When planning a new or renovated kitchen, you might be caught between the choices available in natural stone countertops. After all, who can resist the elegance of marble, the class of granite or the beautiful colours in quartz countertops? The good news is, when done right, you can mix and match stone products to create inspired design that lets you enjoy more than one style!
Think Practically
Most important when mixing and matching stone countertops is considering how your kitchen will be used and what areas are going to be most prone to spills and heavy use. For most people, these areas are generally within on the counter portion of the working triangle, which includes the stove, fridge and sink. If your kitchen is going to be subject to heavy use and especially if you have children who are learning to cook and help with cleanup, you might want to consider something highly durable and stain resistant for this area such as quartz countertops.
Design for Function
What are some of your favourite cooking styles? If you’re heavy into cooking meals that require a lot of prep and knife work, a granite countertop for your island or prep area would hold up well if you use cutting boards. If baking is your thing and you enjoy working with pastry and other dough, the coolness of marble is ideal for turning out perfect items. Put a little bit of thought into what you need most from your kitchen and that will help you determine what your secondary type of stone should be.
Lead with your Sense of Style
Once you have determined the practical and functional aspects of mixing and matching your stone countertops, the fun begins! With your cabinet style in mind, what look are trying to achieve for your kitchen? What will be the focal point? For example, if you are looking to create an elegant look and your island is your focal point, you might consider marble for the island and a subdued granite or quartz countertop as the accent. If traditional is more your style and your island will be a hub of activity, you might consider a warm quartz for the island and rich granite countertops to frame the kitchen.
Designers and architects have been creating statements in kitchens by mixing and matching stone countertops for some time. Using these three tips, you can create a design that is uniquely yours. Visit StoneSense in Ottawa to see our wide range of beautiful natural stone countertops in granite, marble, quartz and onyx. For design inspiration, view our gallery.