When it comes to using natural stone in the kitchen, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. There is no rule that says all of your countertops have to match. In fact, we’ve noticed a real trend towards mixing countertop materials in the kitchen. This can make a bold statement and help to create a distinctive focal point in the overall design.

This kitchen by LDa Architecture & Interiors blends a black marble island with quartz countertops. Sam Gray photography via Houzz.

Say you love Carrara marble, but you either A.) don’t quite have the budget for an entire marble kitchen, or B.) don’t want the maintenance of marble throughout your entire kitchen. Why not mix it up? Not only is it completely okay, it’s also modern trend. We’re seeing a significant number of rooms that mix and match countertop combinations. More often than not, these include dramatic center islands topped with natural stone and perimeter countertops in durable materials such as ColorQuartz.

Two contrasting surfaces can be beautiful complements to each other. By breaking the monotony of one color or pattern, the countertops automatically become a design statement.

An investment in marble, granite, or another classic natural stone creates an automatic focal point and goes a long way in boosting the glam factor. And on a functional note, using quartz along the perimeter makes a lot of sense. It’s a durable material that works perfectly next to a cooktop or sink, for example. It gives you a dependable maintenance-free work area next to two of the hardest-working areas of the kitchen.

This kitchen from Pennville Custom Cabinetry features a honed Calacatta Gold Island with quartz perimeter countertops. Photo via Houzz.

Another way to amp up the glam factor is to coordinate the center island with the backsplash. For example, if marble is in the middle and along the walls, even though countertops may be quartz, the whole kitchen reads as marble— without the extra maintenance.

The key to mixing materials is to be sure they don’t compete with each other. Natural stone is very strong, visually. It can be hard to find another natural stone that doesn’t clash in pattern. This is what makes quartz go so nicely. It works hard, looks great, but doesn’t fight for attention.

You’ll also want to make sure that the colors you choose match in undertone. If the natural stone has a warm undertone, make sure the quartz color you use does too; same thing with cool undertones.

Not sure what’s the difference between cool and warm undertones? Don’t worry. We can help. Give us a call at 877-39-STONE to make an appointment with our team of surfacing professionals.