One would have to admit that the countertop is very crucial when creating and building a kitchen. Spending a lot of money on cabinet design and materials can be for naught of it was all topped up with a very low quality countertop.

When deciding on countertops, the first thing that comes to mind would generally be the material type. Massive spenders would have access to top end materials such as pure marble or granite countertops whilst those on a more smaller budget would probably spend a reasonable amount on solid surfaces such as corian or maybe even laminates like Formica.

Exotic new sources and fashions of countertop are also gaining recognition such the alkemi countertop or the steel countertop. Having made the decision on the material type desired, the subsequent big decision would have to be the colour of the countertop.

Countertop color can make or break a successful kitchen cabinet design. Choosing a countertop color that doesn't blend into the kitchen environment can have disastrous results on the ambience.

Picking a favorite color is not an easy process, as countertop supplies have a tendency to have some kind of texture to them. The trick is in obtaining the correct color to go with the correct texture that may complement the whole kitchen design.

Normally, if you have a light themed style, then a dark countertop will add a great contrast to balance out the space and pull every thing together. If your kitchen theme is leaning more towards white, then a countertop color scheme that is leaning more towards black will be the decision to go.

Dark black marble like countertops goes nicely in a white themed kitchen. For those who have light cabinets sitting on dark flooring, then a countertop which is a shade or two lighter than the floor would help lift the kitchen cabinet design and add a sense of space towards the kitchen. Possessing a dark coloured countertop that matches the shade of a darkish floor could make things look just a little flat.

Kitchens with a warm pastel color scheme would go nicely having a light colored cabinet style topped off having a similar pastel colored countertop that's a shade or two lighter than the walls.

Again, this may add a sense of depth in the kitchen and help preserve that warm atmosphere.

Carissa Mieler is an author who enjoys writing about laminate countertops and other topics.