How to Match Your Countertops with Refaced Cabinets: Tips from Experts

So, you just had your kitchen cabinets refaced. They now boast a fresh, sleek look. Unfortunately, they clash with your existing countertops. It’s a design nightmare that can leave you dissatisfied, no matter how beautiful your cabinets may be.

Matching countertops with refaced cabinets creates a cohesive kitchen environment you’ll be proud to cook in and show off. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips on harmonizing the look of your kitchen. Plus, discover American Wood Reface’s professional countertop installation service and the stunning results we’ve achieved.

Understanding Your Kitchen’s Style and Color Palette

Evaluating your kitchen’s style and color palette is the foundation for creating a cohesive theme. It is essential to determine whether your kitchen leans toward modern, traditional, or farmhouse to help you make an informed decision when selecting design elements for your kitchen renovation project.

Take note of the primary colors and tones of your countertops, backsplash, walls, and other significant features. Pay attention to the dominant colors and undertones, as they will help you assess your new design element, ensuring harmony within the space.

When planning your kitchen renovation, think about the ambiance you’d like to achieve. In your mind, is your kitchen cozy, elegant, serene, or something else? Deciding on the vibe will help you create a harmonious and cohesive theme.

Choosing Countertop Materials 

Selecting the right countertop is crucial to designing a kitchen. It is an investment that you want to last for years to come. Below are some popular countertop materials that you could use to revamp your kitchen.

Granite

Granite countertops are durable and exude natural beauty. Their resistance to scratches, heat, and stains is unparalleled. With a wide range of colors and patterns, each granite slab is unique, adding character and sophistication to any kitchen. 

While granite requires periodic sealing to maintain its luster and protect against stains, its longevity, and timeless appeal make it a popular choice for homeowners seeking elegance and durability in their countertops.

Quartz

Quartz is nonporous and resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria growth, making it exceptionally easy to clean and maintain. 

While quartz countertops may be more costly than other materials, they’re ideal for homeowners who appreciate the durability and ease of maintenance of stone but not necessarily its traditional appearance. Quartz offers colors and styles that are more appealing to a modern sensibility.

Marble

Marble’s distinctive veining and luminous surface adds sophistication to any kitchen. While it is susceptible to etching and scratching from acidic substances and sharp objects, its unique patina develops character over time, creating a sense of timeless beauty. This countertop material can last many years with regular sealing and maintenance.

Laminate

Laminate countertops offer an affordable option for homeowners seeking design flexibility. Constructed from layers of plastic laminate bonded to a particleboard core, laminate countertops can mimic the look of natural stone and wood. 

While laminate is resistant to stains and easy to clean, it may be susceptible to scratches and burns. In that case, high-pressure laminate is an option that offers improved durability and performance.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops, composed of acrylic or polyester resins mixed with mineral fillers, provide a seamless and customizable option for modern kitchens. With their nonporous surface, solid surface countertops are resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria growth, making them exceptionally hygienic and easy to maintain.

Soapstone

Soapstone features a smooth, matte surface that develops a rich patina over time. While soapstone is susceptible to scratches and dents, sanding it can restore its original appearance. 

Adding Contrast

When matching your countertops with refaced cabinets, contrast is a key element. Contrast helps to add depth, dimension, and a sense of visual counterpoint to your space, making it look and feel more dynamic. Conversely, choosing countertops with a similar tone and color as your cabinets creates a more tranquil and relaxed feel of continuity in your kitchen.  

Here are some tips.

1. Choose contrasting colors. Pair dark countertops with light-colored cabinets, or vice versa, to create a striking visual effect.
2. Experiment with different materials. Mix and match countertop and cabinet materials to add visual interest.
3. Consider varying textures. The interplay of textures adds dimension and tactile appeal to your kitchen design.
4. Use lighting to your advantage. Under-cabinet lighting maximizes the impact of countertops, while overhead lighting brings forward the color and texture of cabinets.

Incorporating Accent Features

Having accent features, such as backsplashes, hardware, and accessories, can provide a subtle yet powerful element that connects your countertops and cabinets.

Here are some ideas.

1. Backsplashes. Choose standout designs or incorporate decorative tiles to draw the eye and infuse personality into the kitchen design. Use a bold or patterned backsplash if your countertops and cabinets are neutral. Extend the backsplash to the ceiling to make the kitchen feel more spacious.
2. Hardware. Elevate the look of your kitchen with carefully selected hardware. Consider mixing metals for a modern twist or choosing styles that complement the overall aesthetic of your space. Pay attention to scale and placement, ensuring the hardware enhances functionality and visual appeal.
3. Accessories. Complete the look of your kitchen with carefully curated accessories that reflect your style. Add color and texture with decorative bowls, vases, baskets, and canisters. Arrange them thoughtfully to create visual interest.

Considering Practicality and Maintenance

To choose a countertop material that suits your needs, consider the following:

1. Budget. When choosing the right countertops, budget is the number one factor. Considering material and installation costs, how much are you willing to allocate for your countertop project?
2. Durability and Maintenance. Choosing a suitable material depends on your usage. If you are a baker, go for marble; if you are looking for a family-friendly kitchen, you should go for an engineered stone. 
3. Long-Term Value. When choosing a countertop material for your kitchen, consider long-term value. Materials like granite, quartz, and solid surfaces offer durability and enhance property value. While affordable options may save you money upfront, they may require more frequent replacements, leading to higher costs in the long run.

Seeking Professional Advice and Samples

Kitchen renovation is a tough job that requires professional help. American Wood Reface offers new countertop installation as an add-on to our cabinet refacing service to ensure they match. We provide samples to help you visualize how different materials will look together. Your countertops and cabinets harmonize beautifully with our high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Conclusion

If you want your simple kitchen to look and feel like a culinary sanctuary, match your countertops with refaced cabinets. Work with professionals to ensure a seamless installation.

American Wood Reface is your trusted partner for kitchen remodeling projects. Our team of professionals provides personalized guidance for cabinet refacing and countertop installations. With our help, you’ll enjoy your newly renovated countertops with refaced cabinets for years.
Request a free consultation today!