Software
Houzz Logo Print
bb_capecod

Do these countertops work with white cabinets?

last year

We were originally going with Carrara marble countertops with a mostly gray background. My husband is now strongly against it due to staining issues. We found this pretty honed quartzite and like its similar gray tones.

The cabinets will be Sherwin Williams extra white-a crisp white. The floors will be a darker but not super dark stained oak to match floors in the rest of our 1940s traditional home. Hardware will be unlacquered brass, backsplash will be white subway.

Will white cabinets work with these slabs? I think they will but I’ve become neurotic and am overthinking everything as these are expensive, long term decisions. The slabs have some veins that are a warmer shade. I am hoping the floors and hardware will keep this from looking too cold.

Note that the door shown is painted Extra White.
We didn’t get our actual cabinet sample in time for the slab appt so I couldn’t bring it. The real cabinet sample is the tiniest bit cooler than the door I painted. We may or may not go with the subway tile shown- that can be figured out later.

Comments (11)

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Matching undertones isn't easy. There are dozens of posts in here posted by people complaining that something is off about their brand new kitchen. Often it's a clash between one cool choice with the rest of the warm space.

    I will say that in your photo the cabinet looks pretty stark next to the quartzite.

    Can you get a sample of the quartzite so you can see how the choices look in your space with your floors? Warm and cool can work together just fine, it's just a little trickier than picking one undertone or the other.

  • last year

    I'd also put the effort into finding a complimentary white. Something that goes will the softened tranquil feeling of the stone. Led color temperature will impact the white. You can get a floor finish sample to add to your grouping. A light wood cabinet may be an alternative Vedhamn from Ikea is European oak from Hungary.


  • last year

    I think the cabinet is too white/bright with the slab. What kind of quartzite? There are reports here and elsewhere of some white quartzite staining.

  • last year

    The slab is beautiful!

  • PRO
    last year

    Sorry but IMO and hone stone becomes just as prone to staining as matble and I do not like those 2 together . Look at river white granite maybe that has often pure whites in it and get it polished almost bullet proof.

  • last year

    If you cannot change the cab color i would get a colored backsplash tile. i think the counter will recede a little bit given wood floors and crisp white cabs ….thats a classic look. let something interesting happen w backsplash and i think that focus will help. is there any of the choices you could swap?

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    It can be hard to determine colors on screens - I’d probably go with a white that’s a bit more knocked back for the cabs like BM china White, it is a great looking slab!

  • last year

    Not a good pairing, IMO. The slab is too dull for that bright white.

  • last year

    Does your 1940s house have built-ins, if so what color are they?


    What color is your wall? What about trim, doors, windows?

  • last year

    I think it will look fine. Your problem will be with the backsplash. Instead of a tile splash, get a 4-5" piece of your counter material run as the splash. Then paint your walls the same color as the cabinets. Now you only have three tones in the room: floor, paint (walls and cabinets), and counter. There is nothing wrong with your fresh super white and stone grey together. You just have to like that look. Many here will think it is dated. You do you.


    BUT - be careful. You should not purchase this stone without seeing an actual sample door with it. Go back again with the actual door and a sample of your floor. And ask for them to roll the stone outside so you can see it in the day light instead of in the light of the warehouse.


    Is there any chance for you to change your cabinet color or has it already been ordered?

  • last year

    I don’ see an issue. The counter is gray not a white. It will be horizontal.

    For me, wood floors are neutral.


    For reference my Sileston Lagoon can read as light gray. My cabinets are SW 7007

    a bright white.