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Gravel Lane Design Team choosing cabinet and countertop combinations - Eureka, IL

Designer-Picked Cabinet & Countertop Pairings

Gearing up for a kitchen or bathroom remodel and need a little design help? We get it. When it comes to home remodels, it’s easy to tell what we don’t like, but when it comes to choosing what to replace it with- well, that’s a little more complicated. If we are talking kitchens and bathrooms, your most important design decision is going to be your cabinetry and countertops. Your cabinets, along with a complementing countertop, will set the tone for the rest of the design because they establish the general mood and color scheme of the space. Think about how different a room would feel if it was covered in all dark features versus light features. Now, it doesn’t have to be as black and white as that- in fact, there are many ways to blend both lighter and darker features in your kitchen or bathroom to create a seamless look.

Where this process can get overwhelming is the simple fact that there are so many options for both cabinets and countertops. If you’ve ever visited our showroom in Eureka, Illinois, you’ve likely seen our walls and displays full of countless sample cabinet doors and countertops options. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down what you’re looking for.

Luckily, our designers are always here to help. We currently have a team of five interior designers that work directly with clients to walk them through the entire design process, including choosing materials that complement each other. If you’re wanting to narrow down your search for a good cabinet/countertop combo, check out these designer-picked favorites:

Kelsie’s Pick

Gravel Lane Design Studio - countertops and cabinets Kelsie's pick - Eureka, IL

Cabinet: Porpoise by Sherwin Williams
Countertop: Cambria Ironsbridge Quartz

Kelsie’s pairing combines a light countertop with a midtone paint color that leans towards the darker side for just the right amount of contrast. The Ironsbridge Quartz features a neutral, wavy pattern that would complement just about any paint color, in case a medium gray isn’t your vibe.


Natalie’s Pick

Gravel Lane Design Studio - countertops and cabinets Natalie's pick - Eureka, IL

Cabinet: Quarter Sawn White Oak
Countertop: Caeserstone Statuario Nuvo

For those who love a good wood tone, Natalie’s pick includes a warm wood stain paired with a white quartz. This quartz features dark, prominent veining that pulls out the deep values in the wood grain. We recommend looking at a full slab view of your countertop choice especially when it contains prominent veins to make sure you like the vein pattern.


Carly’s Pick

Gravel Lane Design Studio - countertops and cabinets Carly's pick - Eureka, IL

Cabinet: Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore
Countertops: Vicostone Cemento

Carly’s pick is perfect for those who want a moodier look for their space. Kendall Charcoal is a deep gray with varied undertones which allows it to pair well with several colors. Here it is paired with a dark quartz that features milky white veining. This quartz would also pair very well with white cabinetry for those that prefer a lighter option.


Katie’s Pick

Gravel Lane Design Studio - countertops and cabinets Katie's pick - Eureka, IL

Cabinet: Rift Sawn White Oak
Countertops: Taj Mahal Quartzite

Moving away from the darker tones, Katie’s pick combines two lighter options including a soft wood stain paired with a quartzite countertop. Quartzite is a natural stone, making it uniquely beautiful as well as incredibly durable. This pair would create a luxuriously airy feel in any kitchen or bathroom. If this color isn’t for you, quartzite comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.


McKenzie’s Pick

Gravel Lane Design Studio - countertops and cabinets McKenzie's pick - Eureka, IL

Cabinet: Antique Maple on Hickory
Countertops: Broadway Black Quartz

Coming in with another warm wood stain, McKenzie’s pick pairs a medium wood tone with a dark quartz- similar to Carly’s countertop pick. The cabinet color evokes a warm and cozy vibe while the countertops add some drama. This quartz color is a deep black with subtle veining and a matte finish. If you’re looking for a unique option to add to your space, consider a dark countertop color.




Gravel Lane Design Studio - countertops sample materials - Eureka, IL

Even if you’re still hesitant to decide on a cabinet and countertop combo, we have services in place to help make the process easier on you! First off, our designers are always here to help with design decisions and walk you through the entire process. They can narrow down your search by making educated suggestions and answering any questions you may have about the materials.

Our showroom in Eureka, IL is also full of samples, so as you meet with one of our designers, you can explore the actual products in person and compare stain and paint colors to countertop options. We can even lend you our samples to take home to see it in your own space and let the whole family weigh in on design options.

If you’re eager to explore some options for your next home project, stop by our showroom any time during our business hours to browse or make an appointment with one of our designers for a one-on-one free consultation. Give our showroom a call at (309) 838-0090 and tell us about your next project!

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