How to Choose a Color for a Kitchen Countertop

The color scheme of your kitchen will affect how the overall design and decor looks and feels. The colors you choose can have an impact on how much you enjoy spending time in your kitchen, which is why the most important part of choosing colors for your kitchen countertops is to be sure you like the color. Different types of countertop materials will offer different numbers of color options. Some even have patterns and speckles that can liven up your countertop and pull together the look of your kitchen.

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  Research the different countertop materials to learn more about color options. For example, granite countertops often have a subtle textured pattern, while stainless steel countertops are all the same shade of silvery gray. Stone countertops can also have a pattern created with colored pebbles or epoxy. More colors and patterns are available with engineered stone than natural stone. Some other materials to take a look at include wood, solid surface, ceramic and laminate. You'll find the most color options with stone, solid surface and laminate countertops.

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  Look at different countertop materials to get a feel for the colors and patterns available. Home improvement stores often have displays of countertops, as well as samples of different color options. The best way to determine which ones you like for your kitchen is to see them in person.

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  Narrow your choices down to a few different colors or patterns. It will be easier to compare if you're working with about five or less. You might also decide that you prefer a solid color or a pattern for your kitchen countertop.

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  Match the countertop color to the rest of your kitchen by making it either a harmonious color or a complementary color. Find the base color of your kitchen on a color wheel. A harmonious countertop color should be next to your original color on the wheel. A complementary countertop color, on the other hand, should be directly across from your original color on the wheel. Another approach is to keep your countertop the same color as the rest of the kitchen. If you have a metallic look in your kitchen, a basic dark- or light-colored countertop will keep your kitchen's scheme from clashing.

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  Incorporate your personal preferences when choosing a countertop color. If you enjoy the color green, for example, consider choosing a green countertop and altering parts of your kitchen around it, rather than picking a color you don't like and moving your kitchen even further from your ideal appearance.

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  Get samples of the colors and materials you're considering for your kitchen countertops to take home. Look at these samples in your kitchen during different hours of the day to get a feel for what they will look like in your kitchen.

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  Ask for a second opinion. If you're not the only person living in your house, the other members of your household will also use and enjoy the countertop you choose. If you can't decide between a few samples, ask someone else for their opinion to help you choose the right color for your kitchen.