My Lottery Dream Home Proves Why Replacing Dark Countertops Isn't The Best Idea
Countertops play a large part in crafting the aesthetic of a kitchen or bathroom. As one of the room's main focal points, counters can make or break the overall appeal of a space. So, it's important to choose design elements carefully when preparing for a renovation and determine what features are most important to you before jumping into a project with no plan. Dark-colored countertops sometimes get a bad reputation from those who believe the feature is boring or outdated. But, David Bromstad of HGTV's hit television show "My Lottery Dream Home" hints that dark countertops can actually complement a home since they can potentially add warmth to a space and aesthetically support the rest of the room.
In an episode of the show released in 2022, Bromstad accompanied his bachelor client Joe to tour three houses located around Fresno, California. The second house featured an open-concept kitchen sporting medium brown granite countertops. There are pros and cons to working with both light and dark countertops, but the latter may surprise you with just how much they can positively impact a space. Keep reading for more on why you should think twice before immediately replacing the dark-colored countertops inside your home.
Dark countertops add warmth to a space
Despite the popular sentiment that dark colors, like black and gray, make a room feel drab and uninspired, some designers feel that dark countertops have the opposite effect on a space. These countertops, when paired with the right details, create a warm, inviting atmosphere, no matter if they're made out of stone, laminate, or other materials. Even David Bromstad said that the dark countertops featured in the Season 12 episode of "My Lottery Dream Home" made the house that he and his client were touring feel "very cozy and warm" (via HGTV). Darker countertops can also help craft an aesthetically pleasing balance when matched with contrasting features, like light-colored cabinetry and flooring.
And, if the quintessential modern black-and-white kitchen or bathroom still feels too cold and unwelcoming, feel free to liven up the space with pops of bright color or lush greenery by incorporating furniture, appliances, and quirky accessories. However, dark countertops often radiate the most warmth when matched with wooden accents, especially cabinets and drawers, exposed shelving, and furnishings.
Aim to select features that fit the house
Another reason David Bromstad was drawn to the dark countertops in the episode was that they helped complement the rest of the kitchen. Dark-colored counters paired with other dark features, like cabinetry, can produce a visually pleasing monochromatic effect that stands apart from cookie-cutter contemporary kitchen designs. However, so much darkness in a room needs to be balanced with skillfully placed light fixtures. Lighting plays a significant role in the way rooms appear both during the day and at night. So, before starting a renovation project, be mindful of window placement throughout your home and how different types of interior lighting can work together to illuminate your space.
While adhering to current style trends may seem wise when considering returns on investment, developing an aesthetic that fits your preferences should be a priority. Also, given the frequency with which design trends fade in and out of popularity among the general public, attempting to keep up with what's trendy and what's deemed out of style over the course of time owning your home may be close to impossible. For example, light-colored countertops have been all the rage for the past few years, but dark counters may very well be making a comeback. Instead, when personalizing your home, focus on incorporating features that spark joy and help create an open and hospitable environment for other residents and guests while piecing together an aesthetic that best suits the house's layout.