To mix or to match is the question during kitchen reno
Q. I need help! I am renovating my kitchen and installing new kitchen countertops and backsplashes. I don’t know what to match with what. My kitchen and dining room are open-concept (they are across from each other), and my dining room/living room is also open-concept.
Here’s my question: When picking out my countertop color, do I match it with the kitchen floor or match it with the diningroom furniture, which is very dark wood? And do I match the backsplash with the countertop?
A. There should be some connection between the open spaces, but don’t try to match things; instead, I would do the opposite. Make your kitchen stand out. Light and dark materials abide well together, and they often bring out the best in each other.
The important choice in terms of cost and practicality is your countertop. Make your selection according to your lifestyle, as well as aesthetics.
Shown here is a natural quartz counter from Silestone — the style is Lagoon, from the company’s Nebula series. The clean edge and light color give a pronounced modern look to the kitchen and brighten the space (this is a good point to consider if there is no natural light present). Silestone by Cosentino (www.silestone.
com) is naturally nonporous and never needs to be sealed. Silestone has a highly scratch-, stain- and heat-resistant surface, making it a versatile countertop for preparing food, and it also looks stunning as a desk or buffet top. Edge options include bullnose, mitered, dove chest and a 2-by-2-inch eased edge so you can produce continuity in your overall style.
Have some fun with your backsplash. This is where you can show off a fresh design or color mix. Ceramic and glass tile will blend with any countertop material. Since all other surfaces in the kitchen are smooth, this is a great area to add texture. Check out the many varieties and styles of backsplashes online or at your home store.
Your floor is a neutral shade, so it won’t fight with whatever you choose to do. When you are ready for an upgrade, think about linoleum — it’s an excellent product that is soft underfoot, hygienic and available in modern patterns and shades.
It takes just a few additions to create the continuity you are looking for between the dining room and kitchen. Accessorize with a display of colorful crockery, artwork or an intriguing arrangement of clocks (the clocks are a clever way to keep track of family or friends who live in different time zones).
Q. The original fixtures throughout my house were gold-toned, which I really liked and fit the house well. Over the past few years, repairs have been made, and some of the faucets, light fixtures, etc. have been replaced with chrome or brushed steel. I am thinking of selling, and I’m perplexed. Should these fixtures all be the same (either gold or silver)? Thank you for your suggestions.
A. The most important thing is that the fittings and fixtures throughout your home are well maintained.
There’s really no need to match up all the finishes. In fact, it is the contemporary style to mix the metal shades. In my bathroom renovation, I am using copper handles alongside chrome taps. Warm, rosy shades of gold, brass and copper are the most popular, and they balance the dazzle and shine of silver or chrome.
Make your kitchen stand out. Light and dark materials abide well together, and they often bring out the best in each other.”