Cabinets and countertops take up most of the visual space in a kitchen, so if they don’t work together, the whole design feels off. Here are some pro tips from our experts that will help you match cabinets and countertops into a space that you’ll love.

Why Matching Cabinets and Countertops Is Challenging

Many factors can significantly impact how well your countertops and cabinets complement each other. A few of the most common ones include:

• Countertop Materials. Laminate, solid surface, granite, quartz, quartzite, butcherblock, marble, soapstone–cabinets and countertops are made from very different materials. What’s more, each one reacts to light and space in its own way. Clashing materials can end up standing out on their own instead of blending into a larger, harmonious design.
• Colors, Patterns, and Finishes. What color countertop goes with white cabinets? How do different patterns work together? Are the handle designs the same throughout the space? You’ll need to ask questions like these while planning. Otherwise, you risk making the space look smaller, cluttered, and chaotic.
• Lighting. Each material and pattern looks great in some types of lighting, and less flattering in others. A combination that looks great in the store under fluorescent showroom lights may look completely different under your kitchen’s light sources.
• Space and Distance. Some colors and patterns help make a space look bigger and more inviting. Other patterns can feel overwhelming when there is too much or conversely, too sparse with nothing to draw the eye. Don’t forget to consider the distance between countertop and upper cabinets and how you could use that space strategically.

Now that we know what affects how well your kitchen cabinets and countertops match up, let’s go over how to use them to your advantage.

Coordinate Colors and Materials for a More Cohesive Look

A cohesive kitchen design begins with choosing cabinet and countertop colors that are from the same color temperature. Warm tones, such as the golden look of oak and beige stone, work well together. Cool color tones, such as gray, blue, and green, will be easier to coordinate with one another as well. Neutral tones, like brown, white, or black, are the most versatile because they match many warm and cool colors.

Materials also influence the overall effect.

• Natural wood cabinets feel grounded with stone countertops, but they may clash with butcherblock unless the wood grains and tones complement each other.
• White painted cabinets give you flexibility. They pair well with nearly any countertop material as long as the style and theme match.
• Don’t forget themes! Clashing themes like a Greek marbled counter and warm rustic alpine cabinets are difficult to balance. Matching the general theme is very helpful in creating a harmonious space.

Coordinating colors and materials will go a long way in creating the kitchen of your dreams. As a bonus, it will help you narrow down ideal countertop and cabinet designs for your renovation.

Consider Contrast and Tone for a Balanced Appearance

Once you have your colors and materials narrowed down, the next step is deciding which will be the focus of your kitchen. If one surface makes a bold statement, the other should play a supporting role.

• Bold countertop, neutral cabinets. If you’ve chosen a striking granite or quartz with dramatic veining, consider pairing it with simple cabinetry in a similar color palette. For example, if you wanted to go with a bold counter, something like oak cabinets with black countertops could be the way to go.
• Neutral countertop, statement cabinets. If your countertop is subtle, you have room to experiment with cabinet color. Deep colors, vibrant accents, or even a bold textured pattern can bring character and depth to the design.
• Keep to one color temperature. For a softer, unified look, select countertop and cabinet colors in the same color family. Just make sure not to match them too closely. For instance, a warm gray quartz countertop works beautifully with light gray cabinetry to create a layered but seamless look.

This strategy ensures your kitchen feels balanced and gives you control over what becomes the focal point of your kitchen.

Test Samples in Your Kitchen Lighting for Accuracy

A color that looks perfect in the store may look drab or like an entirely different color in your kitchen. Testing them in your own lighting ensures you won’t be surprised once everything is installed.

• Place cabinet samples vertically and countertop samples flat so you can view them as they’ll actually appear.
• Check them under natural daylight, evening light, and your installed fixtures to see if they stay appealing at all points of the day.
• Pay attention to how the distance between the countertop and cabinet samples affects the appearance of the colors and their visual appeal.
• Note how it looks with other parts of your kitchen as well, like the flooring, light fixtures, and backsplash.

Testing samples is an effective way to avoid surprises when the renovation work starts. It can save you thousands in materials and labor, and you are more likely to love the final result.

How Our Free Design and Consultation Services Can Help

Not sure what countertop would go best with white cabinets? Pondering if a black and gold theme would work well in your lighting? When you schedule a free consultation with Wyoming Building Supply, you get:

• The undivided attention of an expert who has a team with over 50 years of collective industry experience behind them.
• A comprehensive kitchen design plan that you can refine until it matches your vision perfectly.
• Free, no-hassle in-state delivery of any materials you order from us.

We can also handle the installation work to ensure perfect results. We have what it takes to transform tired kitchens into showroom-ready spaces.

Contact Wyoming Building Supply for Your Renovations

Take the stress out of matching your cabinets with your countertops and other home renovation projects. Whether you're looking for expert advice, a quote, or just want to chat about your construction needs, we're just a message away. Connect with us today.