Most families find that when they have a cozy kitchen, they enjoy the time they spend there much more, whether it’s preparing meals, interacting together, or just enjoying the company of friends.
Kitchen renovations not only help improve family enjoyment, they’re also a great way to increase the overall value of your home. While there are many aspects of the kitchen that can be given a facelift, installing a new kitchen countertop is one that can provide immediate visual improvements and can also totally change the ambience of the kitchen, so it’s always a good place to start.
A good way to get some great ideas about different kitchen styles, color schemes, and even kitchen cabinets is to read some of the popular home magazines, or even go online and check out kitchen designer testimonial pages, They often feature photos and visuals of finished kitchens and are a great source of inspiration when you’re just not sure where to start.
Time well spent in choosing a great combination of kitchen cabinet design and the right countertop will really pay off, as this can really give your kitchen makeover a stunning visual impact.
When it comes to your countertop you will be faced with a diverse selection of materials but ultimately it will all come down to your budget, with that said however we recommend that you research the pros and cons of each type in relation to wear and tear. . your kitchen sinks.
A classic mistake here is choosing a high-gloss work surface for a busy kitchen, for example. Sure they look great to start with, but they easily show marks and flaws that all kitchens catch along the way. Ask your supplier for advice before making your final purchase.
However, keep in mind that some kitchen countertops are very expensive and depending on the size of your kitchen, they will cost you a small fortune, especially for higher quality countertops. High-end worktops are often used in stylish gourmet kitchens or found in lavish luxury homes where money is not an issue, even in today’s tough economy.
However, this shouldn’t present you with a problem, as there are many very fine laminate countertop materials that will look just as good and last just as long, but at the same time are very affordable, durable, and come in very attractive styles.
If you are lucky enough to be able to afford the highest quality countertops for your new kitchen or kitchen renovation, you will most likely be looking for natural stone, particularly marble and granite. The beauty of marble and granite countertops is, of course, that they are available in large slabs, which means joints will be minimal.
Another big advantage you have when working with natural stone is that you are not restricted to standard sizes and shapes so if you really need a bespoke design check with your supplier as many will have CNC machinery and will be able to cut the stone into everything. Type. of shapes
However, make sure you get the correct measurements, as custom stone cutting can be very expensive.
Although granite seems to be the favored choice in stone countertops, probably due to its longevity and the fact that the natural color blends well with many design styles, there are other stone options you can use as well, for example soapstone and board. These are great for that worn-looking kitchen, but a word to the wise, slate and stone aren’t as tough as granite, so if you happen to drop any pans, don’t be surprised if the surface breaks.
If your budget falls short of natural stone, but you still want the look and visual impact that stone countertops provide, you’ll be pleased to learn that there is a more affordable option in composite stone. Composite stone countertops have the look and feel of natural stone, but are actually man-made. Not only are they very affordable, but they look very stylish, and as a bonus, they also last very well.
However, most people tend to choose a laminate kitchen countertop instead of stone or composite. Fortunately, laminate kitchen countertops also come in a plethora of styles and colors, making it nearly impossible not to find one that’s right for you. Choosing today compared to not so many years ago means you can still get that luxury look for your kitchen at an affordable price, and quite often if you’re in a hurry.
Whichever style of kitchen countertop you ultimately choose, be sure to make your choice early and don’t leave it to last, as your kitchen work surfaces are typically the most visually striking aspects of kitchen design, and Your choice of color and material often dictates other aspects of your kitchen design as well.