How to Match Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops, & Flooring for a Cohesive Design

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and creating a cohesive design in this space is crucial. When you are planning a kitchen renovation, three key elements will have the most impact on the final look: the cabinets, the countertops, and the flooring. Learning how to match kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring can be a daunting task, but with a few simple guidelines, you can create a beautiful and harmonious space.

 

The goal is not to have everything match perfectly, but rather to create a balanced design where each element complements the others. This is the secret to a professional and timeless look.

 

 

The Golden Rule to Matching Countertops & Flooring

 

The relationship between your countertops and flooring is the most important part of the kitchen's design. They act as the top and bottom visual anchors of the room, so they need to work together.

 

The golden rule is this: choose one to be the star.

 

• If your Countertops are the Star: If you have a bold, dramatic countertop with a lot of movement or a unique color, your flooring should be more subtle. A solid-colored tile or a hardwood with a less pronounced grain will allow the countertop to be the focal point without creating visual clutter.
• If your Flooring is the Star: If you choose a unique patterned tile or a dramatic hardwood with a lot of character, your countertops should be more subtle. A solid-colored quartz or a quiet marble will allow the beautiful flooring to shine without competing for attention.

 

Let’s Add Countertops to the Mix

 

Here's a simple, three-step process to help you choose the right combination for your kitchen.

Step 1: Start with the Most Expensive Element

 

Begin with the element that will be the most difficult or expensive to change. This is typically the cabinets or the flooring, as they are a more permanent part of the kitchen's structure.

 

• If You're Keeping Existing Cabinets: Your cabinet color is your starting point. You'll then choose a countertop and flooring that complement the cabinet color.
• If You're Starting Fresh: Decide on a cabinet color first. Are you going with a classic white, a modern gray, or a bold color like navy? This decision will inform all the others.

 

Step 2: Choose Your Countertops

 

Now that your cabinet color is set, it's time to choose the countertops. You want to create a complementary relationship.

 

• For White or Light-Colored Cabinets: You have a lot of flexibility here. You can choose a dark countertop like a black granite for a high-contrast look, or a light countertop with subtle veining for a more serene feel.
• For Dark-Colored Cabinets: A light-colored countertop will create a beautiful contrast and keep the kitchen from feeling too dark. A white or light gray quartz is a classic choice.
• For Wood Cabinets: You can choose a countertop that matches the warmth of the wood, or a cool-toned countertop to create a balanced look.

 

Step 3: Select Your Flooring

 

The final step is to choose your flooring. The flooring should tie the other two elements together without competing for attention.

 

• For Wood Floors: The most important thing here is to choose a shade that is either significantly lighter or significantly darker than your cabinets. Matching the wood tones too closely can make the room look flat and uninteresting.
• For Tile Floors: Tile is a great way to introduce a unique pattern or texture. You can choose a tile that picks up on a subtle color in your countertop or go with a simple, neutral-colored tile that allows the other elements to be the stars.

 

 

Consult the Kitchen Remodeling Experts at Murley’s Floor Covering

 

By choosing a clear focal point and making sure each element complements the others, you can design a kitchen that is not only functional but also a beautiful reflection of your personal style.

 

Call us or Visit Murley's Floor Covering at our showroom. We have a showroom location in Kennewick, WA. We service the Tri Cities, WA areas. We've been serving the Tri-Cities area with beautiful floors and top-notch services since 2005.