Is it better to have light or dark kitchen countertops? It depends on the look you want to create. Classically, people have preferred darker countertops and lighter kitchen cabinets.

Maestri Studio makes white cabinets paired with dark countertops look stunning too. In this kitchen, Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW7004) pops against black granite.

Half of the 14 homes with remodeled kitchens include white or off-white cabinetry. Many also include white or light countertops and paint, chrome fixtures and light backsplashes.

Principal Designer Soledad Alzaga says: "Having white cabinets in a kitchen adds a light and clean feel to the space, but can also feel cold or sterile.