Mixing and Matching Countertops

Why limit your kitchen worktops to just one type of surface when it's visually pleasing to combine different types of materials?

It is highly recommended to have a mixture of the various countertop surfaces instead of just having one type throughout the kitchen. Although installing a single type of surface may be more cost-efficient, the kitchen would be more work-efficient with different types of surfaces for different activity.

However, if you have a limited budget constraints, all is not lost. use the highest quality material for the counter areas that will sustain the greatest amount of use, specifying other materials to less often used areas.Here are some ideas:

• For areas near the cooker range, install Some form of stone material like granite for placement of hot pots and pans.
  
• Plastic laminate and solid surfaces are ideal around the sink and in the remaining areas for easy cleaning and good looks.
  
• To distinguish your island from the rest of the kitchen try combining a rich walnut butcher block and stone surface like granite.
  
• Use a laminate countertop in a stone-like pattern on the perimeter cabinets, but splurge on granite, quartz or solid surface material on the island.
  
• An easier technique is to use the same material throughout the kitchen, but alter the colour or pattern on the island. For example, when using ceramic tiles, go for a darker colour on the perimeter cabinets, then on the island, use a white or cream shade instead.