Shaker Style Cherry
Hi Tom,
We’re very grateful to be able to ask your advice. We have a small kitchen that is getting new shaker style cherry cabinets with a natural finish (some with glass panels). We have pine floors, nice and golden. We have stainless steel appliances & undermount sink, slide-in range with a smooth cooktop, euro style oven hood, and plenty of natural light. Wall color is completely undecided -ideas are welcome. Overall we’re going for a sleek contemporary look. We want to pick countertops that have enough contrast with the natural cherry cabinets to avoid looking blah but we don’t want to go too black either. The granite surface will be for the “L” shaped counter about 9′ by 6′ feet plus a breakfast bar about 18″ x 5.5′ long. Butcher block counter of about 5′ is going on opposite wall.
We’ve looked at Cafe Imperial – we thought it was dark yet warm, has tones that match the brick in our fireplace, and looked good with stainless steel. I also like Tropical Brown but that seems a little boring. We’d love other suggestions. Do we need a colder color to contrast the cabinets & floor?
Also, we’re planning on a simple eased edge. Seems like that is the choice for a contemporary, if not modern look. Not sure if corners should be radiused.
Thanks so much! Happy to donate to a good cause!
Marjorie
Hello Marjorie,
Thank you for the detailed information and what you are looking to accomplish as a décor. I must say that I struggle with the element of shaker cabinets and a contemporary intent. The lines are right but as long as you are not looking for truly disciplined contemporary design, then shaker cabinets can work.
You are in the right direction with Café Imperial as the countertops color needs to be black/brown. Tropical Brown is one of my favorite granites for many reasons, but it does not work well here because of the reddish elements.
A better color than Café Imperial would be Café Bahia which is similar to Café Imperial but darker. I also recommend Cold Spring Black Granite, which is basically a very classy black granite that works perfect with traditional/contemporary converging design.
Still, there is one other color that would look very nice if you are up for a little more flair. That color is Marron Cohiba. This is perfect with glass paneled cabinets as the large mineral accents in the stone are glassy as well. You will have to see this for yourself but there is a nice swatch on www.GraniteStock.com that you could refer to.
The edge detail must to be flat and straight but can have a 1/8″ pencil round on the top and bottom. The corners should not be radius unless you feel there is a safety issue with small children.
Best wishes and thank you for supporting the Rock Blog kids!
