When remodeling a kitchen, your cabinet and countertop combination sets the tone for the space. Everything else, from lighting to flooring, follows their lead. The right combination should feel deliberate and work as well in ten years as it does on day one. These ten pairings are based on materials and finishes we know perform well and look good doing it. Each one is an example of a project we’ve designed and remodeled in the Seattle area, so click on the caption below each image to see the full project page.
1. Natural Walnut Shaker Cabinets and Calacatta Quartz Countertops
Natural Textures that Shine Through
Natural walnut shaker cabinets might be the most stunning wood to display in your kitchen. The grain keeps them from feeling flat, while the shaker profile stays clean and adaptable. Walnut is durable and, with a light finish, holds up well in a working kitchen. Pair this with a brilliant white quartz countertop and you’ve got yourself a high-contrast combination that will remain timeless.
Natural wood tones have been back in fashion for years, and it’s hard to imagine that going away any time soon.
Calacatta quartz offers the look of marble with better stain and scratch resistance. Its sparkling base and bold veining lift the darker walnut, creating a mix that works in bright open kitchens and smaller spaces alike. This kitchen features a huge oversized peninsula, showing off the shining quartz for everyone to enjoy.
2. Espresso Dark Stained Cabinets and White Quartz Countertops
Sophisticated with a Touch of Golden Brass
Espresso stain gives cabinets a deep, even tone that reads as both modern and traditional depending on the hardware. It hides minor wear and pairs well with a range of wood or tile floors. Pairing this with veined white quartz and brass hardware gives this kitchen the most sophisticated design that we’ve seen in years.
White quartz counters brighten the room and create strong contrast against the dark stained cabinets. This combination has the effect of grounding the kitchen, as the cabinets feel like a solid base that allows everything above the countertop to open up and flourish.
3. Rift White Oak Cabinets with Charcoal Soapstone Countertops
The Cleanest Midcentury Look
Rift-cut white oak has a straight grain and a light golden tone that works well in modern or Scandinavian-inspired designs. It brings warmth without competing with other finishes. With a natural finish, this wood species gives off the feeling of walking through a sunny forest.
Rift white oak is often considered the most beautiful and premium cabinet wood species.
Charcoal soapstone adds depth and texture to this premium wood choice. The soapstone is heat-resistant, naturally nonporous, and develops a patina over time. The pairing creates a balance between light and dark, smooth and tactile. Adding in the white backsplash in this kitchen allows the wood and stone to shine even brighter, acting as an art piece in your home.
4. Cherry Cabinets and Gray “Concrete” Quartz Countertops
An Unparalleled Natural Aesthetic
Cherry cabinets have a natural warmth and complexity that deepens with age and exposure to light. Staining them enhances the uniformity of color while highlighting the wood’s fine grain. Cherry’s rich reddish-brown tones bring a sense of tradition and solidity to a kitchen space. It pairs well with darker hardware and looks amazing under any type of kitchen lighting.
Gray “concrete” quartz countertops add a modern counterpoint to cherry’s warmth. The quartz mimics the texture and mottling of real concrete but is far easier to maintain. It resists staining, scratching, and does not require sealing.
5. Muted Blue Painted Cabinets and Polished White Quartz Countertops
The Best Way to do a Blue Kitchen
Muted blue cabinets offer color without overwhelming the space. The shade works equally well in shaker or beadboard styles, bringing personality without sacrificing versatility. Blue hues like slate or dusty denim feel calm and collected, making the kitchen feel thoughtfully curated. These cabinets pair especially well with brass or black hardware, adding another layer of visual interest.
Polished white quartz countertops provide a clean, reflective surface that brightens the room and contrasts the soft blue. The polished finish adds a touch of elegance and helps bounce light throughout the kitchen.
6. White Painted Cabinets and Dark Portoro Countertops
The Absolute Standard for a Monochrome Kitchen
White painted cabinets are a dependable choice, adaptable to almost any kitchen style. A good paint finish, whether lacquer or enamel, gives a clean, smooth surface that feels fresh and bright. White cabinets open up the room and work well with other materials and colors.
Dark Portoro countertops bring drama with their deep black base and bold gold veining. This natural stone or quartz alternative adds a luxury feel without overwhelming the space.
7. Olive Green Cabinets and Pristine White Quartz Countertops
The Most Beautiful Green Hues
Olive green cabinets bring a grounded, organic vibe that is still sophisticated. The color works well with natural woods, metals like brass and stainless steel, and even concrete accents. It is a quieter alternative to navy or black but equally distinctive. Olive green cabinets have enough depth to feel intentional but not so much that it dominates.
Pristine white quartz counters offset the richness of olive with a fresh and clean surface. The white brightens the room and provides a crisp edge to the cabinetry.
8. Black Stained Slab Cabinets and White Quartz Countertops
A Simplistic Taste of Luxury
Black stained slab cabinets offer sleek minimalism with the softness of visible wood grain. Unlike solid black paint, the stain allows texture to show through. The style suits modern or industrial kitchens and works well with both light and dark woods.
When it comes to black and white kitchens, they act as a great canvas for the homeowner’s personality
White quartz countertops provide strong contrast and a clear workspace. The brightness breaks up the dark cabinetry and reflects light around the room. Quartz also offers the durability needed for heavy kitchen use, resisting stains and scratches. This pairing makes a bold statement while remaining practical.
9. Painted White Cabinets and White Countertop
The Classic and Clean Look
White-on-white kitchens can feel fresh and expansive when textures and materials vary subtly. Cabinets with a satin or eggshell finish prevent glare, while quartz or solid surface countertops with delicate veining add visual interest. Adding a textured backsplash or a beadboard island can further break up the all-white look.
This combination maximizes light and can make even small kitchens feel larger. To keep it warm and inviting, wood flooring or brass hardware can introduce contrast and depth. The accessories you add give you a medium to paint your personality onto your new remodeled kitchen.
10. Burnished Black Cabinets and Pental Quartz Countertops
A Sophisticated and Luxurious Feel
Burnished black cabinets have a soft sheen that avoids the harshness of flat black paint. The finish gives a slightly worn-in, approachable feel. These cabinets work with both modern slab doors and more traditional styles, adapting to a range of kitchen aesthetics.
Pental quartz offers a wide variety of patterns and colors, from subtle neutrals to bold veining that can unify the kitchen’s palette. Quartz’s durability complements the cabinets, providing a counter surface that stands up to everyday use. This combination brings drama without sacrificing functionality.
Kitchen Remodeling in the Seattle Area
From Green Lake to Seward Park, Mercer Island and More
Dreaming of a fresh new Kitchen that has everything you need? From maximizing compact spaces to building a chef’s dream, Model Remodel can transform your vision into reality. With over 20 years in the business, we’ll guide you through every step, from eco-friendly material choices like recycled countertops and water-smart appliances to choosing the perfect appliances that add a pop of personality. Be sure to take a look at our portfolio for more kitchen remodeling inspiration.
Our design-build services let our expert designers and skilled builders breathe life into your home, opening up spaces, embracing natural light, and creating a better connection to your home. Let’s build something great – contact Model Remodel today and unlock the full potential of your Seattle kitchen!
Kitchen Design and Remodeling FAQs
How much does a Seattle kitchen remodel cost?
The cost of a Seattle kitchen remodel can vary greatly depending on the project’s scope, the materials used, and the labor involved. A partial remodel can start in the $30,000+ range, while full luxury kitchen remodels can make their way up to $250,000+.
How long does a kitchen remodel take
The timeline for a kitchen remodel can vary depending on the project’s size and scope, material availability, and other factors. On average, a kitchen remodel can take anywhere from two to four months, though some projects can be longer or shorter based on the factors listed above.
Do I need a building permit for a kitchen remodel?
In most cases, a building permit is required for a major kitchen remodel, especially if you are making structural changes, such as moving plumbing or electrical fixtures or tearing out a wall. As a result, you should consult your local building department to determine your area’s specific requirements. Model Remodel has an in-house permitting department that can easily determine the appropriate course for your project.
How can I make my new kitchen more eco-friendly?
Several eco-friendly options are now available when planning a kitchen remodel, including water-saving faucets, energy-efficient lighting, and eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood and recycled glass. These sustainable choices can help reduce water and energy consumption and create a more environmentally friendly kitchen space. Model Remodel specializes in sustainable building and we would be happy to discuss your options for going green on your next remodel.
