2 different countertops materials OK in kitchen?

Dawn
by Dawn
We hope to start on a complete kitchen remodel on our falling apart kitchen. New kitchen will be substantially larger, an L-shape about 20 x 12. Based on all of the wonderful qualities, I would really, really like quartz counters--but almost had a stroke when I saw the price of $9k for materials and install! this includes a 4in ceramic backsplash throughout, though I'm sure that's not a large expense. I would also like just a sheet of stainless steel behind the stove. ok so...

Any ideas on how to use two different materials? maybe quartz on the long leg and something else on the rest? Too wacky looking?

I've seen so many awesome creative kitchens here but I'm not so creative. We're also still getting over the shock of the cost of labor on the quotes we received--we are not diy'ers so we do need skilled labor. I've already eliminated the island to save costs and will use midgrade stock cabinets. I don't need a fancy kitchen, just functional and easy to clean with 4 monkeys running around. Thank you for any ideas!
  3 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Mar 09, 2013
    I have seen some great mixes with granite and butcher block. In my home I am installing large 18 x 21" granite tile. Here I will get a granite look at a fraction of the slab price.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Mar 10, 2013
    I would put most of my money in my cabinets! The better the wood, the longer they last and hold up. Our cabinets are real wood built in place 43 years ago and they are still perfect! Not a single hanging, drooping door in any of them. (and we raised 4 kids here and took in live ins from time to time so extreme care was not taken) As for the island, you can purchase one of a totally different style and color later on sale and it will work perfectly! My island has butcher block and my counters are white Formica! I LOVE BUTCHER BLOCK! You can sand and refinish it yourself. Of course I am careful to use a cutting board. And I use those thin vinyl cutting protecting sheets you see everywhere.
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Apr 01, 2016
    Butcher block will work with anything else you choose. And Jeanette is right on with good quality cabinets. Don't get caught up with "fads" or "what's in". Think long term and quality. You can always change out paint color or hardware as the years go by, but good bones and good quality will last forever.