When designing your dream kitchen, don’t be afraid to mix and match materials and finishes. Using a variety of textures, colors, and patterns can create visual interest and give your kitchen a custom, designer look. Here are some tips for successfully combining different kitchen materials for a stylish, knockout design.
Countertops
Mixing countertop materials is an easy way to give your kitchen personality. Consider pairing gleaming white quartz with natural stone like marble or granite. The contrast will look chic. Or match two complementary tones of quartz, like crisp white and soft gray. Using the same material but different colors and finishes creates cohesion.
You can also mix countertop heights for interest. Try a standard height quartz island with marble at the perimeter counters. Or install a butcher block section for prep work next to your main stone or quartz counters. The variegated heights add dimension.
Backsplash
The backsplash is the perfect place to infuse color, pattern, and texture. Contrast your countertops with a vibrantly colored or patterned tile. Glass, metal, and porcelain tiles all add shiny surfaces, while stone and ceramic bring natural hues.
To keep your look cohesive, pick out a color from your countertop and find backsplash tile in the same tone. Or choose a complementary, contrasting color. For a more eclectic look, use a combination of different tile colors, shapes, and styles. Mixing materials like metal, glass, and ceramic can look artistic.
Cabinetry
Wood stained cabinets paired with painted cabinets are ideal for a mix and match look. Stick with complementary tones, like mocha stained cabinets with crisp white painted upper cabinets. Or try espresso stained cabinets with light blue painted island cabinets for a striking combo.
You can also mix cabinet styles. Opt for Shaker cabinets on the perimeter and modern flat panel cabinets on the island. Or combine conventional cabinets with open shelving. Using glass door cabinets along with solid wood doors adds depth.
Flooring
Matching your cabinets and floor create a seamless look. But mixing flooring materials or colors is an option too. Hardwood floors stained a darker tone contrast beautifully with light granite counters and white cabinetry. Or pair wood with slate, limestone or concrete floors for an earthy vibe.
Try checkerboard or herringbone patterns with your wood flooring for interest. Incorporate tile into a wood floor in a backsplash area or around an eating nook. Mixing flooring takes planning, but can look amazing.
Fixtures and Appliances
Don’t be monotonous with metal finishes for fixtures and appliances either. Combining stainless steel, black metal, copper, bronze and nickel has an industrial chic vibe. Just be sure the finishes play well together.
Or stick to one finish type but vary the style. A traditional bridge faucet can complement a modern industrial sink, for example. Mix a farmhouse apron front sink with sleek metal fixtures. Contrast is what makes these combinations stand out.
Final Touches
Mix and match kitchens allow you to customize based on your personal taste. But remember to keep an eye on the overall flow and style. Transition between materials and colors smoothly. Tie the look together with similar fixtures, lighting or window treatments. Varying cabinetry finishes, flooring, tiles and countertops creates a custom feel that reflects your unique personality. Go bold with your material combinations and enjoy the compliments on your knockout kitchen design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mixing and Matching Kitchen Materials
What are some good rules for mixing kitchen materials?
Some tips for mixing materials successfully:
- Choose 2-3 main materials and limit accent materials. Too many looks busy.
- Vary textures, but keep to a cohesive color palette for a polished look.
- Transition between materials smoothly, don’t switch back & forth frequently.
- Repeating a color from one material to another ties the look together.
- Pair sleek and modern with natural for an interesting juxtaposition.
What should you avoid when mixing countertop materials?
Avoid pairing materials with vastly different maintenance needs or durability. For instance, butcher block requires more upkeep than quartz. Granite works better than porous marble for heavy prep areas. Don’t mix inexpensive tile and high-end quartz that don’t match quality-wise.
Can you mix cabinet door styles?
Yes, mixing two cabinet door styles can add appealing contrast. Limit it to one or two styles that coordinate well. Some examples:
- Shaker and inset cabinet doors
- Flat panel and glass door cabinets
- Wood stained and painted white cabinets
Should floor and cabinetry colors match?
Not necessarily. Matching your cabinet stain and floor color creates a seamless look. But don’t be afraid to pair darker floors with lighter cabinets or vice versa. Just ensure the tones complement each other. Hardwood with white cabinets is a popular combination.
How do you mix metal finishes successfully?
Stick to 2 or 3 finishes that are compatible. For example, stainless steel, chrome and nickel work well together. Brass and bronze also complement each other. Make sure darker metals like bronze don’t overwhelm lighter metals like silver.
What are some example material combinations for a mix & match kitchen?
Some chic combos include:
- White quartz counters + navy island + marble backsplash
- Walnut cabinets + black granite counters + checkerboard tile backsplash
- Concrete floors + wood perimeter counters + stainless appliances
- Butcher block island + white perimeter counters + glass backsplash
The options are endless when thoughtfully mixing kitchen materials and finishes.
Conclusion
The key to successfully designing a mix and match kitchen is variation. Vary textures, colors, styles and materials for visual interest, while keeping the overall look cohesive. Mix classic and contemporary elements, shiny and matte finishes, or sleek and natural textures. Transition smoothly between materials and echo colors in different elements. With creative combinations and thoughtful planning, you can design a knockout kitchen that reflects your unique personal style.
