A great way to brighten up a dark kitchen is by adding light countertops. This can help the room to look much more open and airier. This can also make it easier to cook and prepare food.
The best countertop options will depend on a few factors, including your budget and decorative style. It’s good to have all the options examined before you make this big and potentially expensive decision.
Epoxy Countertops
Epoxy countertops are a great option when you want to add a unique touch to your kitchen. They come in many colors, patterns, and textures to match any design scheme.
They are also scratch-resistant and offer a long-lasting shine. Furthermore, they are easy to clean and can be customized to fit your tastes.
The only disadvantage of epoxy countertops is that they can stain if food or drink remains on the surface for too long. The only way to prevent this is to clean up spills as soon as possible.
If you do decide to install epoxy countertops, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Use a mixing paddle to mix the base coat of epoxy. Make sure that the surface is properly leveled and that no soft spots exist.
When it comes to adding the highlights, you can use a paint brush or a small roller to spread out the mixture. This will give your countertop a nice, even look. Put masking tape around the edges to prevent any epoxy from running over the edge and causing damage.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to your kitchen. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find one that will look great in your space.
Consider your budget and the style of your kitchen when choosing a countertop color. It will help you narrow down your options and choose something that will fit your home best.
Some of the most popular countertop choices include white, black, and gray. These granites will complement almost any type of decor and can be paired with both light and dark cabinets, stainless steel appliances, or wood tones.
Granite is a natural stone that comes from volcanic rock. It contains a combination of minerals, including quartz and feldspar. This makes it extremely hard and durable, and it’s a good choice for high-traffic areas like your kitchen.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a man-made stone that offers many advantages over natural stones. For one, it comes in a much wider range of colors and designs than granite and marble.
Quartz is more durable than most other types of kitchen countertops. It doesn’t scratch easily, making it ideal for busy families.
You can get quartz in a variety of finishes, including polished, honed, leather, and textured. The finish of your countertop will go a long way to determining whether it works with the design and style you’re going for in your kitchen.
The edge treatment of your quartz counter will also play a role in its appearance. Simple, easy-to-manage edge profiles like eased, pencil, and beveled edges are often well-suited to contemporary decor aesthetics.
A more fanciful edge profile, such as an ogee, can add depth and interest to your space. Laminated edges are also available for added texture and visual interest.
It’s important to select the right color and pattern for your quartz countertops. Choosing the wrong color or design can make your kitchen look unbalanced and awkward.
Marble Countertops
Marble is a time-honored countertop material that adds timeless elegance and character to any kitchen. But like any good counter choice, it also comes with a few maintenance concerns that should be considered before you go for it.
Depending on your preference, marble is available in a range of finishes from polished to honed. Honed is less shiny and wears down over time, so it’s a great choice for those who want the classic look but with less maintenance than polished.
The type of marble you choose will impact how long it lasts and how easily stains are removed. Softer marbles, such as Italian Calacatta, are more susceptible to stains, while harder marbles, such as “quarried in the USA” Vermont Danby, are much better at resisting staining.
It is also important to understand that marble countertops need routine TLC, which includes sealing after installation to prevent stains from settling. They should be resealed at least annually, though it’s recommended to do so every six months if your kitchen receives frequent use.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate countertops are a great option for anyone who wants an affordable countertop that has hundreds of design options. They are also a good choice for those who are looking for a DIY project, as they are fairly easy to install without professional help.
Laminate is made from a combination of paper and resins that are then pressed together. The sheets are then glued to a particle board to form a hard surface.
The best thing about laminate is that it comes in a wide range of colors, styles and designs. This makes it a popular choice for many kitchens, both modern and retro.
They also come in a variety of edge treatments, including eased (square), bullnose, and rounded edges. They can be layered and shaped for an even more customized look.
Today’s laminates are much higher quality than the classic Formica countertops of the 1960s, and they offer a huge array of design choices. However, they may not be as durable or long-lasting as other materials like granite or marble.
Solid Surface Countertops
One of the most popular types of countertops for modern kitchens is solid surface. These countertops offer great design, durability and low maintenance. They also cost less than natural stone countertops.
The manufacturing process for a solid surface countertop involves using either acrylic or polyester-based substance mixed with a powdered filler and various pigments. This material is then heated and sanded to create a durable countertop slab.
These countertops are a great choice for busy kitchens. They are easy to maintain because you simply wipe them with soap and water or a mild disinfectant.
However, this type of countertop can be susceptible to scratches and heat marks when you place hot pans on it. Thankfully, these counters can be easily sanded down and re-polished.
The best part about these countertops is that they can be made in a variety of colors and patterns to fit your unique style. They are a great way to add a pop of color to your kitchen.
Recycled Glass and Concrete Countertops
If you’re looking for a unique kitchen countertop that is also environmentally friendly, consider recycled glass and concrete countertops. These counters feature colorful recycled glass pieces arranged in a resin or cement base for a custom look.
Recycled glass countertops are becoming more popular than ever before and offer a variety of colors, patterns, and designs to choose from. They’re a great way to add an eco-friendly touch to your kitchen while still maintaining the sleek aesthetic you want.
They can be integrally colored for a more dramatic look, or you can use colorants and other additives to achieve the look you desire. They also are a great option for diverting glass from landfills, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the environment.
Recycled glass countertops require a little maintenance, like re-sealing every year or so. This is due to the fact that this type of countertop is porous and can absorb stains, much like a granite or stone surface. Using a wax designed for this material or a polish for stone surfaces can help keep them shiny and free of stains.
Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops are a great addition to your kitchen. They’re also stylish and easy to maintain.
A variety of colors and grains are available to make your countertop a unique feature in your home. Choose a wood that complements the color and style of your kitchen.
Traditionally, butcher blocks were used for heavy-duty food prep, but they’re favored more for their looks these days. They’re available in a wide range of prices and can blend easily with any decor.
There are two main types of butcher block countertop styles: Face Grain and Edge Grain. The former is made by assembling planks of wood side-by-side and face-up, which allows for a more beautiful grain.
Edge-grain butcher block is constructed by gluing strips of wood together along their edges to create a grid that’s easier to clean and less expensive than the face grain option. However, it’s susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed.
Choose the style that fits your home best.
There are many countertop options available that can help to brighten up a kitchen: the classic look of granite or the modern appeal of quartz. With proper care and maintenance, these countertops can last for years to come and make any kitchen look beautiful.
No matter what style you choose, you can guarantee that these countertops will help to make your kitchen look brighter. This definitely will add in your motivation to cook for the entire family!
Need more tips for a functional and stylish kitchen? Check these out!
- How to Organize the Kitchen
- Kitchen Cabinet Layouts for Small-Sized Kitchen
- How to Choose the Most Appropriate Kitchen Utensil Holders
- How to Organize Under the Kitchen Sink
Has this post helped you? Take a second to PIN it!
