Quick Navigation
- Experiment and Investigate
- Start With Countertops
- Think in Three Colors
- Choose Timeless Flooring, Countertops and Cabinets
- Consider Texture as Well as Color
- Popular Kitchen Cabinet, Countertop and Floor Combinations
- Do Floors Have to Match Countertops?
When choosing flooring and countertops for your kitchen, you need to coordinate style elements to create a cohesive look. The right combination of colors and textures can make the space more welcoming and stylish. In some cases, coordinating colors can even make your kitchen seem larger.
When choosing the color of your kitchen flooring, countertops and cabinets, keep these tips in mind.
1. Experiment and Investigate
There are more options out there than you might think when it comes to kitchen décor, so do your research. Flip through magazines, check online décor resources and visit trade shows in your area. Take note of the colors and looks you want, and consider keeping a running list of ideas you like. A good place to start is the 50 Floor inspiration page, which allows you to explore several options from the comfort of your own home.
As you look at styles that pique your interest, look for themes. Are you drawn to muted colors and classical styles? Do you prefer modern kitchens with bold, primary shades? These can be good places to start your renovation journey.
2. Start With Countertops
It’s easier to match your floors and cabinets to your counters rather than the other way around. Build your kitchen around your countertops, and you should have an easier time getting everything to coordinate.
Consider what materials and colors you’d like to include in your countertops, depending on your lifestyle and design preferences. Most homeowners choose a natural stone for their kitchen surfaces because of its luxurious appearance and long-lasting durability. You could also find other options, such as wood or concrete, to suit your cooking and entertainment needs.
3. Think in Three Colors
Choose two dominant colors that complement each other. Then, choose a third color to act as an accent. The dominant colors should be simple, while the third should look great with the complementing colors and add interest. If you have chosen granite countertops or another stone material, your accent color should be one of the colors in the counter.
Make sure you try the different colors together in a part of your home before you commit to a whole kitchen. You want to be sure you love the color combination and that all three shades work together in the lighting of your space.
4. Choose Timeless Flooring, Countertops and Cabinets
If you want your kitchen décor to last, choose classic colors that will age well. Use accessories that are less of an investment and are easier to replace to add some trendiness and fashion to your kitchen. Towels, small appliances, wall paint, curtains and other décor items are an easier way to revitalize your kitchen with bold prints and trendy colors. If your kitchen counters, floors and cabinets are in classic colors, they’ll be able to handle fashionable updates easily.
5. Consider Texture as Well as Color
Once you have your three accent colors and have a general sense of how you’d like your kitchen to feel, consider texture and finish, as well. The same colors will look very different if you choose matte or high-gloss finishes or choose a rustic look or a sharp-edged modern design. If you prefer simple colors, you can also add interest with rich textures, such as rough stone or smooth marble.
Consider shapes, as well. Rounded counters will look very different than sharp edges. Round pulls on cupboards will create a different feel than geometric designs. You can create various effects with flooring depending on whether you select a herringbone pattern, tiles or another style.
Popular Kitchen Cabinet, Countertop and Floor Combinations
As you’re redesigning your kitchen, consider the following popular combinations for kitchen floor and cabinet colors and materials.
Contrasting Colors and Materials
Contrasting colors involve light and dark shades that create balance and visual appeal in a kitchen. If you want to use contrast for a dramatic first impression in your kitchen, you can use colors on the exact opposite sides of the color wheel, such as red and green. A modern kitchen features bold contrasts, such as black and white or brown and gray. On the other hand, a traditional kitchen uses softer color combinations, such as dark cherry cabinets and light laminate flooring.
Besides contrasting colors, the modern design also features the use of contrasting materials. Since most cabinets are wood, you could pair wood cabinetry with natural stone tile flooring for an aesthetically appealing, dramatic contrast. Think about what flooring, countertops and cabinet materials would create a nice contrast without clashing with one another.
Same Materials
Create a cohesive look for your kitchen by using the same or similar materials throughout. If you decide to install oak cabinets, for instance, you may want to establish a design theme with hardwood flooring. Since oak cabinetry has unique color variations, choosing oak floors would still give your kitchen a distinct appearance. You could also pair natural stone countertops with porcelain or ceramic tile that looks like natural stone at a fraction of the cost.
Try not to make your cabinets, countertops and flooring all the same material because it could look redundant. Instead, create some variations by selecting two out of three of them in the same material so the third piece can serve as a contrast.
Same Colors
Depending on the shades you choose, a monochromatic design can give the look of a larger kitchen. To create a white kitchen, you can opt for white floors for a rustic look to match your white cabinets. Keep in mind that there should be some color variation to add a bit of vibrancy to your room. Consider porcelain or ceramic tile with unique veining patterns to go with your white countertops or cabinetry. You’ll want to have a pop of color in the room so it doesn’t look too dull.
Even if you want to have the same colors in your color scheme, try to find several shades of that color and use them in your design. Consider using different shades of blue or beige to create a design theme in your kitchen. You can also find a pop of color by using the color variations in your hardwood, laminate, vinyl or tile flooring to design the rest of your kitchen.
Do Floors Have to Match Countertops?
Your floors don’t have to be the same colors and materials as your countertops, but you should have cabinets, countertops and flooring that work well together to enhance the overall look of your kitchen.
If you’re wondering what flooring options might look best in your kitchen space, contact 50 Floor to schedule a free appointment. Our flooring experts can come to your home with samples so you can compare options and find the ones that match your countertops in your home’s natural lighting.
