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Update kitchen counters?

3 years ago

I have been debating whether or not to update our granite countertops. I would like to keep the cabinets and possibly change out the 20 year old countertops as they are a bit too gold. Any suggestions as to the color and material would be greatly appreciated.

Comments (17)

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    IMO any change in the counters will drive redoing the flooring , right now they work together Maybe try changing all the light bulbs to LED 4000K and see it that helps .

  • 3 years ago

    Agree that you could spend a fortune and end up with a glaring mismatch. I'd work with the counters you have.

  • 3 years ago

    I see your concern, the counters are warm toned while your floors are cool tone. I'd go with a difernt color altogether, like a cool white, adding a blue toned backsplash.


  • 3 years ago

    Yes, your counters are gold and I can see the desire to change them. Your floor color will dictate the color of your counters. Others say your floors are cool but they don't look cool to me. Best bet is to scour Houzz pics of kitchens with the same tone cabinets and floors and see what they used for the counters.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    You can certainly select a less gold granite or quartz that will work with your floors.






  • 3 years ago

    I would do white counters and white paint for a nice update. See how nicely the white door contrasts against the dark wood of the cabinets?

  • 3 years ago

    I’d keep the big components the same. Get updated stools and lighting, cabinet pulls, fabrics/runners, counter decor, etc…. New counters will only make everything else look old, then you’re on to floors, refinishing cabinets or a full gut job. If that is a possibility do the whole job.

  • 3 years ago

    new backsplash and lighter paint. I like the cabinets

  • PRO
    3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I would update / change the countertops and up date the backsplash with a full under cabinet wall installation between the counter and upper cabinets. You can easily find a modern quartz color and veining option to coordinate with your existing floors and cabinets. The floor has neutral tones so it should be relatively easy to find a quartz to coordinate with the floor.

    Below are several sources for Quartz, Granite or Marble countertops.


    Manufacturers - Quartz manufacturer websites have virtual sample / color galleries and some have visualizers to show the selection on a virtual countertop. They also may have samples that can be shipped if you don't have a local supplier (see below).


    Suppliers - You should be able to find one or more Quartz/Granite suppliers in your area who carry one or more of the manufacturers Quartzpending on where you live. Most of the major quartz suppliers have a website with the option to have samples sent and a listing of their inventory. In the Austin, TX Metroplex area we have several a large suppliers with indoor warehouses of slabs to view as well as their websites to view material virtually. They also have other locations across the US.


    Fabricators / Installers - You can also look for smaller fabrication / installation companies who shoud have samples or full slabs for one or both of the sources listed above. Make sure to get references prior to selecting a fabricator / installer. (Note: You will also may need, if your not handy, a plumber or handyman to remove and reinstall the kitchen sink, faucet and disposal prior to and after installation. If you have an existing tile backsplash you want to renovate then you'll need a tile setter. Again, make sure to get referrals and read reviews for the these services.)


    Feel free to look through some of my projects to view various quartz and granite countertop installations well as complimentary tile backsplashes. Just click on my logo to the upper left of this comment.


    Finally, a word of advice for installation of any solid surface on cabinets. Make sure that the cabinet structure (frame, door glides, doors, drawers, etc.) are in good condition prior to considering installing new countertops. You don't want to pay for and install new countertops to find out the cabinets are are worn out. The cabinets are the foundation for the countertops so make sure they upto the task before you invest in new cabinets to find out they are not.


    P.S. I would NOT suggest the installation of porcelain countertops. Their durability is questionable. And if you like a thicker (e.g. 3cm / 1 1/8) countertop it requires as seperate piece of porcelain material to be bonded to the underside of the porcelain to give the appearance of thicker surface because porcelain cannot be manufactured to the same thicknes as quartz and the porcelain top finish is not colored through the material similar to tile.



  • 3 years ago

    You could pull a lighter or darker color out of the granite for a new island top. As mentioned, be careful of the undertones and check samples in your light with your existing elements.


    I'd also add a ruggable or some other washable runner.

  • 3 years ago

    Looks like a lot of money for a kitchen that still will look of an era due to the cabinets/flooring, as well as wasting perfectly good granite. I think the counters look nice and match well - they aren't horribly busy or ugly like a lot of older granites!

  • 3 years ago

    I think the counters look beautiful. Try not to compare and worry about trends or what other people think. If you hate them and feel badly every time you walk in your kitchen, replace them. Otherwise I think it would be wasteful to change with every trend.

  • 3 years ago

    I did go back and read your post again and it sounds like you don’t like them and are looking for material suggestions. I think a quartz with a marble look would be nice if you want low maintenance or quartzite if you want to keep natural stone, maybe the Taj Mahal color?

  • 3 years ago

    This is Taj Mahal on dark stained cabinets

  • 3 years ago

    This post reminded me of your kitchen for some reason (tone of floors and dark cabinets in the new photos) - maybe if you lightened up your uppers after doing a new counter and backsplash?

    https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6338540/builder-basic-to-my-dream-kitchen-before-and-after

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    It shouldn’t be hard to find something to suit the flooring. Note the combo below (ignore cream cabinetry).


    I assume you will be updating behind stove, so think about if you want the look you have or tiles.




    Additional info in case you are interested. What I find when I update, is that it usually triggers a bit of a chain reaction, like wall color and accessories. It’s the sum of choices that make a big difference. Instead of a rounded island counter/see below for a more up to date look (+ new stool). Consider adding pendants if budget allows and new hardware.


    https://www.target.com/c/bar-counter-stools-kitchen-dining-furniture/-/N-5xtmoZ5zlf7?type=products&Nao=24&epik=dj0yJnU9dVpwcl9HdnhyWDZGSWVVa1FIQWtxbVAwelc0RWd2WmImcD0wJm49MlRMYzRabGF4WU9mRHREcHFFSGY1USZ0PUFBQUFBR1FsaTVV


    Check Home Depot for bulk options, which will save you a lot of money.


    Wayfair (thought the configuration might work well and style is contemporary but not too modern).



  • 3 years ago

    Maureen - when you said ‘ignore cream cabinetry’ I thought gosh no that is what is giving that kitchen a fresh vibe. I love it as is! I do think the right counter and backsplash will make a difference but pairing out some of the dark cabinetry would give this kitchen a nice contemporary twist - just like that photo you posted.

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