Designers Share How They Might Approach Choosing Cabinets And Countertops
Choosing cabinets and countertops can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. These elements form the backbone of your kitchen’s look and function, setting the stage for everything else. Top designers have different approaches to this common design challenge, and their insights might just make your next kitchen project a lot smoother.
This article shares general design perspectives from industry professionals. Individual projects may require different approaches based on space, budget, and personal preferences. For tailored advice, review options with qualified design experts before making final decisions.
1. Start With Cabinets As The Design Foundation
Bespoke kitchen designer and company founder Tom Howley has a clear starting point. “When beginning a kitchen remodel, we always recommend choosing your cabinetry first. Cabinets set the tone for the kitchen layout, functionality, and overall aesthetic of the space.”
Think of cabinets as the skeleton that gives your kitchen structure. They determine traffic flow and how you’ll interact with the space daily. With cabinets as your foundation, other elements naturally fall into place.
2. Cabinet Color Comes First To Anchor The Scheme
Color psychology plays a major role in interior designer Juliette Byrne’s approach. “They are the main feature of the kitchen and often involve two colors or materials,” explains Byrne.
The cabinet color sets the mood – whether it’s calm blues, energizing yellows, or grounding earth tones. This dominant visual element guides your countertop selection and additional design choices naturally.
3. Cabinets Drive Function And Storage Planning
For Fred Horlock, Design Director at Neptune, practicality guides cabinet selection. “The cabinetry needs to work hard within the space… if you love to cook from scratch, generous drawer storage close to prep areas can make all the difference.”
Your cooking habits should dictate cabinet configuration – deep drawers for pots, vertical dividers for baking sheets. A beautifully organized kitchen starts with thoughtful cabinet planning that addresses your specific needs.
4. Countertops First When Using A Statement Stone
Sometimes the usual rules get flipped. Bernd Radaschitz, CEO at Lanserring, suggests: “If there’s a large amount of stone… then it may be best to start here.”
A marble with bold veining naturally draws the eye as a focal point. The unique patterns in natural stone tell a story that can’t be replicated. When you fall in love with a spectacular countertop material, build everything else around that showstopper.
5. Build Around A Cohesive Material Palette
Harmony comes from seeing the bigger picture, according to Horlock: “A cohesive kitchen scheme comes from treating the space as a whole… starting with a clear palette.”
Rather than fixating on cabinets or countertops first, consider how materials interact. Wood tones, metal finishes, and stone textures should create a conversation, not competition. The most successful kitchens feel intentional because every element belongs to the same design story.
6. Let Personal Preference Guide The Starting Point
Breaking from rigid rules, HØLTE co-founder Fiona Ginnett offers refreshing permission: “There’s no set formula … Some people fall in love with a cabinet finish, others start with a countertop… The most important thing is to begin with something you’re drawn to.”
Design choices should feel inspiring, not overwhelming. That concrete countertop you’ve been dreaming about? It’s a perfectly valid starting point. Ultimately, the best kitchens reflect their owners’ personalities and preferences above all else.
