You’re thinking about using custom color countertops in various areas of your home as you want to change the look of those spaces and bring a pop of color to them. You’re unsure whether you want to make the color the major attraction or blend a color in with the surrounding area. With all the selections out there, it’s hard to know which is the better choice.
With so many countertop materials available today, granite companies nearby can help you with ideas and suggestions for countertop selections, but you’ll want to decide eventually what looks best in the areas where you want to use custom colors as setting the mood and atmosphere reflects your taste.
There are conflicting ideas of what custom color countertops coordinate with different spaces. Here’s a look at what colors coordinate with what and some advantages and disadvantages of custom color countertop materials.
Cabinetry Matchup with Granite Countertops
Red color tones characterize cherry and mahogany cabinets. There are complimentary custom colors that coordinate with the cabinets. Those colors include sage, gray, green, and blue. Both cabinets go well with natural stone selections like granite, quartzite, marble, and other materials, but what are the pros and cons of using a natural stone choice like granite?
Pros: Granite is a sought-after natural stone because of its hardness, durability, and availability. With the commonality of granite, its availability has expanded, and it’s much easier to find the right piece for your home. Granite is also available in many colors, blends, and patterns that work well with not only cherry and mahogany cabinets but with other cabinet colors, flooring, and wall layouts.
Cons: Unfortunately, granite can be costly compared to other materials. The costs (installed) are between $85 and $175 in square footage. Other cost factors involve the color, size, density, and pattern of the slab. You also have to consider the company or manufacturer supplying the granite, the installer, and where you live in the country.
Cons: Granite is hard to take out. Think of it as a permanent fixture. If you want to remove it, the whole countertop will have to go. Replacing it could get expensive before you can replace it with another material or granite selection.
Cons: With granite, you also have issues with its weight. That usually entails added support structurally, which most counters don’t have. It also requires resealing to deter staining and it easily cracks if it’s hit by a large or cumbersome object.
Oak Cabinet Matchup with Quartzite Countertops
With oak cabinets, you can complement them with either custom granite colors, quartzite, or ceramic countertops. If your oak cabinets have an orange cast to them, a countertop selection in a blue-gray color will complement them.
Neutral colors also work well with oak cabinets as do shades of brown. When you pair quartzite with oak cabinets, you’re getting a stone that is solid. It’s an alternative to granite, quartz, or marble. You want to consider quartzite a man-made or engineered stone, as it’s part quartz and resin materials. Just be aware of the difference. In looking at quartzite for oak cabinets, what are the pros and cons of this stone?
Pros: To begin with, quartzite is a natural rock that, when put under heat and pressure, turns into either a white or gray material with streaks that are colorful. It takes on the appearance of marble and bears a strong resemblance to it, though it’s a dense material and remains tough like granite.
Pros: Quartzite is less expensive than granite. Square footage wise, it costs $85 to $150 (installed). Total costs will hinge on the quartzite you use and the part of the country you’re living in.
Pros: With quartzite being a fairly neutral material, the colors blend well with just about any cabinet selection and kitchen design. Swirling patterns add a clean, modern, and natural look to a kitchen space. It’s also a heat-resistant material, but you don’t want to leave a hot coffee dispenser or pan sitting on it.
Pros: Quartzite is another strong and durable material. In fact, it’s harder than granite.
Cons: Quartzite has a tendency to be addressed rather broadly by manufacturers. Check with the manufacturer or supplier and determine the kind you will get, either hard or soft quartzite. Softness or hardness affects the durability of the material.
Cons: Whatever type of quartzite that you choose to use in your home, seal it periodically to evade staining. As it’s a heavy stone, it will require professionals to install it.
Minimalist and Modern Matchup with Marble Countertops
When you want a minimalist and modern look that coordinates with black cabinets or dark wooden display shelving that houses dishes and kitchen accessories, you’ll want to consider marble for a lean and clean look in custom color countertops. Using marble can bring an elegant yet understated look to a modern kitchen area. There are advantages and disadvantages to marble even with its luxurious appearance.
Pros: Marble has always typified luxury. Though not as hard as granite it holds its own in beauty alone. It’s available in a number of colors that complement just about any type of cabinet. Natural colors of marble include green, white, gray, black, yellow, and pink. There are sufficient color choices that go with almost any type of cabinet. Many times there are striking veins from mineral deposits that add to the attractiveness of marble.
Pros: In addition to its beauty and uniqueness, marble is resistant to heat
Cons: There’s no getting around the fact that marble is expensive. It usually runs between $125 and $200 in square footage, but total costs will depend on the quality and thickness of the slab.
Cons: Marble is a porous stone, which means it requires sealing at least once a year. Even with sealing, stains with marble can happen particularly when acidic foods and liquids come in contact with it. It’s also subject to scratching.
Other Choices
There are other custom color countertop choices in quartz, soapstone, recycled glass, stainless steel, butcher block, solid surface materials, copper, slate, ceramic tile, concrete, recycled wood, and other materials. They all have advantages and disadvantages in their use and can coordinate with most kitchen settings.
If you are looking for the right custom color countertops and need help in deciding what’s right for you and your lifestyle, contact Marble Concepts at 215-396-7393. We will help you choose what’s right for your home.
