Countertops to Spice Up Your Kitchen

As the most active part of your home, kitchens need aesthetic appeal just as much as any room. Well-chosen decor can increase your productivity, make you less tired, and make kitchen work seem lighter. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a costly remodel to give your kitchen a new look. The quickest way to update your kitchen is by replacing your countertop.

Why countertops?
Countertops are easily the focal point of any kitchen. Often, they are the only source of color, texture, or interest around the room. With a good countertop, you can set the tone for the entire room and easily find pieces to create your theme. Countertops come in a wide range of styles, so there’s sure to be one that works with your kitchen. Here’s a quick guide to show you how.

Countertop materials
There are literally dozens of countertop materials, so checking out each one can take you all day. Here’s a rundown of the most popular choices.

• Granite: Very durable and heat resistant, but quite expensive. Every piece is unique since the rock is naturally quarried. Granite is very low-maintenance; annual resealing is usually all it needs.
• Wood: Popular among country-style kitchens, wood adds instant warmth and softness to any room. The main drawback is that it’s high-maintenance—you need to clean them every day and reseal occasionally to prevent structural damage. Look for red oak or hard rock maple for the best wear.
• Laminate: The cheapest but not the most durable option. Laminate countertops are made with stiff sheets of kraft paper pressed together and sealed with a plastic coating called Formica. The top layer can be made to look like wood, stone, or other surfaces to match different kitchen themes.
• Ceramic tile: If you want artistic control over your countertop, ceramic tile is the way to go. Tiles are easy to install and come in all sorts of designs, from delicate porcelain to earthy brick and terra cotta. Use glazed tiles and grout sealer to prevent staining on and between the tiles.
• Concrete: Concrete is heavy and durable, but very porous. This requires regular sealing and waxing to keep stains from becoming permanent. Personalize a concrete counter by placing inlays, shells, or glass pieces on the surface.
• Stainless steel: Metal counters made a comeback when the “industrial look” became fashionable in modern kitchens. The best thing about stainless steel is its extreme heat resistance; the worst is that it scratches easily. Copper is a great alternative to steel, as it adds a nice warm glow to your kitchen.

Decorating Countertops
Once you’ve installed your countertop, it’s time to bring it to life with your own personal decor. Start with functional accessories such as spice racks and knife holders, and finish up with decorative pieces such as flower pots and vases. Keep everyday utensils in a drawer, but set up a rack for commonly used implements. If you have a small counter, go for wall-mounted storage wherever possible. This will help save surface area and make your work more efficient.

Natural elements in a countertop can complement the hardness of the surface. If you have room, place a flower pot or even some fresh herbs on one side. Put them as close to the window as possible so they’ll get some sun. Just make sure to water and replace them regularly; otherwise the stagnant water can attract harmful bacteria.

And once you have a new countertop, don’t let the whole look suffer because you neglected the floor. An inexpensive way to re-vamp your flooring is to lay down some area rugs. Braided rugs in particular look great in the kitchen.