One way to inject visual interest into a kitchen that features an island is to install different countertop materials for the centre and periphery areas. Here are some tips to carry out this strategy effectively.
Large Kitchens and Islands
This approach works best in large kitchens with decent-sized islands. Firstly, more generous spaces can house diversity without feeling overwhelmed. If you apply this design treatment in a small kitchen, the room can seem overcrowded. Secondly, if you distinguish between counter areas, the periphery and the centre, you'll want to maintain a sense of balance. If the island bench is only tiny, it could look out of proportion to the rest of the counters.
Creating Order
A kitchen island sits in the room centre, so it's spatially separate from the other benchtops that line the kitchen wall. This division allows you to contrast materials and colours in these two areas while maintaining order. Conversely, in an L-shape kitchen without an island, it would look strange if you changed the benchtop material halfway along the surface. Because an island has its own spot, you can cover it with something different without it looking haphazard.
Different Materials
When picking two benchtop options, one possibility is to splash out on an expensive island counter that may cost too much if spread around the entire kitchen. For example, top the island with creamy marble full of dark swirls and patterns. Then, to keep within budget, install a laminate counter on the other bench areas. For further cost savings, visit a kitchen wholesale outlet to get better prices for all materials.
Contrasting Colours
Another approach is to install the same counter material but to vary the colour. For instance, fit white marble on the island and black marble around the periphery. When contrasting colours, it's best to create an obvious shade difference. Otherwise, if they're too similar, the difference can simply look like a mistake, as if they're mismatched.
Thus, sticking to these tips will help you create a pleasing design. Reserve this approach for large islands and kitchens with plenty of space to accommodate the variances without looking cluttered. You can take advantage of using exclusive countertop substances for the island without having to break the bank by applying them to all counters. Finally, if you contrast colours, do it thoughtfully so it doesn't look like you couldn't find a properly matching counter.
Contact a kitchen wholesale store to get the materials you need.
