Countertops
Expanding your Space with a Kitchen Island
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
A quick way to solve the problem of limited kitchen countertop space is with a kitchen island. Even if you don’t have a lot of space in the center of you kitchen, there are solutions for any kitchen. Kitchen islands can be installed or moveable, allowing for the versatility to meet your needs.
If you have a large enough space and budget to have a custom kitchen countertop island created for your home it is a great idea. With these fixed installed islands there are many options and amenities that can be added. Not only will you increase your kitchen countertop space, but you can also add a sink or bar area. Another common addition is a trash compactor. Because these are usually larger units, use some of the space on the side for shelving units or a wine rack if that suits your interests. Depending on your kitchen setup you might also want to add a raised portion for an eating area with barstools. These are very professional units that will upgrade your kitchen’s functionality and value.
For those who might not have a kitchen conducive to an installed kitchen island an island cart is the perfect alternative. These are moveable, so you can position them when and where you need them and then roll them away when you’re done. They can make for great makeshift buffets in a dining area as well. These are considerably cheaper than an installed island, but do not provide the option for plumbing or electronic outlets.
Whichever option you choose you can have it built or purchased to match your kitchen design. Think of the wood color as well as the countertop material. You can find elegant granite countertops or traditional tile countertops in either of these styles.
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Kitchen Countertop Styles and Material
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
Your kitchen countertop is not only a central aspect of the overall kitchen design but one of the most functional and frequently used parts of your kitchen. The kitchen counter should incorporate your favorite décor while also meeting your needs. There are many different types of material available for this purpose and here is a breakdown of the most popular.
Laminate:
Although recent trends are changing, laminate countertops have been the standard choice for kitchen counters. Also known as Formica, they are available in such a wide variety of colors and textures that allows you to virtually create your own custom countertop.
Tile:
Tile countertops are also very versatile. You can create your own design with these. However, many homeowners complain that they are difficult to clean, especially the grouting. If you are looking for a more even surface you should consider another material.
Stone:
If Formica was the first choice of the late 20th century, Granite has quickly risen to the tops for this century. Granite countertops add class to the kitchen area and are very easily cleaned. With this comes cost though, typically the most expensive choice.
These are just the three main types of kitchen countertops. If you are looking for custom countertops to create your own unique kitchen check with local craftsmen.
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Clean up your Counters
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
We’ve all been in that position at least once: where you pull dinner out of the oven and don’t have any place to put it! When you’re short on counter space there are some easy solutions that often go over-looked. Follow these five tips to help clear your counters off and maximize your kitchen storage.
- Only put relevant items in your cabinets. Don’t let seasonal dishes or your special occasion chinaware hog up space. Instead store them elsewhere to ensure that everything accessible in your kitchen is relevant. Keep your pantry organized!
- Invest in a hanging pot holder. This will provide more cabinet space so you can clear your counters!
- Find another spot for the “junk drawer”. We all have one drawer where all the miscellaneous items get tossed into. Sort it out and put items where they belong. File bills in your home office, add the lighter to the grilling basket, and put those pens in a pen holder.
- Utilize the top of your fridge. Often overlooked, this space usually adds two square feet to house things like chips, bread, or other items that clog up the countertops.
- Install a paper towel holder. Put it underneath a cabinet so it is not resting on the counter.
Remember, these simple steps can help your kitchen go from claustrophobically cluttered to over-the-top organized in no time!
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Creative Kitchen Backsplashes
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
That boring backsplash in your kitchen actually serves a purpose. It protects your walls from stove debris, like grease, steam, and that inevitable pasta sauce that splashes up. When renovating or remodeling your kitchen, the backsplash is a blank canvas for you to add color and design.
Before you pick out tiles or start planning their layout you will need to consider what material you would like to use. Like countertops, there are a variety of mediums you can use for a backsplash. Ceramic tile is easily the most common type of material used because it is so versatile in color, size, and design. They do require regular upkeep and cleaning, especially within the grouting areas. Another form is stainless steel or aluminum. These are clean and sleek, but you don’t have much variety within each category. Marble is commonly seen in designer kitchens and is a low-maintenance option. Finally, granite is durable, but requires semi-annual maintenance and resealing to keep moisture out.
Typically all backsplashes are composed of tiles, regardless of material. Occasionally you will see a flat sheet of aluminum or marble, but typically even those will be installed as tiles. The traditional size for tiles is 4”x4”. There are 2”x4” rectangular tiles called subway tiles, which create a more vintage feel. These are an economical choice but provide a clean, white appearance that gets the job done. Of course you’ll always be able to find a variety of sizes and shapes which can create unique designs.
When planning your backsplash keep your entire kitchen in mind. Depending on your style you will either want the backsplash to blend in elegantly or be vibrant and pop out. Typically the backsplash is a lighter color the countertops and cabinets. For a natural feel use neutral colors like tans, beiges, and browns. Consider using stone for an upscale look. If you are just using plain tiles, create a border to add dimension and break up the backsplash so it doesn’t blend together. This can add a bit of color as well. Using a combination of colored tiles makes the background more of a focal piece than just another wall. Create a mosaic of bold colored tiles for a more eccentric appearance. Incorporating tiles of different sizes also adds a dramatic edge to the backsplash. If your backsplash is large enough you may be able to include printed tiles to create a design or image. Don’t go overboard with these though and make sure you pair them with neutral background colors.
Your backsplash can just be a feel inches high directly above your stove or it can cover the entire wall area behind your range. When using tiles plan out the design ahead of time, either by hand with the tiles or on a computer, to ensure the look is exactly what you want. In a weekend you can give your kitchen an uplift with this easy home renovation.
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There are many types of kitchen countertops out there, but which ones are the best for your kitchen. This list will take you through laminate, ceramic, concrete, stainless steel and many more. Which do you think tops the list? Find out here
Another source that provides the top ten kitchen countertops here
Kitchen Countertop Ideas
With so many different types of countertops, this guide will provide you with the facts of the countertop and it will provide a picture alongside with it. What an easy way to see every countertop, see granite countertops, quartz, tile and many more. Check it out here
Which Kitchen Countertop Material is right for you?
- Laminate
- Solid-Surface
- Tile countertops
- Stone countertops
- Marble countertops
Find out the specifics here
A New Trend in Kitchen Countertops
Granite seems to be the most popular because of its durability and quartz crystals, but close behind it is marble, which is a softer stone. Another type of countertop that is close behind granite and marble is soapstone which means original stone countertop. Each of these have become very trendy in kitchens. Find out which others have become widely popular nowadays. Read More
Undoubtedly the most wanted material for contemporary kitchen countertops; stone offers durability with a very distinguished look… Read More
For those looking for an alternative to the common selection of stone slab, quartz offers the perfect solution. Due to its non-porous nature, quartz is both hygienic and stain-resistant… Read More
If you’re looking for the appearance of stone without the risk of color differentiation or seams where individual slabs meet, composite solid surface countertops are an excellent option… Read More
For those looking to maximize their remodeling budget in the kitchen, laminate is the material of choice. The most commonplace countertop material, laminate is composed of layers… Read More
Another traditional option for kitchen countertops is the “butcher block,” a thick wood surface that acts as a giant cutting board. These counters are typically made from hardwood maple… Read More
As trends in kitchen design begin to evolve, many consumers are considering good, old slab concrete as the material for their countertops… Read More
Many homeowners looking to have a distinctive pattern on their countertops choose ceramic tile as a material. These individual tiles are made from clay… Read More
For those looking to turn their kitchen into the professional backend of a modern restaurant, stainless steel countertops are the way to go. As a metal, stainless steel is… Read More
Another emerging trend in modern kitchen design is the use of lavastone, glazed volcanic rock as countertop material. This option allows for a wide array of color selection… Read More
Those looking to create the sleek look and design of the modern kitchen might want to consider glass as their countertop material. Another non-porous surface, glass is… Read More
One material you might never have considered comes from something you come in contact with everyday, paper. In actuality, countertops made from paper composite are… Read More
