The kitchen countertop is one of the most important design elements in the room. As you select kitchen cabinets, why not shake up the design by mixing and matching countertop materials? A little contrast will make your kitchen renovation stand out.
With today's kitchen renovations, the old design guidelines are being tossed out the window. Just as you can mix and match cabinet heights and depths, many contractors are seeing home owners use different countertop materials, colors, and patterns.

This means that instead of using the same blue and white countertop pattern throughout the kitchen, you can use a contrasting color on the island.

Coordinate With Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen cabinets and countertop often go hand in hand, so it is important to coordinate these two products.

There are two approaches ? blending or contrasting. If you have maple kitchen cabinets, for example, you may want a cream speckled countertop to create a soft, serene design. If all that light wood and cream countertop seem boring, add a deep burgundy countertop on the island.

Another option is to add contrast with a dark countertop to go with light wood in the main cabinet area. On the island, select a different color or pattern that falls in between the light cabinet color and other dark countertop.

The key to mixing and matching effectively is to focus on a design scheme. It also helps to know where your focal points will be and to work with a contractor who understands your vision. Most people select the main kitchen cabinet area or the island as the place to add some drama. If you try to make both too dramatic, the design becomes confusing.

The countertop can add interesting color, texture, and fun to a kitchen renovation. If you want a different look, why not mix it up a little?

About the Author Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.