Oak counter tops add beauty and style to the kitchen with their warm and durable nature. The counter tops can be used in various kitchen designs, ranging from country to contemporary based on the grain and finish of the oak. Below are some tips you can use to decorate a kitchen that has an oak counter.
Decorations for kitchens with dark oak counters
You will find different varieties of oak counters in various finishes and stains such as dark and sleek. If the kitchen has colored and deeply toned counter, use lighter colors for the cabinets, floor and walls to add contrast. Paint the cabinets white in order to brighten the kitchen and leave the counter as the focal point. Paint the walls a pale, jeweled tone so the design can have color. The oak color will be reflected by the jewel tones on the walls. Use a pale color to maintain a light design.
Decorations for light oak counter tops
Counter tops made form white and red oak bring interest and texture to the kitchen with their visible grain. Decorate the kitchen by highlighting the texture through taking the darkest color on the grain and painting it on the cabinets. This ensures that the oak on the counter top is the wood with the lightest color in the kitchen. To bring contrast to the wood, use ceramic tile or glass back splash. Use tiles of solid color and you can mix colors. Take care not to use tiles that have shifting shades or with veins so that they do not compete with the grain in the oak.
The floor
Counter tops and floors should mirror each other to create harmony in the kitchen. You should therefore use a similar tone on the floor to that of the oak counter top. The only exception is when the counters are too dark, in which case you can use lighter flooring. The flooring does not have to be from oak as any other hardwood can be stained to achieve the same color. You can also use other flooring materials such as cork, Chinese slate tiles that have wood tones or polished sheet linoleum in warm rich tone.
Accessorizing a kitchen with oak counter tops
Kitchens with oak counter tops emanate warmth and richness. However, they tend to be dark, especially if the cabinets do not have contrasting colors to the oak. You should therefore use accessories to make them lighter and to balance the oak’s warmth. Blue and green are the colors to use on the accessories to highlight the warmth and complement the oak. To add life to the décor, include oak shelves using glass, pottery and colorful ornaments.
Seat cushions and curtains should have prints so that the eyes can focus on something else other than counter grains. Print fabrics do not compete or clash with the oak counter tops grains the way other materials with grains do. This makes prints acceptable in the design and décor using oak. An oak counter top is good option for many kitchen styles. You should however, be careful as you decorate to use the right color of flooring, paint and accessories for a balanced décor. The colors should be contrasting in order to create harmony.
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