What color counter tops would look nice? I am looking to replace the counter tops but keeping the cupboards white and I have white appliances and flooring. Hoping to warm the kitchen up a little.
Maria from Victoria, BC
I would keep the counters white and instead paint your cabinets a buttery, cheerful yellow color.
Blue/white and yellow is a nice color combo. (12/21/2007)
By Carolyn
How about yellow like the curtains and cannisters? (12/21/2007)
By joan pecsek
Well if you can afford to install granite counter tops they will last you the rest of your life and be well worth the investment should you decide at some point to sell you home. I would suggest installing the black granite. Not only does it look very classy, it also shows no dirt, lol! It will go really well with your cupboards too and flooring as well.
Sherry
Portsmouth, Va. (12/21/2007)
By Sherry Jones
I would consider a neutral color, maybe a granite color type blue. One that might have black or brown specks in it. Your kitchen looks country, but this type of counter would give it a country, yet elegant charm. It would also bring out the yellow in your canisters as well as the blue. (12/21/2007)
By Laura
What about just doing something colorful and different with your back splash area instead. Like punched tin in copper or even aluminum by using flashing and punch your own design theme. Or stenciling on a repeat pattern with your current theme. Since its more within the eyes view when someone walks in the room, it will be the main focal point and make it really pop! (12/22/2007)
By Julie
My favorite color is sage green and I think it would look beautiful with your blue walls and white cabinets. (12/22/2007)
By Barbara in TN
I have the same problem and am thinking about going with a butcher block wood or a butcher block faux laminate. (12/22/2007)
By donutz
What's your favorite color? When in doubt, many decorators will go into a clients closet to take a look at the color of clothes they like to wear. You'll be happiest in a kitchen that you really love the color. But here are my takes.
As I've said in earlier posts. My trade is as an artist (wall murals & handpainted, kiln-fired tiles made for installation) I also do "home consultations" for my clients. I advise most of my clients on color choices for their homes. Here's a quick take on choosing colors for a home:
First of all, Where do you live? Because, in hot areas (like Phoenix, Florida or S. California), you need to use "cool" colors like gray-beige, grayish sage greens, gray based-lavenders, cool blues, etc. to "cool the place down". But in places like Seattle or London where there's little or no sunshine, we need "sunny" or "warm" colors, like golden-beige (never gray beige!), golden tans, golden sage greens, etc. So think about "the weather where you live".
Second, resale- If you're going to sell your home in the next 10 years or so, think granite or a stone counter top. Granite is pricey, Yes! - but, you'll get back more money when you sell than you put in to it! The granite (or stone) counter top is important because women want "granite counter tops" when they buy a home, & this can really help your home stand out when you sell it! So much so, that granite increases your investment by 125% plus, of the cost of putting it in in the first place!
Resale colors: Choose colors that are "neutral" and can be used with many other colors like: beige, brown, gray, sage, hunter or black. (only use black in large rooms!)
Bold colors: Beware of bold colors. The reason places like Denny's & most fast food restaurants use colors like orange, mustard yellow, and red is because they "make you want to leave quickly".
Mellow colors: Blue, greens & other "cool" colors can make the room more mellow & a place to relax & unwind.
Whenever choosing blue in a room, always make sure it's "muted" with a bit of gray in the color so it won't look "juvenile" on childish. (unless, of course it's used for a child room).
What season of the year is your favorite? Do you love or hate the fall (fall colors: gold, brown, pumpkin, dark & light olive colors, hunter green). Do you love winter or summer? Winter: grey, icy blue or summer & spring: the colors of flowers & sunshine. Pastel, med or bold! This is just one more thing to think of that might also help you choose your colors.
Sometimes it's best to pick 2 colors instead of only one to decorate around (or even 3). One color is the main color & the second (& 3rd) is the "accent" color.
* Another question: Can you see the kitchen from other rooms in you home? This can be a big deal because you don't want your kitchen colors to clash with the other rooms you can see. Many designers will "flip" the colors, for example: Lets say they use plum as the main color with a sage green as an accent color in one room. In the adjoining room they'd use sage as the main color & plum as the accent color. Get the picture!?
I hope I've helped you. You can always write me on ThriftyFun to ask more questions, but I can't really give you advice until I know what area of the country you live in & if you plan to sell you home.
I was just looking at the picture of your kitchen. Here's what I'd do. For the time being, leave the counter tops white & instead, paint a color you like behind them (on the back-splash area). Because, paint, you can change!. The paint will definitely give your kitchen "Pop" & color. You can always change it back, or to a different color or better yet, if you do decide to get new counter tops. You don't want white walls anyway, simply choose a lighter color of your counter top color. Example: Deep golden-beige granite, then choose medium or light colored golden beige walls.
* In a kitchen be sure to use semiI-gloss! or gloss on a back splash so you can wash it off. (Never use flat or satin in a kitchen or bathroom!) or put hand painted or colorful tiles on the back-splash area.
* Remember, when you change your kitchen colors, you'll have to get rid of your "knick knacks" if they don't match, so think about that too when choosing colors.
(12/22/2007)
By Cyinda
Replacing the counter top will require a plumber for the sink. Extra expense. Be aware. Also, if you are planning on one of those stone type counter tops, know that they need weekly oiling (and when I say that, I think of stains on the elbows and fronts of shirts). (12/23/2007)
By Holly
I personally like the white, with the lovely blues and yellows you have for accent. But I agree with "donutz", a butcher block or faux wood counter top would be lovely and add warmth. A natural color would then allow you to change accent colors any time you want. Plus if ever you sell your home believe me you will want something natural and neutral. Nothing turns a home buyer off more then to have to "live with" someone else's color choice in the kitchen. Walls are easy to paint but a counter top is an expense a home buyer is not looking for. (12/24/2007)
By CalaLily
Always choose neutrals for expensive purchases like counter tops. I, for one, would never consider butcher block because it is a pain to keep clean and oil. Formica is affordable and easy to keep clean.
I suggest a dark color to contrast with what you already have. Every room needs a little black to keep it grounded. However, since you mentioned the need for warmth in a color choice, I'd think of dark brown with flecks of black and other colors. Perhaps you can find black with flecks of brown.
I would not choose a color like blue because it devalues your home. You want to increase the value of your home so if you ever need to sell it, you can get top value. Not every home buyer will want blue counter tops. Also, what will you do when blue goes out of fashion?
Best of luck on your choice. Don't be afraid. Go for it. (smile) (12/27/2007)
By CArol in PA
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