Ask any homeowner, and they’ll tell you that selecting a kitchen countertop is one of the hardest parts of a kitchen remodel.
There is good reason behind this. Besides being your primary workspace, countertops are a significant visual focal point of your kitchen. Picking the right kitchen countertop allows you to create a space that reflects your style. Once you ace your countertop choice, your kitchen renovation process should be smooth sailing.
In contrast, the wrong countertop can clash with your home décor, eventually sticking out like a sore thumb and ruining its overall aesthetic.
Needless to say, there’s very little room for error when choosing kitchen countertops. Let’s look at five mistakes you should steer clear of to set yourself up for success.
1. Not Taking Maintenance into Account
While every countertop requires basic maintenance, some are more sensitive to wear and tear than others. For example, marble countertops may look classy and elegant, but they are very prone to stains and cracks. On the other hand, granite countertops require little to no care.
When choosing a kitchen countertop, consider how committed you are to preserving it. Do you have enough time to refinish a butcher block countertop every now and then? Does repairing an expensive granite countertop fit your budget? Are you willing to wipe down a marble countertop after each little spill? Answers to these questions will help you narrow down your options.
2. Disregarding Your Home’s Aesthetic
The kitchen is central to home. Therefore, you must ensure that every component of this space fits the theme you’re going for. In other words, the material and color of your kitchen countertop should fall in line with the rest of your interiors.
Clean, honed marble countertops work well with a minimalist aesthetic. On the other hand, if your home has a traditional vibe, you can opt for materials in earthy, natural tones (think wood and stone). Classic granite is quite versatile in terms of style and can complement multiple decors.
Also, it’s important to choose a countertop color that matches a variety of home design schemes. Remember that repainting the walls or changing the backsplash is far easier than reinstalling a countertop. If you want to spruce up your kitchen without overhauling it completely in the future, choose a natural or neutral countertop shade that blends with any color palette.
3. Not Considering Usage
Sure, a countertop’s appearance can impact your kitchen’s overall design. But at the end of the day, you’ll need something that holds its own against daily kitchen activity. This is especially true if you man a busy ship.
In case you’re in the habit of chopping vegetables directly on the countertop, you’ll need one that can stand up to sharp knives. Likewise, a few countertop materials cannot resist heat, so you’ll have to think twice before placing a hot pan on them.
If you like the look of a material that’s not winning prizes for durability, consider mixing and matching surfaces. You can insert another material into the countertop of your choice for specific tasks. For example, if you’re fond of baking and kneading dough, install a small square of marble on your granite countertop.
4. Forgetting About Backsplashes
The primary purpose of backsplashes is to protect the wall behind the countertop. But there’s more to them than that. Backsplashes are known to add both charm and charter to your kitchen. That is, only if they match the countertops.
Far too many homeowners forget about their backsplash when choosing a new kitchen countertop. Bear in mind that a disjointed countertop-to-backsplash transition creates a jarring visual image and can easily jeopardize the appeal of your kitchen. To prevent this, make sure that the countertop’s style, design, and color match your backsplash.
5. Not Seeking Professional Help
As rewarding as they are, kitchen remodels are quite overwhelming. You probably won’t have all the answers right out the gate. If you need any help deciding on the products most suited to your requirements, do not hesitate to seek professional help. A kitchen remodeling contractor will analyze your lifestyle and suggest countertops that complement your needs the best.
Wrapping Up
Kitchen countertops come in all shapes and sizes. Not to mention, they require a substantial amount of time and financial investment. It’s safe to say that you’ll want to get things right the first time around. Hopefully, learning about these easily avoidable kitchen countertop mistakes will help you stay on the right track and make wise decisions.
Author Bio:
“Riley Swanson is a lifestyle blogger, passionate about food, fashion, home improvement, and traveling. She is also an avid traveler and shares her traveling experiences in her blog Riley+Christian Travel.”
