How HGTV's Jasmine Roth Gives Kitchen Countertops A Fresh Look Every Time

Tired of the same old uniform kitchen countertop styling? Want to add character and defined areas to your kitchen space? HGTV's Jasmine Roth has a simple but very creative hack that can do both, and even more. For the celebrity home designer, one sure-fire way to modernize and give a kitchen space a fresh look is to mix countertop materials. Instead of having just one material throughout the kitchen, Roth suggests using contrasting materials for the perimeter counters and the island.

In a project featured on her show "Help! I Wrecked My House," Roth used this hack to enhance her client's kitchen space. "I'm super excited because we have two different materials. We have that leather-finished quartzite that's going on all the perimeters, and then we also have, to kind of offset that, the really smooth, dark porcelain that's going to be on the island," she said. Quartzite is Roth's choice for countertops when she wants to make a bold statement. Pairing it with a sleek black porcelain breaks up the monotony in the room and helps define different zones in the kitchen.

Knowing the design mistakes Roth always avoids, picking a darker shade for the island is unlikely to be an afterthought. Since islands are always busy and serve multiple functions — including prep space, dining, and storage — she seemingly made sure that the slab on top can help conceal clutter and is easier to maintain.

You don't need to blow a huge amount of money to follow Jasmine Roth's stylish hack. Just a smart pairing of countertop materials will do. If you are renovating your kitchen and you want to give it a fresh look with Roth's method, start by choosing a durable, neutral-toned stone like light-colored quartz for your perimeter counters. Quartz is among Roth's all-time favorite types of countertops. She adores the material because, aside from being durable and cost-conscious, it comes in a variety of colors and shades, allowing it to work well with different cabinet styles.

To add contrast, choose a darker material for your island. Black or dark gray porcelain slabs are a great pick because they can add an ultra-modern look and luxurious touch to your space without breaking the bank. Aside from being one of her favored countertop materials, Roth prefers porcelain over more expensive options like marble because it is cheaper and easier to maintain. Porcelain is resistant to scratches and stains, while marble is prone to damage because of its more porous nature. However, you can also choose another material of your choice for the kitchen island, such as butcher block or other wood.

In addition to combining the two materials for your countertops, you might need to update your cabinet hardware and lighting as well. Brass or matte black fixtures will mesh beautifully with both darker and light-colored materials. For lighting, a combination of task and ambient lights will brighten the space and highlight the areas you want to emphasize for functional or stylistic purposes.