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Certified Kitchen Designer, author of http://www.thekitchendesigner.org blog
12 Ways A Kitchen Countertop Changes Everything (13 comments)
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A countertop in a strong color can be THE design statement, leaving all else neutral. It is a reflection of personal expression.
by Susan Serra, CKD
This works on several counts-the blue countertop and brown wood are complementary colors, the balance with light and medium tones are in a proportional sync, the dark top is perfect! A play in contrasts.
by Harrell Remodeling
A cool/warm relationship is always a natural pairing. Especially in the company of neutrals, cool/warm tones separate elements effectively.
by Schwartz and Architecture
A neutral countertop enables color, in this case, in the turquoise wall cabinet, to stand out and be an important design element.
by Susan M. Davis 
Simple, quiet, surrounding surfaces juxtaposed with a strong, but not too strong, flowing granite, offers a dose of wild texture, a countertop as focal point. Beware of too much countertop in this situation.
by Michael Tauber Architecture
The big picture, perhaps planned in advance, consists of two parts, cabinetry and countertop, which share a connecting color. A nice balance of horizontal and vertical surfaces.
Fletcher Horn @ ABMWOOD.COM ... Antique Materials
Contrast is always a winner. Black, on the countertops lays a mid height foundation at 1/3 the room height, a classic proportion.
by Austin Patterson Disston Architects
Love the contrast of neutrals, especially how the countertop in a horizontal line supports the expansive white walls. A play in horizontal and vertical colors and shapes with two clear focal points.
by Ilija Mirceski
A countertop appears understated and a unified part of the larger elements in the room. A flowing look, completely monochromatic.
by Elizabeth Dinkel
The countertop is a natural connection to the foundation of the room, the floor, as well as the dining furniture. The countertop allows the island to connect more to the formal space.
by Jonathan Cutler, AIA
An example of darker base cabinets and the upper shelves, walls, window trim and countertop, sharing the same shade of white. The darker section serving as a foundation, the larger white areas in perfect balance. A look that is gaining more recent attention as a "built-in" feeling. Very spacious look.
grey kitchen
Colors in walls, countertops, cabinetry, tile are connected in tones that vary just a bit for added textural interest. This look allows larger elements to read as a smaller scale than if otherwise designed, especially if cabinets were dark/countertops were light.
by Susan Serra, CKD
comments
emilyphillips says:
Love the contrast of neutrals in the kitchen by Ilija Mirceski. Would love to learn more about the the different countertops options as we are considering to replace our contertop in the near future. Thanks!
lindapaul says:
Those are some very nice countertop examples and very pretty kitchens too
moderngirl says:
I like the one that floats around the wall in photo #3 (Schwartz and Architecture).
Great ideabook.
Great ideabook.
eclecticgirl says:
The blue countertop is gorgeous!
diva2009 says:
Great examples. Any thoughts about stainless steal countertops?
tkim says:
I am a big fan of stainless steel countertops and also as a backsplash. Great for cooking(doesn't dent, heat resistant, sanitary) It has as an amazing glow when
there is lighting under cabinets. My choice for countertops!
there is lighting under cabinets. My choice for countertops!
abbeyk says:
Susan-- Jonathan cutler is a real life friend of mine (so talented and nice and a good business person). Especially interesting is that his personal taste is SUPER modern. Also that one w/two islands that you did gives me inspiration for a current project. Think I will print it and show my client.
pwalter says:
Perfect timing! I'm about to replace my countertops and this has been very helpful. www.satisfiedsole.com
sophie777 says:
Have never seen stained glass in kit. cabinet doors before--very intriguing!
becky says:
My favorite is this black soapstone with a white vein going through it that my cousin journeyed to New Jersey to find. I can't help but show the before and after on this one:
susanserrackd says:
Emily, quite honestly, the options are endless! Take it one step at a time, but try to find a general look you like best, then see if you think it will work with your own space. Look at some of the points above that I mentioned. Step by step!
lindapaul...thanks a bunch!
moderngirl...love that one too. Strong texture on the wall, love it.
eclecticgirl...It's pretty crazy. It has depth to it too and almost looks handcrafted.
diva2009...Stainless steel can be a great countertop for several reasons, but unless you're ok with a patina that will happen over time, it may not be for you. I like stainless steel in a very, very thin, 1/4" piece rather than the thicker, 1 1/2" thick countertops.
tkim...yes, you're right about "that glow." It's its own reflective element in the kitchen and looks terrific in many cases.
abbeyk...It's a nice kitchen, especially that blue. Funny you say that. Everything think I'm very traditional because that IS most of what I do, but the opposite is true. I like modern design, personally, for my own kitchen!
pwalter...glad to have helped!
sophie777...oh yes, the possibilities are really endless. I like leaded glass, the sort of nickel/pewter lead look to separate the lites in the doors. Love that look.
becky...love that before and after shot, that's a huge difference! I like the contrast, it's so classic. I'll bet that white vein is perfect too!
lindapaul...thanks a bunch!
moderngirl...love that one too. Strong texture on the wall, love it.
eclecticgirl...It's pretty crazy. It has depth to it too and almost looks handcrafted.
diva2009...Stainless steel can be a great countertop for several reasons, but unless you're ok with a patina that will happen over time, it may not be for you. I like stainless steel in a very, very thin, 1/4" piece rather than the thicker, 1 1/2" thick countertops.
tkim...yes, you're right about "that glow." It's its own reflective element in the kitchen and looks terrific in many cases.
abbeyk...It's a nice kitchen, especially that blue. Funny you say that. Everything think I'm very traditional because that IS most of what I do, but the opposite is true. I like modern design, personally, for my own kitchen!
pwalter...glad to have helped!
sophie777...oh yes, the possibilities are really endless. I like leaded glass, the sort of nickel/pewter lead look to separate the lites in the doors. Love that look.
becky...love that before and after shot, that's a huge difference! I like the contrast, it's so classic. I'll bet that white vein is perfect too!
merav says:
how about backsplash? I have a 1980's kitchen with real wood cabinets (which I plan on painting dark gray). The problem is the floor in this kitchen- orange/bronze colored tiles. I do not plan on putting in new floors (we have enough work already :) ). And will most likely will go with a wooden countertop. Any suggestion for backsplash color and materials?
susanserrackd says:
Merav...I wish I could help you. Not knowing the shades and tones and textures of your materials and how they work together, including other design or architectural elements in the room, makes it impossible for me to offer sound advice. I would not want to recommend something based on your words alone, above, which might be very wrong, since a backsplash is meant to last for many years. I do appreciate the question. :)
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