I recently purchased a cast-iron, enamel covered sink made by Kohler. The color is Iron Cobalt. It is an extremely vibrant cobalt blue. some even call it purple. I love it, but I am having an impossible time matching it with a worktop. I have whitewashed oak cabinetry, a maple butcher block top on my island and stainless steel-like appliances. Can you give me a couple of ideas for worktops? Would butcher block look good throught out the WHOLE kitchen? Is white corian too plain? what would match it well? Thank you for your reply!

Melissa having fitted several hundred kitchens in my time I have to say that "Butchers Block" anywhere near a sink would be absolutely immpossible to control!! The only thing I could and would indeed suggest to put next to any sink is GRANITE! It is impervious to all forms of water and most chemicals which from time to time will find there way into the sink area!!
As for wood tops, I don't think you can beat them, especially if they are fitted well (I don't!!) I fit wood tops but am unfortunately not the man to do someone elses!! I do know my limits!
Duropal do a laminate worktop in a very vibrant blue splashed/shot through with a gold effect. This to me is something which you may care to consider?? I would obtain my tops from William Balls with regard to this particular article, but I am sure that there are other outlets. I do have a sample but only in green I am afraid (someone took rather a "Shine" to the blue and relieved me of it - permanently!)
Hope this is of some use??

Chris

I agree completely with Chris about the butcher block worktop next to a sink! Besides, it might look a bit too 'busy', as you already have three eye-catching colours/materials in your kitchen: stainless steel, cobalt blue and limed oak. I would suggest you go for wood for your worktop as it would tie your butcher block and your cupboards together. That way your sink, your appliances and your island will take centre stage without having to fight for attention with the worktop!
I hope this helps

Aafke (content manager of the KitchenBuyersGuide)

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I PREFER GRANITE WORKTOPS