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.<\/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.
\nTo get the most mileage out of your kitchen, choose your countertops wisely. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
1. Practicality<\/strong> 2. Functionality<\/strong> 3. Balance<\/strong> 4. Flair<\/strong> 5. Color<\/strong> 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> 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.<\/p>\n Need help visualizing how various materials look together? UMG\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.<\/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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"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. 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11913,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10749","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=10749"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12130,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10749\/revisions\/12130"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11913"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umgtoledo.com\/newumg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\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
\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.<\/p>\n
\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.
\nBy 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
\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
\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.<\/p>\n
\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.<\/p>\n