Some people simply have a knack for decorating. For others, choosing colors, patterns, and styles that complement is more difficult. For instance, how do you match the variegated colors of a granite countertop? If home decor is a challenge for you, the following tips should help you choose countertop, cabinet, and flooring options that match.

How to Design a Kitchen that Matches Your Countertop

Select a Countertop

The countertop can be the most expensive purchase in a kitchen remodel, so it's often best to choose the one you like and match the cabinets and flooring to it instead of the reverse. In the case of marble and granite countertops, the colors and patterns can vary significantly, so it's hard to order them to match. Granite comes in a variety of popular colors; most have flecks of black and white in them, so black and white decorations are a good choice. Granite can also highlight shades of many other colors, including gold, beige, red, and brown.

Choose Flooring & Cabinets

Once you’ve selected a countertop, it’s time to select matching flooring and cabinets. Your kitchen is a high-traffic area, so the flooring should be functional, durable, and easy to clean. This will help you narrow down materials. You can then choose a color that matches the countertop. For instance, if you’re planning a monochrome (black and white) design, consider a durable hardwood like mahogany with a dark, nearly black stain or a similarly colored luxury vinyl or laminate flooring. Alternatively, a pearl-colored tile will call out the lighter tones and make the room feel larger.

When choosing cabinetry, it’s often a good idea to select a color that complements the countertop but contrasts with the flooring. For example, you may want to contrast lighter-colored cabinets against a darker floor, or the reverse. If you intend to draw out the yellow or red of the countertop with brighter cabinets, consider a neutral floor color like a beige wood or an off-white tile.

A Note on Color Palettes

When choosing a color palette, don’t go overboard. Stay with two complementary base colors you like and an accent color for visual interest. Examine your granite countertop, choose one or two dominant colors from it you like, and then consult a color wheel to choose a complementary color from the opposite side of the wheel.  Finally, select an accent color, which should appear at least three times in various parts of the room to make it appear intentional.

By starting with a granite countertop and selecting complementary flooring and cabinets, you can give your kitchen a polished and coordinated look. For the furnishings you need at an affordable price, contact Surplus Sales, with locations in Corbin, Paducah, and Elkton, KY, they've been serving the region since 1995 and specialize in quartz and granite countertops; tile, laminate, and hardwood flooring; and a wide variety of kitchen cabinets. Visit their website to order online or call (606) 523-9166 to ask about availability.