Should you choose your kitchen cabinets or countertops first? Interior designers weigh in on the best order to design your scheme

A new kitchen is a significant project, perhaps the biggest room to remodel, and with numerous elements to consider, it can be challenging to know where to begin.

As the two biggest features, most homeowners' biggest conundrum is whether to choose the kitchen cabinets or kitchen countertops first. While both are important to the overall look and feel of your scheme, is there one that comes first?

When designing a kitchen, it's personal; every space, every homeowner, is different, but 9 times out of 10, your cabinets have the biggest impact on the style and functionality of your design. Here's what designers had to say about making the right choices.

Should you choose your kitchen cabinets or countertops first?

When it comes to any kitchen, cabinets and countertops are the power duo. Working in perfect harmony to balance style and function, they are the two features you really want to get right. And for designers, it usually starts with the former.

'The cabinetry needs to work hard within the space, and ideally, you want the majority of items to be housed within the lower half of the kitchen, freeing up the area above the counter to add personality and character to the room as a whole,' says Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune.

'The cabinetry stage is when you need to consider what’s important; if you love to cook from scratch, generous drawer storage close to prep areas can make all the difference; if you’re a keen entertainer, a kitchen island with integrated wine storage or room for bar stools might be essential,' he adds.

It's not just about functionality, either. When you're creating your space, certain elements dictate the kitchen style more than others, and cabinets are key to infusing a traditional or modern look, depending on your taste.

'When beginning a kitchen remodel, we always recommend choosing your cabinetry first. Cabinets set the tone for the kitchen layout, functionality, and overall aesthetic of the space, whether your style leans classic or more contemporary,' says bespoke kitchen designer Tom Howley.

Your countertops then come into play, adding character or a calming finish depending on your chosen cabinet design. 'You can then select countertops that complement both the color and style, ensuring a cohesive and beautifully balanced design. It’s all about building the kitchen from the ground up, starting with a strong and considered foundation,' Tom adds.

For some designers, it's more specific than simply choosing the cabinets first. Interior designer Juliette Byrne says that it's the kitchen cabinet color that should be prioritized as the starting point.

'They are the main feature of the kitchen and often involve two colors or materials, for example, a lacquer finish in a neutral palette for the overhead units and a light-washed wood for the lower ones,' she explains.

By choosing your cabinet color palette first, you instantly have the basis for the rest of your design, which will then influence not just the countertop material you choose, but other elements like tiles, wall color, and decor.

However, there are some circumstances where it may be more beneficial for your design to choose the kitchen countertops before the cabinets, especially if you are opting for a statement stone.

'The priority between cabinetry and stone will be dependent on the design of the kitchen. If there’s a large amount of stone, such as stone-clad walls or an island, for example, then it may be best to start here,' says Bernd Radaschitz, CEO at Lanserring.

This is also true if you've opted to stone drench your kitchen or chosen a statement countertop material with a distinct color palette, as it's much easier to find a cabinet color to match the stone and its veining, rather than the other way around.

'From a cabinetry design point of view, establishing repeated details, datum lines, and defining the overall aesthetic goal is important to creating a cohesive design. This will give you parameters of what fits within the scheme and what doesn’t, and gives you a set of rules to follow when designing the cabinetry,' he adds.

Whether you choose your cabinets or your countertops first, creating a sense of cohesion between the two is really important to ensure your kitchen feels curated and considered. So, even if you choose your cabinets first, keep your countertop options in mind as you do so.

'A cohesive kitchen scheme comes from treating the space as a whole, rather than selecting each element in isolation. I always recommend starting with a clear palette,' says Fred.

'Think about the tones, textures, and materials you’re naturally drawn to, and how they’ll work together across cabinetry, countertops, hardware, and wall color. We often talk about layering – layering color, texture, and material thoughtfully is what makes a kitchen feel considered and full of your personal style.'

Overall, designers tend to choose cabinetry first as it creates the base for the kitchen designs and sets the tone for the overall aesthetic. The countertops, while still considered throughout the planning process, are chosen to complement the cabinets and help bring the desired design style to life.

'For a country kitchen look, a wooden countertop is stunning, or if practicality is a priority, a composite material such as Silestone is preferred. Some clients prefer a more natural material such as marble or granite,' says Juliette, who emphasizes the need to balance durability and style when it comes to choosing your countertops.

But, most importantly, it's really about creating a kitchen that you love, and will love, for years to come. A kitchen is an investment, so while choosing your cabinets first can give you a great starting point for your space, there are no hard and fast rules to getting it right.

'There’s no set formula – and that’s kind of the beauty of it. Some people fall in love with a cabinet finish, others start with a countertop, a handle, a light fitting, even a paint color,' says Fiona Ginnett, co-founder at HØLTE.

'The most important thing is to begin with something you’re drawn to – something that feels right – and let the rest of the design grow from there.'

Choosing your kitchen cabinets is a big deal, so make sure you consider not just the style and material, but also the kitchen cabinet details that give them a unique finish. And in a busy family kitchen, you might want to consider a low-maintenance countertop that can survive the everyday wear, but that's something you can easily choose once you've got your cabinet design nailed.