Renovation Aloha Unveils A Stunning Cabinet & Countertop Combo For A Modern Kitchen

Modern kitchen design mostly leans toward simple cabinetry, clean lines, and monochromatic color palettes. However, renovation stars and real-life couple Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama challenged this style on their HGTV home makeover show, "Renovation Aloha," where they restore abandoned properties in Oahu, Hawaii and transform them into beautiful family homes. In one project, the Kalamas introduced a unique but stunning cabinet and countertop combination by pairing light wood cabinets with a dark countertop while remodeling a kitchen. The dark surface provided an excellent contrast to the natural tones of wood cabinetry and added depth and sophistication to the space. On the other hand, the natural wood texture brought in warmth and a welcoming feel. Together, the two design elements made for a dazzling rustic kitchen style with a modern twist.

"The finished house is giving a lot of organic feels with the light wood and contrasting dark counters and accents. It's very clean and sophisticated but feels very custom and cozy," Tristyn told HGTV. This fresh design was able to breathe new life into the once-cluttered kitchen of the fixer-upper they bought for $1.3 million in their hometown of Kailua. For the kitchen remodel, they installed custom cabinets and new appliances before adding a dark countertop. Their choice of counter color may not be unprecedented, however, since black kitchen countertops are making a comeback among homeowners and interior designers. They are ideal for those who want to embrace bolder styling choices in lieu of the classic all-white or monochromatic designs, which remain the most common and versatile styling option for any kitchen space.

Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama are no strangers to the light cabinetry and dark countertop combo — they even used the same design combination in their own kitchen. In a home tour they did for HGTV, the couple highlighted the stunning blend of light wood cabinetry and dark countertops they utilized along the back wall of their kitchen. "I feel like this kitchen represents organic modern blended together because you have these earthy tones in the cabinetry that's wood grain, and you have this dark more textured cabinetry that brings out the modern side," Tristyn said in a video on HGTV's YouTube channel. 

To bring this style into your own home, you first need to determine which black countertop option can make your kitchen design pop. Black marble — one of the most popular options among modern homeowners — is eye-catching, easy to clean, and durable. Solid quartz and polished granite have a more subtle pattern than marble, so they tend to mesh well with various wood cabinet styles. They are also more stain- and scratch-resistant than marble, so they are the better choice if your kitchen is well-utilized and always busy. If you want to really follow the Kalamas' kitchen styling hack, go for lighter woods like maple or oak. Not only do they brighten the space, but they also add character and a more relaxing vibe. However, if you want to go all-in on the drama, you can always opt for darker woods like cherry or walnut.