Some people prefer the uniform look of a single countertop material in their kitchen. Meanwhile, others love the drama and visual impact achieved with multiple materials. If you’re one of the latter, the tips below will help you mix and match counter surfaces effectively.

3 Tips to Combine Countertop Materials

1. Contrast

If you want your varying materials to stand out, select contrasting colors. A rich red or brown hardwood will look striking beside a white or beige natural stone.

If your style is more contemporary, you can go for a monochromatic scheme with black countertops and white cabinets. Magnify the effect by choosing other monochromatic features, such as checkerboard flooring and black or steel appliances.

2. Divide by Purpose

Your material choices should also be practical for your lifestyle, so divide your countertops by purpose. For instance, choose durable quartz or granite for the meal prep area, then look at hardwood, laminate, or Formica® for the bar area where your family eats breakfast or spends leisure time.

3. Choose One Pattern

Natural stones like marble and granite tend to have striking veins and patterns. To avoid looking too busy, you usually don’t want to pair two different stones.

Instead, consider granite or marble for one section and a more subdued hardwood or solid-color Corian® surface for the other. Or pair a solid-colored laminate with a Corian Private Collection surface, which is designed to mimic patterns found in nature.

To view a wide selection of counter materials and designs for your kitchen remodeling project, stop by Big Island Countertops. With locations in Hilo and Kailua-Kona, HI, they’ve served clients throughout the island since 1991 and are now the largest residential countertop manufacturers in the state. They carry quartz, Corian, Formica laminate, and granite countertops as well as cabinet supplies. Visit their website to learn more about the company, or call (808) 961-6633 to make an appointment.