Which kitchen cabinets are best with quartz worktops?

There’s no set order in which you have to make kitchen design decisions. When planning to refit the kitchen in a home, you may or may not appoint a professional designer. You may start with an overall concept, a colour preference, or simply one central feature. These things then help to inform the rest of the decisions that you need to make. The most used part of any kitchen is the worktop, so it follows that often this is where people start. For example, you may have always had your heart set on a quartz worktop. But where do you go from there? We look at which kitchen cabinets look best with quartz worktops and how to style your kitchen around this stunning material. 

Kitchen styles

You don’t have to stick within the parameters of a specific design style. However, understanding different standard kitchen styles can really help when it comes to articulating your preferences and tastes to designers and suppliers. This is especially true for kitchen cabinet decisions. As the part of the kitchen which sits directly under, next to, or atop your quartz worktop, it’s one of your key stylistic decisions. 

Traditional Kitchens

Traditional kitchens have an ambiance of warmth, charm, and timeless elegance. They often feature rich natural tones, intricate details, and classic design elements like crown moulding, raised-panel doors, and ornate hardware.

Best Cabinet Choices

For traditional kitchens with quartz worktops, consider cabinets in:

• Cherry or Mahogany: These woods add depth and richness, harmonising beautifully with the sleek, polished surface of quartz.
• Painted Cabinets: Soft whites, creams, and muted blues or greens can offer a classic look that pairs well with quartz, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.

Why It Works

Quartz’s versatility means it can mimic the look of marble or other natural stones, making it an excellent companion for the rich textures and colours found in traditional cabinetry. This combination offers a sophisticated yet functional kitchen space.

Cottage Kitchens

Cottage kitchens are known for their cosy, welcoming feel. They often include open shelving, beadboard details, and a mix of painted and natural wood finishes.

Best Cabinet Choices

For cottage kitchens with quartz worktops, the ideal cabinet options are:

• Shaker-Style Cabinets: These simple, clean lines fit perfectly with the cosy, unpretentious vibe of cottage kitchens. Painted finishes in soft pastels or classic white work beautifully.
• Open Shelving: Paired with traditional lower cabinets, open shelving enhances the airy and inviting feel of a cottage kitchen.

Why It Works

Quartz worktops are available in a wide range of colours, providing a practical yet attractive surface that complements the homely, casual aesthetics of cottage-style cabinetry.

Coastal Kitchens

Coastal kitchens evoke the relaxed, airy feel of beachside living. They often incorporate light and bright colours, natural textures, and ocean-inspired decor.

Best Cabinet Choices

To match quartz worktops in a coastal kitchen, opt for:

• White or Light-Coloured Cabinets: These enhance the bright, open feel. Shades of white, light blue, or seafoam green are particularly effective.
• Beadboard Cabinets: Adding beadboard detailing evokes a nautical charm and pairs well with quartz’s smooth surface.

Why It Works

The light, reflective quality of quartz enhances the spaciousness of coastal kitchens, while its durability ensures it stands up to the high-traffic environment in busy family kitchens.

Minimalist Kitchens

Minimalist kitchens focus on simple, clean lines, and a clutter-free environment. They often feature a monochromatic palette, flat-panel cabinets, and integrated handles.

Best Cabinet Choices

For a minimalist kitchen with quartz worktops, consider:

• Flat-Panel Cabinets: These offer a sleek, modern look that complements the flawless simplicity of quartz surfaces.
• Handleless Cabinets: Integrated handles or push-to-open mechanisms maintain the kitchen’s streamlined appearance.

Why It Works

Quartz worktops’ seamless look and low-maintenance qualities are ideal for minimalist kitchens, enhancing the sleek and uncluttered aesthetic while providing a hard-wearing surface.

Contemporary Kitchens

Contemporary kitchens blend the latest trends with functional design elements. They often feature bold colours, mixed materials, and innovative storage solutions.

Best Cabinet Choices

For contemporary kitchens with quartz worktops, some in-keeping cabinet choices include:

• Glossy Cabinets: High-gloss finishes in bold or neutral colours reflect light and pair well with the smooth, polished look of quartz.
• Mixed Materials: Combining wood, metal, and glass elements creates a dynamic and stylish environment.

Why It Works

Quartz worktops offer the durability needed for a bustling kitchen while their wide range of colours and patterns can complement any contemporary design choice.

Retro Kitchens

Retro kitchens bring a sense of nostalgia, often including colourful appliances, bold patterns, and vintage-inspired details.

Best Cabinet Choices

To complement quartz worktops in a retro kitchen, consider:

• Coloured Cabinets: Bold hues like red, teal, or mustard yellow can create a fun, eye-catching look.
• Vintage Details: Cabinets with chrome handles, glass inserts, or decorative mouldings can enhance the retro vibe.

Why It Works

The wide variety of quartz worktop designs can either complement or contrast with the bold, playful elements of a retro kitchen, creating a balanced yet vibrant space.

The Flexibility of Quartz

Quartz worktops can complement any style of cabinetry and kitchen design. This comes down to the timeless, neutral qualities of the stone in all its varieties. From the ornate details of traditional kitchens to the sleek lines of contemporary spaces, the versatility of this surface is perhaps its most endearing feature. 

It’s not all about flexibility, though. Quartz is celebrated for its practical properties which make it an attractive and long lasting material for kitchen surfaces:

• Durability: Resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, quartz is ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike natural stone, quartz doesn’t require regular sealing, making it easy to care for.

Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a traditional kitchen, the cosy charm of cottage style, or the sleek simplicity of minimalist design, choosing the right cabinets to pair with your quartz worktops can create a harmonious and functional kitchen space. By understanding the characteristics of each style and how quartz can enhance them, you can communicate your preferences to arrive at a final design that you love. Explore our range of high-quality quartz surfaces at Zenstone by getting in touch or visiting our showroom.