31

May

Which Countertop To Choose For A Modern Kitchen? 10 Options

If you want to give your modern kitchen that complete look without racking your brain too much, then you can surely start with countertops. Here are some countertop options that are equal parts modern and classy, and they will never go out of style. Of course, quartz countertops are on this list.

Popular Countertops For Modern Kitchens

We’ll begin with listing popular natural stones and then discuss some excellent engineered and natural materials. Why natural stones first? They are beautiful beyond words, many of them are strong and durable, and they are definitely a sight for sore eyes. But then we also have quartz, an engineered stone, that is extremely popular in modern kitchens.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that is inarguably one of the most popular materials out there. It is a dark-colored countertop material and it has a really beautiful, shimmery, and abstract look that is just to die for. If you love darker colored countertops and want to go for something that will last you a very long time, then granite is going to be it.

It is definitely up there with some of the most beautiful countertop materials to exist. And the best part? Once you get them installed, they will last forever, given that you maintain them well.

Marble

If you want to switch things up a bit and want to go for a more subtle and lighter colored countertop, then marble is going to be a very good choice. Marble is a very beautiful and light material with contrasting veining and it looks ethereal, and it also adds that modern touch that you are looking for.

Yes, marble is a bit fragile when it comes to handling and care, but if you can steer clear of these problems and take good care of the stone, then it will pay you in full with its never-ending beauty.

Soapstone

Soapstone is kind of like marble, but it also isn’t. As the name suggests, soapstone is a very soft, polished, and reflective stone that almost feels like you’re touching a bar of soap. It is very unique and so beautiful. It is light in color, so if that is something that ticks your boxes, then go for it.

Soapstone is also fragile and not the most durable, but hey, a little sacrifice is nothing when it comes to your modern kitchen. This stone has a very classic yet contemporary feel to it, so it is one of the most versatile countertop material options out there.

Quartzite

Not to be confused with quartz, quartzite is actually a natural stone, and it is very similar in looks to marble and limestone. It is a natural stone, so you have to keep in mind that it won’t be resistant to water and moisture.

You will need to seal this bad boy and this actually goes for almost all of the natural stone countertops. Once you seal them, they will not only have that beautiful polished look, but they will also be stain-free, which is really amazing and exactly what you want.

Limestone

Limestone is also another very popular stone in the kitchen and because of its color and properties, it makes for an amazing addition in your modern kitchen. As the name suggests, limestone is mainly made out of calcium carbonate, which is great and all, but what you want to take care of is not to let it come into contact with acidic or harsh chemicals.

This might cause the limestone to react with it and this can lead to damage on the surface, like the formation of holes on the countertops. Aside from that, limestone countertops are excellent in terms of durability and heat-resistance.

Wood

Some say that wood makes the kitchen look really warm and not so modern. Well, that’s not entirely true. Sure, wood is a lot warmer than other countertop materials, but if you pair it well with the rest of the décor in the kitchen, then it will be amazing in the long run.

What you want to do is go for a darker wood grain and combine different materials with it, and then see the magic happen. This will really elevate the look of wood in the best way.

Quartz

Quartz is one of the best options for countertop materials that you can go for, especially if you want variety, and something that is extremely durable, doesn’t need a lot of maintenance, and can take on any task in the kitchen like a pro.

Basically, if you want a material that doesn’t require gentle handling with kids’ gloves, then this is it. You want to go for quartz because it is literally the best one that you can get your hands on. It is going to take your kitchen and add that modern vibe to it, which is your end goal.

Stainless Steel

Speaking of modern kitchens, if you want to go for a very different and unique material, then look no further because you have a potential candidate. Stainless steel is a very beautiful and unique material in its own league. It looks industrial, it feels minimal, but it doesn’t blend in with the background. It is potent and makes its presence known.

So, if you want to go for a different material, that is something apart from your regular stones and other materials, then stainless steel is it, that is, if you don’t mind cleaning up fingerprint smudges every now and then.

Ceramic Tiles

Another very nice material selection for a modern kitchen is ceramic tiles. Tile is such a sleek and fun addition to your kitchen, and it really makes everything look so clean and modern. Maybe it’s the look of the tile in general or the orientation or patterns in which they are installed, but regardless, they are to die for.

They are also really easy to install, so if you want something that you can take on as a little project too, then this is for you. Tiles are fragile, but then again, you can get them replaced in no time and it will be amazing.

But tiles can look outdated too for some people. If you think that tiles are too old-fashion, consider porcelain slab or solid surface countertops.

Terrazzo

Think of terrazzo as a combination of different materials, all pulverized and set into resin to make a material that is unique, beautiful, and amazing for your modern kitchen. Terrazzo is made out of chips of marble, quartz, glass, and other things along the same line, and it is then molded into a slab, and you are pretty much ready to flaunt it in the kitchen.

It is durable, it is long-lasting, you have to maintain it a little more than other materials, but a win is a win.

Conclusion

A modern kitchen is a very subjective term and it is going to be different for everyone, so make sure that you keep this guide handy, because it has a lot of options for you. And for ideas, samples, and installation, get in touch with a quartz countertop contractor Potomac.

17

May

Which Quartz Countertop Color Goes With White Oak Cabinets?

White oak is a very light variant of solid wood and it looks amazing on cabinets. Well, if you feel like you want to mix and match some amazing and equally beautiful quartz countertops with them, then you are at the right place. Here is everything you need to know about pairing oak cabinets with the right color of quartz kitchen countertops.

Tips For Choosing Quartz Colors For Kitchens With White Oak Cabinets

Keep Your Kitchen Décor In Mind

First things first, you need to consider your kitchen décor before you go ahead and choose a certain countertop material to match your white oak cabinets. If you already have white oak cabinets, chances are that your kitchen is very light and airy, and you’re going for a more neutral and soft vibe in the space.

In this case, you need to ensure that you’re choosing the right quartz color that complements the kitchen décor as well as the cabinets, rather than clashing with them. Usually, light and neutral colors are the way to go in the department.

Abundance Or Lack Of Natural Light

The next thing you want to consider is the kitchen lighting. Yes, you heard that right. Lighting, especially natural lighting, is really important to have in the kitchen. You can have tons of fixtures to illuminate the space, but if there is no natural light, then you’re basically done for.

What you want to look at is how much light is coming into the kitchen. Is it a lot or too little? From this, you can choose a quartz countertop color or finish that will bring in more natural light. It will change everything.

Small Or Big Kitchen?

Another thing that you want to do and consider is the space you have in the kitchen. Do you have a small or a huge kitchen? If you have a small kitchen and you want to give an illusion of having a bigger space, then you have to ensure that you’re going for a lighter quartz color. This will automatically make the space brighter and bigger.

If you already have a big kitchen, then you are free to choose from a bit of darker quartz colors, and they will actually help to divide the space and make everything look more manageable.

Backsplash Or Not?

This is also another thing that you need to consider when you’re getting a new countertop material installed and that is the backsplash. Backsplash is a continuation of the countertop material from the base of the countertops all the way up to the walls.

If you already have a backsplash installed, then you have to choose something that will go with not only the white oak cabinets, but the backsplash too. This is really going to set the scene and you won’t have to remove your backsplash and get a new one installed. Of course, you can also choose to replace the backsplash to get more creative freedom.

What Is Your Preference?

Last but not least, you also need your own input on how you want the kitchen to look. Just because you have white oak cabinets doesn’t mean that you have to choose lighter quartz colors. You can totally tint the cabinets to give it that darker hue and then you can add darker quartz countertops to the space too.

It is all about preference and what you are willing to do to make your kitchen look like a space that speaks to you. So, go crazy and come up with your own combinations.

Quartz Color Options That Go Well With White Oak Cabinets

So, now that that has some basic considerations down about the color choice of countertops and cabinets, the next thing up are the different colors of quartz that you can go for with white oak countertops. These are just some ideas and you can totally mix and match and make up your own color combinations as your heart desires.

White Quartz

One of the most killer and winning combinations of white oak cabinets with quartz is pairing the cabinets with white quartz countertops. This is the standard and signature quartz, which is available everywhere and it is just to die for. If you want to keep the theme light and bright, then you can choose the signature white color of quartz and you will be good to go.

This is a really good combination and it really makes your kitchen look and feel airy and bright, which is exactly what you want.

White Quartz With Darker Veining

There’s white quartz and then there’s white quartz with contrasting dark veining. This color combination is also a winner when it comes to pairing countertops with white oak cabinets. The dark color of the veining against the lighter background color of quartz just looks so darling, especially when paired with white oak.

The difference of colors and contrast is going to be so unique and you will love the way your kitchen looks in this arrangement. Wood also has a bit of grain to it, so when you take quartz with slightly darker veining, it is going to complement everything so well.

Gray Quartz

If you want to go for a different color of quartz and you want to do something other than white but still want to stay in the neutral department, then you can totally do so with gray quartz. Gray quartz is a really beautiful color of this countertop material. It is light and it is also dark, but not overpowering or harsh in any way.

It is really soft and muted, and since white oak is also pretty light, this combination is going to take everything to the next level and you will love it in the end.

Off-White Quartz

Back in the white department, you can choose off-white quartz. There is something different about regular white and off-white when it comes to quartz. Off-white quartz is not as stark and bright as regular white quartz that you normally see, and the reason why off-white quartz works is because it is very similar in shade to the white oak cabinets.

There is a certain warmth to it which is to die for and it will complement the cabinets beautifully. So, if you want to try something light, but not white quartz per se, then off-white quartz is the way to go.

Greige Quartz

If you can’t decide between gray or off-white or beige quartz and you want a color that encompasses all of these colors together and is just one material, then you’re in luck because greige quartz is here to save the day. There is something so beautiful and unique about greige. It is gray and it is beige. It is warm and it is cool.

There is a difference of hues, but somehow everything works so well in harmony. So, if you want to choose a very different color from the ones mentioned above, then you can’t go wrong with greige quartz. It will seriously be a game-changer.

Conclusion

Quartz countertops and oak cabinets are a combination you didn’t think you needed until now. They are excellent because quartz has a huge variety of colors. This means you will find something that would be perfect for your kitchen. So, consult a quartz countertop contractor Potomac to take a look at quartz colors and samples.