When it comes to choosing a quartz counter top, there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. A lot of questions come to mind. Do you match or contrast the cabinetry? Should I choose the back splash before or after I choose my counter? What about the floor? Should I bring my flooring sample along too? Perhaps now you’re completely confused and you want to run away from all these decisions.
Samples for a Kitchen
Don’t run yet, we’re going to help you make choosing your counter top simple by giving you some helpful tips – whether you are doing a complete renovation or just giving your kitchen or bathroom a face lift.
Step 1 Definitely choose your cabinetry first. The cabinetry will be or already is a more permanent fixture. It covers the largest surface in a kitchen and will dictate the rest of the finishes around it. In a bathroom or kitchen, consider the lighting: is there lots of natural light? If so, you can afford darker cabinetry. If your space is smaller with little natural light, you may want to lighten it up with glossy white or bleached wood cabinetry.
Step 2 Look for inspiration. Whether you choose wood or laminate doors, a light or dark finish, do a quick search for kitchens or bathrooms with similar cabinetry. You will quickly see what others have done and what appeals to you. Houzz is a great resource, and Google is too. Try searching “espresso kitchen” or “natural maple cabinets” or whatever finish you decided on, and see what you come up with.
Step 3 Don’t forget your flooring! If you have not already chosen your flooring, I would recommend this step before you choose your counter top. It is easier to see how a counter top will work with a floor and a door rather than just the cabinet. So many times clients choose their cabinet and counter top and forget about the flooring, only to find later that the flooring looks too beige, or doesn’t offer enough contrast. Floor finishes can really vary, so bring along 1 or 2 or even 3 tiles when you start choosing your counter just to get a complete idea of the variation. If your flooring is already down, bring the counter top samples to your bathroom or kitchen so you can see them next to each other. Taking a pictures is not a good idea. It leaves too much room for error and colours look different on screens and in different lighting.
Step 4 Visit a store for samples. Most stores will have different brands of quartz – for example, Acco carries the full selection of Cambria and Ceasarstone, but we also have some other brands to choose from. Be sure to bring along your other finishes: cabinet door, flooring, backsplash to help you choose your quartz counter top. What about a paint chip you ask? Paint is the easiest and cheapest thing to change in a room, so unless you are dead set on a particular colour, I would recommend choosing paint last. Pick the brain of our sales person or designer. They have seen many counter tops installed, and can give you insight into the final feel of the finishes – something you can’t get from a little sample!
Watch for our next posts about choosing a light coloured or dark coloured quartz counter top. We’ll give you lots of inspiring spaces with a solid design commentary that should help you decide what is the look for your home.
Acco Kitchen and Bath 