{"id":10693,"date":"2015-12-05T06:41:58","date_gmt":"2015-12-05T06:41:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/?p=1"},"modified":"2026-09-16T13:25:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T13:25:11","slug":"the-6-tenets-of-style-basic-rules-for-mixing-matching-countertops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/the-6-tenets-of-style-basic-rules-for-mixing-matching-countertops\/","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Tenets of Style: Basic Rules for Mixing & Matching Countertops"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kitchen countertops should deliver loads of practicality and panache, but not all materials were created equally. When it comes to choosing countertops, take a cue from the pros: mix and match.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mixing and matching countertops\u2014a popular trend amongst designers and architects alike\u2014makes for a more functional, visually appealing kitchen. Using an amalgamation of lavish and practical materials opens up a world of beauty and function\u2014delivering a striking, unique, budget-friendly design.\"image<\/span><\/p>\n

To get the most mileage out of your kitchen, choose your countertops wisely. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Practicality <\/strong>
\nBefore installation, know your kitchen. First of all, where are surface spills most likely to occur? For most homeowners, spills typically happen next to a cooktop or sink, the hardest-working areas in your kitchen. In these areas, opt for a countertop material that does double-duty against spills, stains, and moisture. Durable quartz countertops are a naturally beautiful choice.<\/p>\n

2. Functionality<\/span><\/strong>
\nChannel your inner Julia Child and imagine rolling pastry dough on a gorgeous,Carrara White countertop. It\u2019s not just for show, though: marble\u2019s naturally cool surface is ideal for keeping dough soft and safe from sticking to the surface (with minimal flour required). If you love to bake, consider a marble island or a smaller, marble-topped work zone.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Balance<\/strong> <\/span>
\nFor a consistent, composed look, select a focal point that\u2019s crowned with more subtle details all around. In most homes, the kitchen island, where friends and family gather, is the main attraction. This is the place for a more luxurious, showy material to shine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"image<\/p>\n

By contrast, perimeter countertops\u2014like granite, quartz, or butcher block\u2014are more hardworking for the everyday. In these areas, choose a material that complements your lifestyle and chosen focal point. A raised bar off the kitchen island for counter seating is another place that permits an easy transition between countertop types.<\/p>\n

4. Flair<\/strong>
\nThe kitchen is the place to put your style on display. If you crave a sophisticated, fancy feel, opt for marble\u2014whether it\u2019s Calacatta Gold or Carrara White. If you prefer something more contemporary, mix in a touch of granite or quartz to modernize your space. Let your unique style guide you.<\/p>\n

5. Color<\/span><\/strong>
\nWhen designing with two different countertops, it\u2019s best to connect them visually, to avoid that two-for-one, salvage-yard-special look. If you\u2019re going for a warmer marble, like Crema Marfil Marble, opt for a quartz or granite with warm taupe or brown undertones.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"image<\/p>\n

If you choose a marble island with cool, gray veining, dark gray or black granite is ideal for perimeter countertops. For a well-balanced look, always contrast lightness. If your kitchen island is neutral in nature and light in color, then it\u2019s best to choose a darker accent surface for the remaining countertops.<\/p>\n

6. Edge<\/strong> <\/span>
\nWith a mixed-and-matched look, contrast and variation is key. With that said, don\u2019t be afraid to design with more than one countertop edge profile. A marble island with a waterfall edge, for example, is a great way to extend the beauty of marble and add a modern sentiment to an otherwise traditional space.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"image<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re after an eased, beveled, or bullnose look, the right edge should beautifully frame your countertops. For a look that\u2019s put together and on point, choose from these 12 popular counter edge styles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Need help visualizing how various materials look together? MSI\u2019s Kitchen Visualizer lets you mix and match a variety of surfaces\u2014including backsplashes, countertops, floors, and cabinet colors\u2014so you can pair everything together elegantly.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Easier for those with an eye for design, there\u2019s an art to mixing and matching countertops. If you need assistance, consider consulting a professional designer.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kitchen countertops should deliver loads of practicality and panache, but not all materials were created equally.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11881,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10693","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10693"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10693\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12134,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10693\/revisions\/12134"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11881"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}