with existing cabinetry or just have your heart set on a certain kind of cabinetry we can still help you find the perfect color countertops to match.
Contrasting or Complimentary Color Countertops
The simplest place to start is to decide if you want complimentary or contrasting color countertops. Most customers choose contrasting colors, which simply means that your countertops will stand out against your cabinets. Lighter color cabinets will have a darker color countertop and darker cabinets will have a lighter countertop. This adds a lot of visual interest to the overall space.
If you choose complimentary color countertops (light on light or dark on dark) it can create a sleek, modern look. If this route seems more in line with your style we recommend choosing a stone that has and interesting pattern or colored veining. Not only will those details pop against the monotone environment, it will keep the space from looking dull.
Understanding Undertones
Now that you’ve narrowed down how light or dark you’d like your countertops, it’s time to think about the actual color. This is where understanding the undertones of your space is important. There are warm undertones (red, orange, yellow) and cool undertones (blue, green, purple). Even neutral colors will lean one way or the other. A warm grey often looks more green or brown while a cool grey can look either blue or purple.
Think about what sort of feel you’d like for the space. Warm color countertops with warm cabinets feel inviting and cozy. Matching cooler colors together will create a calm, contemporary atmosphere. Combining warm and cool colors will intensify each undertone, which can bring interest to the space but can also clash if you’re not careful.
Patterned or Solid Color Countertops?
The final step in choosing what countertops work best for your project is deciding what kind of pattern you want. Solid color countertops provides a great background for other accents. If you want to incorporate stylized decor, wallpaper, or patterned upholstery a solid color countertop will keep the space from feeling too busy. A solid colored surface also offers a lot of flexibility to change decor overtime, especially in a neutral tone.
The downside to solid colored countertops is that without a lot of accents the room can look cold or boring. If you prefer to keep your decor simple then choosing a patterned countertop will bring interest to the space. A marbled pattern brings a smooth elegance to a room while speckled patterns make a great accent, especially for stainless steel appliances.
Ready to get started?
Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or still need some help contact us to help you get started on your next project.
