Upgrading your kitchen countertops can be one of the most worthwhile and pleasing home improvements you can make. Upgraded countertops can be an excellent investment that pays for themselves through increased home value and equity, since kitchen remodeling is one of the most beneficial improvements you can make. Remodeling your kitchen is also one of the best improvements you can make regarding your everyday experience, given how much time we spend there.
Perhaps you have old countertops that were once fashionable but are now worn and dated. With so many beautiful, durable materials available, the perfect countertop for your needs is out there. You just need to follow this guide to make the best possible choice, though there are plenty of solutions that will all look wonderful.
Ask Yourself How Your Counters Will Be Used
The first thing to do is ask yourself how your countertop and your kitchen in general will be used, as this can help inform your decision. Will it be used for upscale catered cocktail parties, or will a bunch of kids be playing in it constantly? If primarily the former, you may choose a dramatic, aesthetically pleasing countertop that draws attention.
On the other hand, with lots of kids constantly at play, that pristine white marble countertop might seem less practical, and a darker color or a warmer stone could work better. Resistance is another issue you should consider. Soapstone looks wonderful, but it is more susceptible to wear and tear. As obvious as it seems, deciding how you use your countertops really does make a world of difference in the colors and materials that you choose.
Decide On The Level of Maintenance You Want
If you’re adamant that you want the material with the least possible maintenance, there’s no point in looking at softer stones that need more care if you’re not ultimately going to choose them. So decide early on whether you want an engineered material with the least maintenance requirements or are open to all possibilities.
Consider Mixing Different Countertop Options
Don’t discount the possibility of mixing different countertop types for an added dramatic effect. For instance, if your kitchen has an island, that’s an opportunity to pick a different material, or the same material with a different appearance. Rather than going with all-black granite, for example, you could use that for the main countertops along the wall, but choose a complementary rich green granite for the island, or a warmer material like soapstone to make it stand out and differentiate certain areas.
Consider The Whole Look
It’s important to remember that your countertop will have to go with your appliances and other details, so keep that in mind when you picture the final product. Are they all stainless steel, or are you starting from scratch? The final look will be influenced by the cabinet finish, the countertops, the flooring, and the dominant appliances. Again, getting to the showroom to see a selection of layouts is important to get a handle on this.
See The Material In Person
Looking at catalogs and images online can be very useful for getting an idea of what you might want. Still, any stone countertop is a significant investment so you want to be sure you are making the right decision. That means seeing the stone or other material you choose in person. Go to a showroom to see examples. This is not just about looks, as it’s possible a showroom may not have the exact look you want. This experience is just as much about the feel and touch of your potential countertop.
How Unique Do You Want It To Be?
Your kitchen will look fresh and classy no matter what stone countertop you select, but the cost and uniqueness can vary greatly, so ask yourself how important this is to you. Do you want a countertop that literally looks like no other? Popular granite colors and patterns will likely be more available and affordable. Of course, with natural stone, everything is somewhat unique to begin with, and no other countertop will be exactly like yours. Choosing less common stones like soapstone is another way to make your kitchen stand out even more.
Edges And Backsplashes
Another thing to consider is the fine details. Do you want simple edges or an intricate beveled design? Backsplashes, whether integrated with the countertop or a separate tile design, are another detail to consider. This can provide you with another way to add your personal touch to the final appearance.
By considering these elements at the start of the process, you will be far better equipped to make the ideal choice for your kitchen. If you are looking to upgrade your countertops in the Houston area, contact Houston Custom Carpets today to learn how the best kitchen remodeling services in Kingwood/Humble can help you realize the kitchen of your dreams.
