Best tips for pairing kitchen cabinets and countertops

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Are you ready to get your kitchen remodel started? If so, you have quite a few decisions to make. One of the biggest ones is choosing the right cabinets and countertops—and making sure they go together.

In this article, we’ll walk you through this process of finding complementing cabinets and countertops that both fit within your kitchen’s style and your remodeling budget.

Here we have tried to bring out some ideas for you on how you will make your decision while pairing kitchen cabinets and countertops. Let's check it out-

Work with a professional

When it comes to your kitchen remodel, you don’t have to go it alone. Our recommendation is that you talk to a professional designer to get their ideas and have them point you in the right direction.

This can either be someone you hire (many remodeling contractors also specialize in design) or can be a resource you talk to at a wholesaler that sells cabinets and countertops. Pick their brain on your options, pairings, and what might work best in your space and your home. 

One of the main advantages of working with a pro is that they’ll be able to find you the colors and materials you’re looking for at the right price point to fit within your budget. If you already have a look you’re interested in for your kitchen (more on this below), they can help you make it happen.

Select your style

When you picture your ideal kitchen, what do you envision? Chances are, your vision adheres to a particular kitchen style. Whether you’re a fan of the farmhouse look, with its natural wood and farmhouse-style white ceramic sink, or you like a more contemporary, modern kitchen, there’s a wide variety of styles to choose from. We recommend starting with this style choice as a template since it will help inform your countertop and cabinet choices and pairings.

For example, in a modern kitchen, many homeowners go for the sleek simplicity of black quartz or granite paired with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. A classic kitchen might feature dark grey cabinets and white granite counters.

Note the contrast: when selecting cabinets and countertops, it’s important to choose one focal point. Otherwise, your kitchen will be a busy mish-mash of styles.

Consider how it all comes together

When shopping for countertops and cabinets, ask the store or the contractor you’re working with if they have sample pieces you can take home.

First, it’s always a good idea to let your design decisions mellow for a bit: go to bed and then take another look at the countertops and cabinets tomorrow to make sure you’re still interested in the pairing.

While you have the potential countertop and cabinet materials in your home, take the time to view them together under different lighting. If your kitchen has a skylight, you’ll want to see what the countertops and cabinets look like in natural light throughout the day. At night, flip on the lights and see what they look like together.

Remember, you’re going to have to live with your decision for many years to come. If you hate how your kitchen looks under your fluorescent lights, now’s the time to find that out.

If you’re ready to start pairing together cabinets and countertops to find the right combination for your new kitchen, we recommend you take a look at this infographic from. It has a full breakdown of great combinations and contrasts.

Tips for pairing kitchen cabinets and countertops
Avatar for Shelly Rhoades
by Shelly Rhoades
Having recognized the need for accessible and affordable solutions in the remodeling industry, Shelly founded Affordable Kitchen and Baths with the mission of helping homeowners create their dream spaces without breaking the bank. Her dedication to providing reliable advice and quality resources has garnered her a loyal following and established her as a go-to resource for anyone looking to transform their kitchen or bathroom.

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