Better Kitchen Countertops
One of the most noticeable things about modern kitchen design is that style and function have become equally important. Cabinets are no longer just for storage; they set the tone for the entire décor theme. Spice racks now come in stylish shapes that can double as wall décor. And as you may have noticed, kitchen counters have evolved from a simple work surface to a vital part of kitchen design. More often than not, countertops define the colors, textures, and atmosphere that will dominate the kitchen—while still performing their primary functions.
Part of the reason is that countertops are more varied today than ever before. Where there was once just good old ceramic tile, you now have a full range of colors, materials, cuts, and finishes to choose from. In fact, all these choices can easily confuse even seasoned home outfitters. But don’t think of it as a challenge—look at it as a chance to get creative. If your kitchen could use a visual boost, take advantage of your options and choose a countertop that matches your style. Get started with these simple buying tips.
Know your materials.
This is the first and often most important choice you’ll have to make when choosing a counter. Countertop materials can be surprisingly influential; many design ideas for kitchens have sprung up entirely from the type of counter used. So how do you choose the right material? For the most part, you’re going to have to do some homework. Every kitchen has different requirements, and it’s your job to know which countertop will best serve yours.
Some of the most popular countertop materials are tile, stainless steel, granite and laminate. Each one covers a distinct price range, so make sure you have a clear budget before making your choice. For instance, granite can cost several times as much as other counters, but the vibrant colors and extreme durability make it well worth the money. If you’re on a budget, you can go for cheaper ceramic tile or laminate—they won’t be as hard-wearing, but they work quite well for moderate kitchen use.
Plan your workspace.
The counter is still primarily a workspace, and your countertop should be built to accommodate this function. Your next step should be to position it in relation to your work requirements. How much counter space do you need for everyday cooking? Where will the sink be installed? Try creating a kitchen work triangle—a simple design where the sink, stove and fridge (the three main work areas) are arranged in an imaginary triangle. This will be the center of your workspace.
In a typical work triangle, the counter serves as a connector between the sink and the stove. In some kitchen layouts, it also connects the sink to the fridge. Arrange it so that the work flows smoothly from one stage to the next, with the countertop assisting the flow. For example, you can wash vegetables in the sink, peel and chop them on the counter, and move on to the stove and drop them into the pot. When there’s only one direction to go, you’ll see that you work a lot faster.
Use it as storage.
Often, kitchen counters also double as storage. Specifically, it provides an "open" storage solution where you can simply reach for something without opening and closing doors. You can have a mini-rack for frequently used dishes, or a block for your kitchen knives. It takes some coordination, but when properly arranged, countertop storage can provide an efficient system that can save you space and help you work faster at the same time.
Many homeowners make the mistake of overloading their counters, leaving only enough room for a cutting board near the edge. This not only limits your work area, it’s also more conducive to dirt and dust. Keep countertop appliances to a minimum—use it only for items you need to access every day, such as the toaster or coffee maker. For larger, less common items like the food processor, you may want to use under-counter cabinets instead.
Coordinate your colors.
Countertops tend to be overpowering when it comes to color, so choose your counter colors carefully. Your countertop should go well with your existing color scheme, either by complementing or adding contrast. You can also coordinate it with your flooring; for example, you can choose a wooden counter to match a hardwood floor, or use tiles of a similar color or pattern to your flooring and backsplash.
A kitchen island is also a great way to establish your counter colors. If you have enough floor space, consider building an island in the middle of the room with a top that matches your main counter. You can use it as a gathering place for friends and family, or as an extra workspace for heavy days. Make sure there’s enough space for people to pass in between—around three feet on all sides is usually recommended.
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