DIY Kitchen Countertop Design Tips and More!

Styling and decorating your kitchen countertop is one of the most fun yet challenging projects a homeowner encounters. The best way to achieve this successfully is to make sure you find the right type of kitchen countertop that suits your lifestyle.

Thus, it is important to consult a professional kitchen countertop installer if you want this done correctly on the first try. Once you have them installed, only then can you explore the endless possibilities of creating a warm and welcoming space in your home.

First things first. Before choosing the best countertop that you think you and your family will fall in love with, there is a set of criteria that must be taken into consideration.

Appearance is definitely one of them because aesthetics is a big factor in making your home look beautiful. However, more important things come into play such as durability, cost, and maintenance.

Below are some of the best countertop samples to choose from:

Granite: Granite countertops is the top choice when it comes to countertops and comes in different shades and colors such as whites, blacks, beiges, green and each piece is unique. Costs may vary depending on the stone’s origin, color and finish.

Soapstone, marble, and limestone: These natural stone materials are far more delicate than granite and require you to seal it at least twice a year.

Engineered stone: This is easy to maintain, highly durable and also comes in a wide variety of colors. The price range is similar to that of granite.

Solid surface countertops: This is great especially for those who have kids who never run out of energy. They come in many different colors and are scratch and stain proof, so little ones can eat those peanut butter and jelly sandwich as often as they want in your beloved countertop. A word of caution though: NEVER PLACE HOT PANS ON TOP because it could mean the end of it.

Concrete countertops: Is currently gaining popularity because it’s highly customizable using pigments. However, changes in temperature can cause it to curl or warm and leaving wet sponges on top can have them discolored while spills from acids can etch the surface. Sealing them every few months may be necessary.

Wooden countertops: its natural look instantly warms up your kitchen and they are very easy to clean and sand out. Oil them frequently to prevent damage due to water spillage.

Laminate countertops: This is one of the cheapest materials available and come in a wide variety of designs and colors. It can scratch easily though and hot pans is a big no-no. However, efforts have been made to make this material more scratch resistant over the years.

Now that you have installed the best countertop of your choice, you can now begin decorating your kitchen countertop.

Combining Beauty and Functionality

Having a lovely kitchen is of little use if it is not efficient. That is why you have to choose the right appliances and cookware that not only look good but are highly functional as well. Milk jugs, apothecary jugs and other interesting storage items can go well with almost any kind of kitchen style whether it is modern or traditional. Choose appliances that can give you a splash of colors and hues such as greens, yellows, blues and reds.

Food Displays that Liven up the Room

Aside from your usual cooking supplies, actual food can also be put on display. These can be large fruit bowls with a combination of your favorite oranges, grapes, and apples. Crafty bread baskets and cookie jars is another great alternative. Even neatly packaged jellies, jams and other food items can make your countertop even more attractive.

Creating the Perfect Lighting

Whether it is accent or recessed lighting (for DIY aspirants – check out this guide on recessed lighting here), finding the right kind of lighting will play a major role in making your family and guests feel at ease. You can have them installed in your countertops or choose to be more creative by adding a task or rope. Either way, it will create warmth and comfort that makes everyone feel at home.

Final Touches

Finally, come up with a theme that’s enjoyable for the whole family and if possible, one that is both adult and kid-friendly. Put some indoor plants or fresh flowers in tall vases. Display your lovely dishware especially if you have open shelving. Place all your oils within reach while cooking, as well as your cookbooks both as recipe guide and added décor. For those dealing with small space and storage issues, you can convert your stovetop into a storage area. Remember, every square inch of your countertop should be maximized, so long as they are counter- worthy items. Take note that those piles from your mailbox aren’t one of them!

So what are you waiting for? Have fun and get started! Happy decorating!