The hardest working surface in your kitchen space, benchtops are a kitchen design element that requires careful consideration. Given how finding the right materials, design, and color palette for your benchtops can be challenging, we’re listing four tips to help you design a kitchen that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Consider the cabinetry

The choice of the benchtop will be largely influenced by the cabinetry, and the materials and design you select have to either complement or match the overall kitchen design. Matte black cabinetry is all the rage these days, and it mixes perfectly with timber, concrete and marble benchtops, and the same applies to kitchens with timeless white cabinetry.

As for the wooden cabinetry, it is best to avoid matching the wood grain and go for laminate or stone benchtop instead. You can use the benchtops to add visual interest and create contrast, or you can match benchtops with cabinetry and create a continuous, seamless flow in your kitchen space. Keep in mind that some home repairs should be left to professionals, and while you technically could tackle the kitchen remodel yourself, if you lack time or skills (or both), you are better off calling in the pros.

Choose the right color palette

When it comes to colors, you have a couple of options. You can go for a contemporary monochrome look using cool and warm neutrals and either combine two different hues or stick with one particular color. Another option is to go for complementing tones, and neutrals are, again, your safest bet here. They complement virtually everything so you can’t go wrong with them, and they also leave more room for creativity when it comes to selecting the tiles for your kitchen.

Finally, if you’re looking for something bolder, consider selecting two contrasting colors such as red and white or navy and cream to create a stunning visual impact in your kitchen space. If you do go for a bolder look, try to keep other elements neutral. This will tone everything down while still creating an interesting visual effect.

Everyone has a different idea of what a beautiful and functional kitchen should look like, so go for a design and color scheme that resonates with you and fits your personal needs.

Look for quality

Revamping your kitchen interior doesn’t always have to mean swapping out the cabinets or purchasing new appliances. Sometimes, all it takes is a quality benchtop replacement to transform your kitchen space while also adding value to your home. When looking to give your kitchen a facelift, you want to find only the highest-quality materials while also making sure that the tradesmen you select are able to fulfill your vision from start to finish. To ensure that your kitchen renovation meets the mark, look for respectable companies with solid industry reputation.

They will provide you with tradesmen who align with specific standards and requirements while also backing up their workmanship with warranty. That way, you can have peace of mind long after renovating your kitchen.

Consider the durability and maintenance

When it comes to benchtop materials, you want to consider their durability and maintenance. Natural stone is on the more expensive side, with granite and marble being highly sought-after. While both of them are quite durable, they ought to be sealed, with marble being more vulnerable and needing some extra TLC. Regardless, they both represent timeless, elegant, and sophisticated options, and can look great for longer when properly cared for.

Engineered stone can be a great budget-friendly alternative if you love the look of natural stone. Made using ground quartz or granite that’s bonded with resin, engineered stone is a cheaper way to get a similar look. It’s also very durable, easy to clean, stain and scratch-resistant, and very low-maintenance.

Tight budget? Consider going for laminate benchtops. They can easily imitate the look of the more expensive materials while being easier on the wallet, and it’s durable and will look great as long as you avoid cutting food and putting hot pans directly on the surface. Timber benchtops can be easy to repair and are quite durable, and they’re the perfect choice if you want to give your kitchen a more rustic feel.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more sophisticated and contemporary, go for hardy and hygienic stainless steel benchtops. They’re very durable and will give your kitchen an industrial edge, although the scratches are inevitable.

Wrapping up

The overall kitchen design is largely influenced by the choice of benchtops, so it pays to put the time and effort into selecting the right colors, materials, and design. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a kitchen that’s both practical and chic.

About the author: Derek Lotts is an experienced freelance writer and researcher. His main areas of interest are small business, home improvement, and sustainable living. He strongly believes in the power of sharing knowledge and ideas through the mediums of modern technology.