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7 Ways to Decorate your Kitchen Countertops

Knowing how to decorate kitchen counters is all about striking the right mix between aesthetics and functionality.

The kitchen should be a welcoming location in the home, full of character and charm. It also should be a functional workspace where you can entertain, cook, and store all kitchen appliances and accessories.

The key to decorating kitchen countertops is to think about everyday products you use frequently that could benefit from being on the show and ornamental pieces that make kitchen ideas feel distinct and special to you.

To help you out, here are ways to decorate your kitchen counters:

Keep the countertops clean and decluttered

When designing countertops, you should keep them clean and decluttered. Unlike other areas of the home, countertops do not benefit from a heavier touch.

Always leave enough space on your counters and kitchen islands for people to sit and dine, so never overcrowd the surfaces.

Whenever you are done preparing the meals, clean the surfaces.

Use flowers and plants.

Decorating with plants and flowers in the home will always produce a peaceful and tranquil feeling, even in a kitchen, which is frequently a busy and frantic hub.

You can place tiny cachepots of potted herbs next to a window for cooking and for the peaceful, heady scents they weave throughout a kitchen.

Decorating kitchen counters creates a welcoming atmosphere rich with color and natural beauty, whether you have lovely blooms in a vase on a kitchen island or pots of herbs and plants alongside a window or near preparation areas.

When selecting, choose small, compact plants that flourish indoors and require little care. Popular alternatives include succulents, herbs, miniature potted flowers like orchids or African violets, and even air plants that don’t require soil. Choose plants that will thrive in your kitchen’s lighting circumstances, whether bright and sunny or with limited natural light.

If you don’t have a lot of space, you should use hanging planters or macramé plant holders from the ceiling or wall if you have limited countertop space. Hanging pothos, spider plants, or ivy creates a cascade effect in your kitchen, adding vertical appeal while saving important counter space.

Use appealing pots, planters, or vases that complement your kitchen’s style and color scheme when using containers.

Choose from ceramic pots, glass vases, or reuse old containers such as mason jars or teacups. To prevent water from accumulating, make sure the containers have drainage holes or use a layer of pebbles at the bottom.

Extend the shelving

Extending a shelving design allows extra shelf styling options and produces a sleek, tiered impression.

The countertop in this kitchen is treated as an extra shelf, with an eclectic mix of goods that echo your desired design.

This shelf and countertop design creates a visually appealing focal point in the kitchen and a central, zoned space where ornamental objects and functional accessories are housed.

Group items in small zones

You should plan to group objects in zones when deciding where to place them to adorn kitchen counters. When done right, it will result in a well-styled space.

Start with a blank slate and construct little depth and vertical height clusters.

Kitchen countertops’ corners allow you to tuck away from the main countertop surface area.

You should consider marking or graphically identifying each zone to make it plain and intuitive for all family members.

To indicate the purpose of each zone, use labels, stickers, or even ornamental features such as chalkboard signs or miniature drawings. This will aid in organization and ensuring that items are returned to their proper locations.

Once you’ve established the zones, develop a routine of regularly arranging and clearing the stuff in each zone. Return items to their designated locations after usage, and reassess whether any adjustments are required depending on your changing needs.

Use decorative trays

You can use decorative trays to curate and display your favorite items and accessories; they are a fashionable and functional way to decorate kitchen surfaces.

A tray collects items such as vases of flowers, coasters, and other small kitchen accessories, leaving more room for cooking and meal preparations. Depending on your use, you can pick up a tray and move it around the kitchen.

To add visual interest, vary the height and texture of the items in the tray. To raise some items, use small pedestals or stack books or coasters. Using different textures such as glass, ceramic, or woven materials to create depth and perspective to the display.

Display items with sentimental value or represent your interests to provide a personal touch. A piece of artwork, a special cooking utensil, or a family relic could be used. Personal touches like this make your countertop design one-of-a-kind and special.

Besides the tray, you also should take note of the area around the tray. Ascertain that there is sufficient space for food preparation or other kitchen tasks without the tray becoming an impediment. You want the tray to improve rather than inhibit the operation of your countertop.

Layer items

Adding layers of objects to your kitchen counters will help the space feel more welcoming and warm.

Layering art or cutting boards against the backsplash – with a few smaller items in front – adds depth. You can also use a tray topped with three items of different heights to draw the eye vertically.

The layered, warming wooden chopping boards in the kitchen effortlessly give character to the area while also nicely matching the earthy terracotta paint color on the walls.

For example, flowers and a woven basket provide texture and dimension to a slick, modern kitchen space.

Bring colorful accents

Having colorful trinkets strewn about the kitchen provides lovely highlights and eye-catching contrast.

Simple accents like the fruit dish and wooden cutting boards gracefully contrast with the paint in the kitchen, bringing an additional element of contrast and color to the space. Regardless of whether you have granite countertops Durham or any other countertops, the accents are bound to improve the look of the countertops.

How Do You Cover An Ugly Kitchen Countertop?

If you don’t like the current look of your kitchen countertops either because the countertops are old or stained, don’t worry as you don’t have to replace them. This is because there are a number of ways you can cover them. Which are these ways? Here they are:

Tile the countertops

Tiles are heavily used in covering walls, showers, and floors, but there is no reason you can’t use them to cover your old, unsightly countertops. When choosing tiles for your surfaces, go with porcelain or glazed ceramic, as they have been shown to be the most stain and heat-resistant.

Tiles come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and it’s up to you to choose the most appealing. As a rule of thumb, avoid natural stone tiles, as they need regular sealing, which might be too much work, especially if you lead a busy life.

While tiles are durable and easy to maintain, you should note that the grout joints are prone to staining, so if you don’t take good care of them, they are bound to go back to their ugly look.

To minimize the staining, seal the surfaces immediately after you install them. You also should make it a habit to apply the sealer at least once every few years to maintain the protective barrier.

Cover the surfaces with countertop film

Countertop film is thicker than contact or shelf paper, and it’s often preferred by many as it’s a cross between shelf paper and vinyl flooring. The film also has an adhesive backing that sticks directly to the old countertop, making it extremely easy to install.

For ideal results, begin with laying out the film, trim it to a rough size then align it to the edges of the countertops. Once in place, use a squeegee tool to stick it down to remove air bubbles.

Cover the countertops with wood

If you love butcher block or have always been drawn to the beauty of real wood countertops, you can always cover your old, beaten countertops with wide planks of solid hardwood. If you don’t like the cliché hardwood look, get creative and use a blend of woods, such as a blend of bamboo plywood and hardwood.

As much as plywood comes in larger pieces and is more affordable, it’s not as durable and repairable as hardwood.

If you are confused about the right choice, the best to buy is bamboo plywood. It not only has a thicker tip layer, but it’s also extremely durable and easy to repair.

As much as wood seems like an easy material to work with, it isn’t—it requires the right woodworking skills and tools. If you are a dab hand at DIY projects, you can do the work yourself, but if you have never done it before, let an expert handle it.

Lay laminate over the countertops

Do your old countertops have square edges? You can cover them with laminate. All you need to do is buy laminate layers from your local store. The layers come in sheets up to 5 feet wide and 12 feet long.

Work with your contractor and know the right number of layers to get that will be enough to cover your counters.

For the best outcome, avoid covering your rounded edge countertops with laminate layers, as the material won’t conform to the edge contours.

Use a countertop refinishing kit.

You will find refinishing kits in most local stores, and they come with everything you need, including epoxy-like paint and decorative stop chips to help give your countertops a natural stone look.

To use the kit, carefully follow the instructions given on the kit. If this is the first time you use the kit, you should note that you must put in hard work, get messy, and pay close attention to the kit’s details.

Install modular granite

Also known as a stone overlay, modular granite is a system of small thin stone slabs specially designed to cover old countertops. The stones are often 16 by 18 inches wide, but there are special pieces meant for the problematic inside and outside corners.

Of course, let an expert install the granite countertops Raleigh for the best outcome.

How Should I Organize My Kitchen Countertops?

Are you looking to keep your counters clean and organized and wondering, how should I organize my kitchen countertops? There are plenty of ways to go about it, as given by experts. These ways include:

Create zones

One of the best ways to keep your counters organized is to create zones. Create zones for cooking, serving, prepping, and so on. You should then sort your things into these categories and store them in the areas where they make the most sense.

For example, place the cooking tools, oils, and foods that need cooking near the stove or oven. Place them near the largest surface space for the prep tools and place the serving pieces near the sink or dishwasher.

Experts also recommend creating stations for the specific things you do regularly, such as tea, coffee, or smoothies. Here, store all the things you need for the task, such as spoons, glasses, and other ingredients.

Use kitchenware meant to save space.

To have an easier time, use kitchen appliances meant to save space. For example, go for pans that nest together and ensure that the pots, pans, and bowls you buy have universal lids.

It also doesn’t hurt getting cookware with a magnetic storage rack and canvas lid holder.

To keep the knives in one place and organized, go for appliances with a standard knife block and utensil holder.

Use shelf risers and hanging baskets.

Shelf risers keep your counters clear and your items in one place, making your kitchen surfaces neat and organized. For the perfect look, get risers that complement the look and theme of the kitchen.

Get a triple-duty sink.

If you are out in the market looking for a sink, get one that does more than one task. For example, get a sink with mini ledges that you can easily pop in a drying rack, cutting boards, and wash pan. This not only saves you money as you won’t have to buy the extra items, but it also saves you space as you don’t have to find new places to store the items.

Move items to carts

If you are one of the lucky people and have a large kitchen or you have a small empty corner, you can make use of the space with old filing cabinets, bar carts, and work tables that you can use to host small cookbooks, extra mugs, small appliances and so on.

Minimize the decorations

As much as you want your kitchen to look great, you should minimize the number of decorations you have there. A good rule of thumb is to decorate the kitchen with items that are both decorative and functional.

For example, hang a beautiful cutting board on the wall that you can use to improve the appeal of the kitchen and use it when you want to cut something.

To avoid having your kitchen look cluttered, don’t decorate your kitchen with things that aren’t functional.

Wipe your dirty counters every night

A few crumbs of bread on your counters might seem harmless, but they can make your counters look cluttered and dirty.

To avoid this, take a few minutes every night to wipe your kitchen counters of any dirt and clutter that might be there.

Have a “junk drawer.”

It sounds counterintuitive and hypocritical that you should have a “junk” drawer while trying to declutter your kitchen, but it comes in handy when keeping your surfaces clean and organized.

You should note that you aren’t storing junk in the drawer, but rather the miscellaneous but functional items that might make your countertop look cluttered.

All you need to do is to have one dedicated drawer in your cabinets where you store the items that you aren’t using, but you might need later.

Install plain countertops

This might sound weird, but it’s true. Plain countertops look much better than patterned countertops. When you are in the market choosing kitchen countertops, choose those that are plain as they will make your kitchen look clean and easy to maintain.

If you aren’t sure about the right ones to go for, get the input of granite contractors Durham or other professionals.

6 Questions To Help You Decide On New Kitchen Countertops

kitchen countertops

In addition to being beautiful, kitchen countertops need to be durable and economical. For you to buy countertops with these features, you need to ask yourself several questions that include:

How will you be using the countertops?

How you use the countertops depends on how you cook. Do you cook more often? Do you bake a lot? Do you chop a lot? Do you have multiple people using the kitchen at the same time? All of these will determine how you use the countertops and how long they last.

If you use the kitchen a lot and you have the luxury of space, consider going for countertops made from different materials. If you chop things when cooking, go with butcher’s block as it creates a better cutting board.

If you bake a lot or you handle a lot of dough, go with marble countertops.

Mixing and matching different countertop materials helps you save more as you spend less on the countertops. For example, if you have a kitchen island, instead of installing premium granite countertops there, install a cheaper material then spend more on the adjacent areas that take up fewer feet.

Do you lead a busy life?

We are different and can withstand different types of maintenance. Some have a lot of time and can clean the countertops several times a day while others are busy such that they don’t have time to clean their houses even once.

Your lifestyle will significantly determine the type of countertops you should go for.

If you are busy, consider going for non-porous materials such as quartz. These require a simple wipe down, and you are good to go. Other materials such as limestone, marble, granite, and other porous materials are easy to maintain, but you have to oil and seal them once a year.

If you are still confused about the right type of countertop you should go for, get the input of a professional.

What is your ideal kitchen look?

We all have a way we want out kitchens to look like. Some want a high-end look, while others don’t mind a simple look. How you have always envisioned your kitchen will significantly determine the countertop materials you choose.

Do you love a particular color? You should go for it. As you are making your choice, remember that preferences change over time, so you should go with materials with veins or splashes of color as they will keep your options open.

Have you always wanted a premium look? Granite countertops are your go-to pieces. On the other hand, if you want a simple countertop, wooden countertops aren’t bad for you.

How big is your kitchen?

The size of your kitchen influences plenty of things, including the design of the kitchen, your material of choice, and other things. If you have a large kitchen, you can get away with more than one material, but if your kitchen is small, you have to stick with one material to avoid giving your kitchen a confused look.

What is your budget?

Different materials go at different prices. High-end marble or granite countertops cost much higher than butcher’s block. If your pockets aren’t deep enough, you will be limited to the types of countertops you can go for.

Many people shy from the material of their dreams because they think it’s going to be too expensive for them, but this isn’t always the case. Before you give up on the material of your dreams, check with the countertop stores. Visit a few stores and compare the prices.

It’s not surprising to find the prices low enough for you to afford the pieces.

While this is the case, you should note that how you maintain the countertops is the most important thing. If you don’t give good care to granite, it won’t last long.

Which materials match your home design?

While it’s always wise to think ahead about the material you are going to install as you are designing and constructing your house, in most cases this isn’t possible. Of course, you should choose the countertops that match your home design.

If you aren’t sure about the right material to go for, get the input of granite contractors Raleigh or any other professional.

Why granite countertops are your best option for the kitchen?

granite kitchen countertops

Using granite kitchen countertops may be the next best thing for your kitchen. Not only are they good to look at, but are also extremely hard and sturdy. Using steel and wooden materials these days has become the norm and that should give you adequate reason to look for other options.

Six reasons why you should consider granite countertops for your home:

While there may be some reasons granite countertops find so many critics, there are several reasons why incorporating it in your kitchen will work for you.

  • Appealing – It is extremely good to look at and with the right type of surroundings and aesthetics, your kitchen will sparkle with an unparalleled radiance. There are several layouts and designs that you can choose from.
  • Longevity – One of the biggest advantages when it comes to using granite countertops is the durability. Needless to say, it can withstand all weathers conditions as well as the heat and cold from the various elements that are there in the kitchen.
  • Upkeep – As far as maintenance is concerned, there is very little you will have to do. Basic cleanliness using soap and water will do the trick for you. Also, frequent cleaning won’t cause any harm to it so you can give it a rub as frequently as you like.
  • OptionsGranite countertops provide adequate scope for improvisation since they come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes. Mix and match it in any way that you would like in order to brighten up your kitchen.
  • Distinctive – Since granite comes in dynamic shapes and sizes, it is safe to say that your kitchen will have a unique and distinct look as compared to others who use mundane materials.
  • Pocket-friendly – A big reason why you should choose granite countertops is because they are extremely light on the wallet.

Remodel your kitchen anytime without former planning

The versatility of the granite kitchen countertop is  that it can be used in a variety of settings. They blend in with almost any surroundings. Usually, any other material that is used for a countertop requires quite a bit of planning.
From the above mentioned points, it may be safe to say that granite countertop installers are the most affordable and trendy way for you to design your kitchen. The longevity of it and the minimum effort required for its upkeep make it a feasible investment in the long run. Granite countertops should be your go—to choice for your kitchen needs.

The Basics behind Maintenance for Granite Countertops

granite countertop

Granite countertops require regular maintenance. You cannot understate the importance of granite countertop maintenance. The more care you provide to your granite, the better your granite countertop looks and feels.

Granite countertop maintenance

Countertop installation is one of the biggest expenses that are associated with any bathroom and kitchen remodeling project. For this reason alone, you should dedicate your time and energy to make sure that your countertops are properly maintained.

How to Care for Granite Countertops in Everyday Life

Generally, homeowners do not understand the kind of maintenance required to keep granite countertops in good condition. Granite is easy to maintain material. Let’s take a sneak peek some of the nitty-gritties behind granite countertop maintenance:

Sealing the Granite Countertops

Sealing is vital for granite countertops. It is advisable to seal your granite countertops time to time. Sealing protects the granite from getting dulled or stained. It means you can enjoy the scintillating beauty of your granite countertops for years.

Wipe your countertop

After using countertop, just wipe it with wet cloth. You will get perfect finishing right after wiping your countertop. Please do not use scrub or any rough material to clean your countertop. These substances will make scratches on your countertop and may affect the sealing.

Use soapy water

In case you are not able to clean the stain with normal water and cloth. You can use soap water to clean your granite countertop. Granite countertops do not require any special cleaning chemical. You can easily clean them using already existing soap.

More about granite countertops

Countertops are made up of various kinds of natural stone. Understanding the type of natural stone you have is going to make your maintenance work easy. Basically, there are two types of natural stones- calcareous stone and siliceous stone. Granite is a siliceous stone (along with brownstone, slate, sand-stone etc.). This stone is easy to clean and is free from acidic composition.

In order to cut the maintenance cost, make sure that you choose the best granite company for purchasing the granite countertop. Reputable company will provide you the best quality granite that you truly deserve.