Although there are some exceptions, for the most part, dark cabinets tend to blend better with neutral-toned countertops. If you stick with the color palettes that predominate in these color families, you probably won't be disappointed with the way they match your dark cabinets. If you like the idea of white countertops but prefer a warmer aesthetic, you can't go wrong with off-white tones that soften the overall look with a little less contrast. Creamy granite countertops are ideal for kitchens that feature the popular two-tone cabinet trend.
Not only do they work well with dark tones, such as on the island and the floor, but they also pair well with white cabinets, where a truly white countertop surface would fade into white cabinets, but would stand out markedly against darker cabinets. In other words, the off-white stone provides a subtle transition that creates a less jarring visual flow. If you want to give your countertops a neutral tone, you can always opt for a classic gray. Cool shades of gray can be combined with a wide range of color palates, including dark wood.
To give your kitchen a transitional design, you can opt for a dark maple cabinet with a gray Corian countertop. In addition to being a good match with dark wood cabinets, light, creamy countertops can reflect more light, making your kitchen even brighter. This kitchen features dark wood cabinets everywhere, stainless steel appliances and hardware, and dimensional gray granite sprinkled with a myriad of white, gray, and black tones for the island-type countertop. Of course, you can also opt for a somewhat lower contrast by combining white countertops with warmer dark wood cabinets, as in this contemporary kitchen of the Upper West Side.
Offsetting dark cabinets with light countertops avoids the claustrophobic sensations that result from an overwhelmingly dark kitchen. If you don't like traditional interiors, colorful countertops will certainly bring life to your kitchen. Kitchen colors with dark cabinets, such as light tones, and neutral tones, such as beige, cream and soft gray, can create a balanced contrast, making the kitchen appear more spacious and inviting. If you prefer a sharp contrast, you can opt for the drama of this New York industrial kitchen, with black flat panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances and white countertops that look like Calacatta marble, joined with a splash guard on gray tiles.
While there are several color schemes that are sure to enhance the look of a kitchen with dark cabinets, you're probably wondering what shades will work best with your kitchen. An argument can be made for choosing the countertop first, as it tends to be one of the most expensive items in remodeling a kitchen. While this trend may be too extreme for some, countertops with dark cabinets can add a distinctive touch to classic and traditional kitchens. In addition to choosing the perfect shade for dark kitchen cabinets, you should also consider how to combine the other finishes in your kitchen with the design.
