Choosing the right kitchen countertop can be tough. Marble, quartz, granite, and other materials all have unique advantages, so how do you decide on just one? Nothing says you must pick only a single material, and in fact there are numerous advantages to mixing and matching your counters. Here are some fun yet practical ideas for incorporating more than one different type of worktop.

Create a Focal Point

One idea that’s very popular right now is using wood, concrete or Formica® above your cabinets and then adding in a marble or granite workstation. This is a great way to create a focal point with an island, bar, or seating area. For a more dramatic effect, choose a bold color for this location and a more neutral shade like white or gray for the remainder.

Pick More than One Color

If you like the idea of mixing light and dark cabinets, why not extend this concept to your countertops as well? For example, if your upper cabinets are one shade and your lower ones another, select a different countertop to go with each one. Alternate the two different worktops throughout so the eye always has something unique and different to look at.

Rather than having upper cabinets one color and the lower ones another, group your cupboards together in sections and alternate the colors accordingly. Then have one area of your kitchen with light cabinets and a dark counter and another with dark fixtures and light-colored countertops.

When going with more than one color, the two shades don’t have to be evenly split. So if you want a smaller section to stand out, cover it with a bright red, blue, or turquoise countertop. This is an especially good idea if you have open shelving or architectural features you would like to highlight.

Incorporating Natural Wood Elements

Wood counters perfectly complement natural materials such as granite and limestone. However, they can also soften the look of more modern materials like fiberglass, as well. Not only that, but wood is perhaps one of the easiest materials to mix and match with because it is simple to customize. Some practical ideas for mixing wood with other materials include:

• Adding a raised seating area at the end of a bar or regular countertop. This extra worktop could even be made to fold down when not in use.


• Creating a wooden “insert” in the center of a kitchen island.


• Extending your existing countertops to provide you with more surface area.

Rules for Mixing and Matching Countertops

When mixing countertops, the possibilities are nearly endless. Even so, there are a few rules to keep in mind:

• Ideally, you should have only two different countertops, but you could get by with three variations if you have a very large kitchen. Any more than that and your space will appear too busy.


• Choose pieces in the same color family, or contrast light and dark colors. Avoid shades that don’t complement each other as they may appear to clash.


• It’s appropriate to use more than one wood grain, but try not to overdo it. Choose no more than two different woods with another material such as marble.


• When mixing gloss and matte finishes, the result can sometimes appear distracting. As such, it’s best to choose only one type of finish throughout.

Custom Kitchen Countertops That are Uniquely You

At Aphrodite Marble and Granite, we know that your kitchen is a reflection of you. And since no two people are alike, their countertops should not be either. If the idea of having more than one different type of counter sounds appealing, then contact us today to set up a consultation.