If you are wondering, can you have two different countertops in kitchen? Yes, it’s possible. Besides doing this, giving your countertops a unique look, also can save you money. To get the most from the two countertops, you need to consider several tips that include:
Practicality
As much as you want to have kitchen countertops of different materials, you should ask yourself whether the countertops are practical. If you are installing them in your kitchen, can they withstand the stains, spills, and moisture?
In most kitchens, the spills happen next to the sink and cooktop. In these areas, you want to place easy to clean and maintain countertops. One of the best materials to go for is quartz.
Balance
The two countertops you choose should give your surfaces some balance. To do this, you should install the shiny, attractive countertops on the focal point of the house, such as the kitchen island, and the less shiny countertops on the hardworking areas of the kitchen.
For example, you can install marble and other luxurious countertops on the kitchen island while you fit quartz, granite, or butcher block on the cooking surfaces. When choosing the best material for the countertops, go for one that complements your lifestyle.
The last thing you want is to install countertops with two styles that clash. You should remember that when you install countertops with significant movement or pattern, pairing them can overwhelm your kitchen design and distract the eye.
If one material has busy designs, find a complementary countertop that is solid colored or minimal pattern. By so doing, you ensure that, one countertop material doesn’t compete with the other.
One great combination is pairing marble, granite, or other natural stone with toned-down quartz or solid surface countertops.
Color
To avoid giving your countertops a two for one, salvage yard look, ensure that the two materials connect visually.
For example, pair the warmer marble such as Marfil marble with quartz or granite with brown or taupe undertones. If you are going to install a marble island with cool, gray veining, black or dark gray granite are the ideal perimeter countertops to go for.
For the perfect balance, ensure that you have contrast lightness. For example, if your kitchen island is neutral in nature and light in color, choose a darker accent surface for the remaining countertops.
Flair
There is no point in using two different countertop materials if you aren’t going to showcase your style. If you want to give your surfaces a luxurious, sophisticated look and feel, go with marble such as Carrara white or Calacatta gold, then pair it with granite or quartz.
Edge
With a mixed and matched look, contrast and variation are key. To extend the look and beauty of marble and add a modern sentiment, install a waterfall edge. Install the right edge that will beautifully frame the countertops if you want to create a beveled, eased, or bullnose look.
If you aren’t sure about how to go about it, get the input of a professional to guide you through.
What are the common countertops you can go for?
If you are wondering which are the best countertops you can go for, there are plenty of them, with the common ones being:
Laminate
Laminate countertops are made from sheets of plastic laminate bonded to a particleboard core. The beauty is they come in a variety of colors and styles to choose from. They are often affordable, and due to this, they are attractive to budget-conscious homeowners.
While they are great, their major downside is they are susceptible to splitting, bubbling, warping, scratches, and other forms of damage. Due to this, you are advised against installing them in highly active areas of the kitchen.
Marble
We have been mentioning marble as it is a highly popular material known for its luxurious look. Although marble countertops Durham are elegant to install, they are expensive, so not the best for those working on a tight budget.
Other popular countertop materials include: quartzite, travertine, granite, and soapstone. There is no right or wrong material to go for—it depends on your intended look and budget. If you aren’t sure about the right material to go for, get the input of a professional.