What Color Countertop Should You Choose?

Consider these popular colors and styles to get the look you want — no matter what material you use

Courtesy of: Yanic Simard

These days there are countless materials available for kitchen countertops. But instead of giving you the pros and cons of each material (you can read about 15 popular ones here), I’m going to break down six popular color styles so you can achieve the look you want with the material that suits your needs.

1. Flecked or Softly Veined White

One of the most common and coveted countertop finishes is a stone or manufactured slab material, such as quartz, in a white or off-white shade with a light multitonal fleck or grain to give it subtle natural richness.

This snowy, sparkling look works well in many situations since it is very neutral but also contemporary and fresh. The pale tone brings a sense of cleanness and lightness to the space with a twist of subtle sophistication.

In more traditional kitchens, this is usually a better choice than a true minimalist white countertop, which can be too severe and fight with the elegance of other elements such as knotty woods, Shaker cabinets or lantern pendant lights.

Softly flecked or grainy whites also work well paired with brass accents, such as these contemporary lights. Again, the subtle richness holds its own without fighting for attention and keeps the countertop from feeling too austere — great for a dining island where you want people to actually feel comfortable dining.

Flecked or softly veined white countertops are good for you if:

You have a traditional or transitional interior.
You want the space to look big and light without feeling clinical.
You want white countertops but don’t want every crumb and speck of dust to show.

2. Pure White

Pure white countertops, generally only available in manufactured materials such as Corian or Caesarstone, bring a contemporary, minimalist freshness that no natural stone can match. Luckily, these materials resist stains well, so they can stay a crisp white for years with just a little care.

This stark look works well in contemporary spaces. As mentioned, the severity of a true white can fight a traditional decor, but in a modern space it feels appropriately crisp. It’s especially effective in small spaces, such as compact condo kitchens, paired with minimalist white cabinets to give the illusion of a bigger space.

In this example, the counters are paired with a more sumptuous backsplash to balance the stark white with a little gentle character.

Here is another use for white countertops: Spaces that already have a great deal of bold character in the other finishes, such as grainy wood cabinets, can benefit from a super simple counter as a visual break.

This is especially true for modern flat-front cabinets in a wood finish with a yellow-orange undertone. A pure white counter will keep the look feeling fresh and contemporary instead of retro.

Lastly, white and blue is a classic nautical combination, so while off-white would also work, a pure white counter looks beautiful paired with blue-painted cabinetry. Despite both being chilly colors, the two together feel welcoming and always stylish.

To see more great looks, visit: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89865238?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u6035&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery2&newsletterId=6035