Last week I focused my decorating post on renovating or changing your kitchen cabinets. This week I would like to focus on replacing your kitchen countertop. Though granite has recently been the go-to option there are many beautiful options available, and I would like to highlight some unique ideas in this post.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural stone that is not porous, will not stain or emit radon, will not etch, requires no sealer and has a lovely natural looking finish. For a review covering the advantages of soapstone over granite, click here.
Man-made Solid Surface
These products are durable, and practical made from non-porous materials, resisting stains and bacteria. The original solid surface products, Corian®, is available in many colors.
Quartz
Non-porous, scratch and stain resistant and does not need sealants. They come in a variety of color combinations and perform well over time. Caesarstone® and Cambria are a few of the brand names, you will find many more.
Recycled Glass
Consider an eco-friendly product, one example made by Vetrazzo is comprised of 85% recycled glass, 15% white cement. It is durable and more resistant to surface damage than natural stone. To see a gallery of products from Vetrazzo, click here. Another, green option is ECO by Consentino and is manufactured from 75% recycled materials such as mirror, glass, porcelain, earthenware and vitrified ash. The color options are beautiful, click here to view their photo gallery.
Laminate
I know what you are thinking, Laminate! Has she lost her mind? The laminate options of today are not what our mothers had! If you think laminate countertops are no longer in favor, think again. They offer a durable and affordable option to kitchen counters. There is a whole new world of products available along this line. A new surface using nanotechnology, which is durable, resistant, and self-healing!
Accent Pieces
There are many options out there that you can read about such as stainless steel, copper, zinc or hardwood, but they are not maintenance free and require work. For that reason, you may consider using as an accent piece countertop for an island or side counter rather than the primary work space in the kitchen. Another idea is to create a custom design in your accent piece by using tile. What I like about this idea is that you can create your individual design and have a look that is unique to you and your home! To explore this idea and read a how-to on this potentially DIY project; click here for instructions from Bob Vila.
If you need help with selecting a color combination or design plan for your kitchen renovation, contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com!
By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz.