How to Match Granite Countertops with Kitchen Cabinets

As the most popular natural stone for modern kitchen counters, granite has become a staple of American interior design. Even homeowners who enjoy the retro styling of the 1960s and 1970s will not dare return to Formica laminate or Corian slabs for their kitchen counters. Such a move would not make any sense at a time when trade agreements and fabrication techniques have made granite affordable and easy to find. In terms of décor, granite goes with just about anything. If you have already decided to install granite, you can consider more than just color-matching factors when thinking about your kitchen cabinets. Functionality If your family enjoys the savory benefit of a passionate chef in the family, the cabinetry you choose should be highly functional. A serious chef will probably go for stainless steel all around the kitchen. In this case, a dark granite slab will provide a nice contrast, but this counter might not be the primary food preparation surface. Chefs like prep areas located right in between the refrigerator and the stove, and they prefer them to be made of stainless steel. In kitchens where large, elaborate meals are prepared frequently, the best option for granite is a breakfast counter. Budget Cabinetry Stock kitchen cabinets made with engineered wood tend to be affordable and easy to install. This cabinetry option is perfect for homeowners on a budget, and you will be able to find a wide range of designs. Many of these standard cabinets are sold unfinished so you can choose to paint them or cover them with laminate material. To get the most out of stock cabinets matched with granite, choose a wood finish that will contrast your granite countertops. For example, dark veins on stone will look good with light cabinet colors. Style Cape Cod cabinets feature intricate woodworking patterns painted in eggshell white and complemented with framed glass and elegant brass hardware. If you choose this gorgeous style, you can feel free to select granite slabs of just about any color, but they have to be polished. You will not have to worry about calling experts to polish your countertops. This is something you can do yourself with a stone-safe granite polish. Trends As of 2018, very dark cabinets are making a strong comeback in kitchens where homeowners have already settled on light-colored granite slabs for their counters. This stark contrast is the opposite of kitchens in the 1980s, and it looks very good when the cabinets are decorated with brushed steel hardware. Keep in mind dark cabinets will look better when they receive natural light. This design trend looks even better when the floor tiles match the counters. If you’d like tips on how to clean granite countertops, Granite Gold® can help, and we carry a high-quality granite cleaner that is also safe to use on marble, slate, travertine, and other types of natural stone. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE.