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Granite Kitchen Countertops: What To Put On Kitchen Countertop For Decoration?

Imagine this. You have installed granite kitchen countertops or any other countertop material of your choice. Should you leave it bare or decorate it? If you love a decorated kitchen, decorating your countertops can be tricky as you have to ensure the decorative accessories don’t get in the way of cooking.

If you are wondering what to put on the kitchen countertop for decoration, there are plenty of things you can use. Here are some of them:

Cooking books

Love trying out different recipes and have several cookbooks on your bookshelf? Why not bring them to your countertops? The books give your surfaces an elegant appeal, and you can place them on any countertop surface. If you want to amp up the look, use bookends.

Everyday appliances

If you are like other homeowners, there are several appliances you use every day. These include a blender, mixer, coffee maker, rice cooker, tea kettle, and others. If you use these appliances every day, there is no need to add any other decorative items on your surfaces as you risk giving it a disorganized look.

Strategically place these appliances in your kitchen surfaces, giving the surfaces an elegant appeal and a sense of space.

You should get rid of appliances that you rarely use. For example, put away the blender that you use only once a week.

Cutting boards

Did you know you can improve the appeal of your kitchen with cutting boards? Get several boards of different types, shapes, and colors, then strategically lean them against your kitchen backsplash.

To make the cutting boards the center of attention, ensure there aren’t many appliances on the countertops.

Fruits

Since most fruits don’t require refrigeration and can last for a few days under the room temperature, they make excellent decorative accessories for your kitchen surfaces. Collect a few of your favorite fruits of different colors, place them on a large plate, and then place them at your counters’ strategic areas.

Great fruits you can go for are: lemons, limes, oranges, and apples. Oh…ensure the fruits are fresh. There is no way dry, decaying fruits will do good to your surfaces.

Plants

It’s amazing how a single potted plant gives your space a refreshing touch. In addition to transforming your home’s look, plants also give your surfaces an appealing, organic feel.

To transform your home, find a few of your favorite indoor plants and display them in a stylish pot or planter. If you are out of the house for extended periods, choose low maintenance plants.

If you aren’t sure about the right plants and planters to use, get a professional’s input.

Fresh flowers

Do you love flowers? Why not find a few and use them to decorate your countertops? Well done flowers bring in an organic and refreshing touch to your surfaces. Unlike plants, flowers tend to wilt faster, so you will need to replace them more often.

Art pieces

If you ask many homeowners, they will tell you that you can’t display art in the kitchen, but nothing is as further from the truth as this. When well displayed, art pieces can magically transform your surfaces.

Some of the great options you can go with include: dainty sculptures, decorative jars, framed canvases, paintings, and many others.

For best results, be strategic in how you display the art. For example, lean small paintings against the wall or at the end of the counter. You can display the paintings as a single piece or as a series.

When it comes to vases or sculptures, you can layer them into other types of décor, making them serve as the counters’ counters’ focal point.

Soaps

Although, popularly displayed in the bathroom, you can also use soaps as a charming décor on the kitchen counter. Place a few handmade soaps in a big jar, then place them near the kitchen sink or anywhere else.

Parting shot

These are some of the items you can use to decorate your kitchen countertops Durham. For a uniform look, stick to a theme. You can do most of the decorations by yourself but if you feel you can’t, get a professional designer to help you out.

What Is The Best Color For Kitchen Countertops?

With countertops coming in all types of colors, it can be confusing to choose the ideal color for your surfaces. What is the best color for kitchen countertops? You wonder. The right color depends on your tastes, how you use the countertops, and the overall style of your home.

We can’t tell you the right color to choose, but we can guide you on the most popular colors, so you make an informed decision.

Pure white

Pure white countertops give your surfaces a minimalist, new look that is inviting to look at. The white color looks excellent in contemporary surfaces and small spaces such as compact condo kitchens paired with minimalist white cabinets. The white color comes in handy at making your surfaces look big.

White is also a great addition for surfaces that already have a great deal of bold character in other finishes such as grainy wood cabinets.

In conclusion, the white surfaces make an excellent choice if you love crisp, modern style, you want to break up modern wood cabinets, or you love a nautical white and blue scheme.

Black

You should be cautious when choosing the black color as it can look gothic in some situations. An ideal application of the countertops is when you have dark cabinetry, dark floors, and other rich and weighty finishes.

If planning to have a dark-on-dark palette, you should have plenty of light sources. They can be natural, added, or both. This way, you have your space feeling cozy and sophisticated.

The dark color comes in handy when you are looking to bring out the subtle colors in painted cabinets.

When choosing the color, choose dark gray instead of pure black to soften the look.

Countertop experts highly discourage against having one large black element as it will look out of place. Instead, you should have other sprinklings such as black cabinet knobs and pulls.

Black countertops are for you if:

You have dark cabinets, and you are looking for counters to blend in with them.
You have a smoky mirrored backsplash common in condos and modern homes.
You have colorful, fun cabinets, and you want them to shine.
You are looking to achieve a classic black and white scheme.
You want to connect to other black elements in your kitchen.

Wood

Wood is an excellent material when you are looking to infuse coolness to your kitchen. Wood countertops make excellent material for a transitional kitchen that balance traditional and contemporary elements.

Wood counters are also an excellent addition to spaces featuring wood cabinets. This makes sense if you are a true wood lover and don’t mind wood dominating your palette.

There are plenty of woods you can go with to give your surfaces a unique look. For example, there are lighter woods that have a casual or rustic feel. These woods can be stained or unstained, depending on your preferences.

There are also the darker woods that have a formal or polished look than the other tones. These make excellent additions for bright and breezy areas with plenty of windows.

When mixing wood counters with other wood finishes, you should stick to either warm or cool tones. This is to prevent them from clashing.

Wood countertops are good for you if you want an accent countertop to contrast with your other surfaces, your white cabinets need some warming up, you want your space to feel more approachable and intimate, and you enjoy a dash of rustic charm.

Gray

Gray is a neutral color, so a perfect material when you aren’t looking to make a statement in your kitchen. For a great look, pair the material with colorful cabinets. One of its greatest applications is tying together light and dark cabinets.

Gray also makes an excellent addition when pairing it with warm metallic accents. For example, if you have a brassy faucet or sink, a gray counter works perfectly at bringing out the warm tones, so they shine their best.

According to granite contractors Raleigh, you should choose gray countertops if you want a soft, friendly vibe with muted tones, you have colorful cabinetry or multiple tones of cabinets mixed together, you have warm metallic accents, or you have a black and white scheme that needs some softening.

Tips On How to Break Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most robust materials you can install in your home. With its unique, attractive colors, the material gives your kitchen an attractive and adorable look. Unfortunately, like other countertop materials, it wears out, gets old, or gets damaged, so you have to replace it.

Removing the countertop requires skills and strength. Are you wondering how to break granite countertops? Here is a guide on how to do it:

Get the necessary equipment.

You need to have the right tools for the job to break granite. The tools you need include: rubber gloves, bucket, air hammer drill, safety goggles, and Dexpan or any other explosive demolition agent.

Mark a line

Using water-soluble chalk, mark a line where you want to break granite. You should then drill holes measuring 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide into the granite slab along the line. For best results, space the holes 12-24 inches apart while ensuring each hole is 80% the total depth of the granite slab.

Mix the demolition agent

Following the package instructions, mix the non-explosive demolition agent with clean water. The best way to do is to mix one part agent with three parts water in a bucket until the powder has completely dissolved into the liquid. To protect yourself, wear rubber gloves and safety goggles.

Clean the holes

You should clean the holes with an air compressor before filling them with the mixture. You should fill the holes 2 inches from the top with the mixture then back away. Allow 45 -60 minutes for the mixture to expand within the hole, causing the granite to break along the line you created.

Avoid pouring the mixture when the temperatures are incredibly high. If possible, pour the mixture in the night and allow granite to break early in the morning or in the evening after the sun has set. If the holes are exposed to direct sunlight, cover them with a tarp until the slab breaks.

Clear the area

After breaking granite, you should now make a move to remove the countertops. Before you begin removing the countertops from your surfaces, remove any countertop accessories and appliances present. You also should empty drawers and products contained in the bottom rack of your drawers to prevent dust contamination and provide uncomplicated access towards the countertops.

Remember also to clear the utensils and cookware region.

Release the area

Identify the connection in the area between the cabinet’s front brace and the bottom of the countertop. You should look inside the head of the cabinet to see it. Using a hammer, hit the edge of the pry bar then screw softly to release any glue.

If you find plywood underneath the granite, work under it to detach or separate it from plywood. You should then tap a wooden shim into the already open joint to hold the countertop in that area. You should operate along the front side, screwing and shimming before you slowly raise the entire front rim.

Raise granite away from the cabinet supports

Using a pry bar, raise granite away from the cabinet supports beginning from the front and over to the back. Remember to insert shims as you proceed. You should proceed lightly to avoid breaking granite. Work along the length of the countertop, prying back only the next few centimeters.

You should continue working in section until you raise the entire countertop from one end to the other.

Tilt the countertop

Working together with a few assistants, slowly tilt the countertop from the back edge and transfer the granite to your place for storage.

You should store the granite with the top facing down. If granite has plywood underneath that needs to be replaced, carefully pry it free. Be gentle and lightly detach the seal and extract the plywood. If there is extra plywood remaining, pull or paint it with a sturdy scraper from the granite base.

Parting shot

Breaking and removing granite kitchen countertops Durham isn’t hard when you have the right removal tools and know what you are doing. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can save some money by doing the work yourself but for best results and avoid damaging the cabinets in the process, let experts help you out.

How To Update Kitchen Countertops

kitchen countertops

Old or damaged countertops do nothing but detract from the value and beauty of your home. Thankfully, you can update them and restore the look. To help you out, here are ways on how to update kitchen countertops:

Paint the countertops

If your current pieces aren’t damaged, painting them can go a long way towards restoring them. If you have the skills, you can paint them by yourself, but if you have never done it before, let an expert help you out. When choosing the paint color, ensure it complements the cabinet color and design. It also should be high quality; otherwise, you will keep repainting the surfaces every few years.

Resurface the countertops with a cement finish

Looking to improve the look of the countertops but strapped of cash? How about resurfacing the countertops with a cement finish? Begin with protecting the neighboring areas with painter’s tape. In addition to this, ensuring you don’t sand these areas, it also makes your work easy as you don’t have to clean the cement in the event you accidentally graze them during application.

To make the application easy, sand the surfaces with coarse sandpaper. Don’t make the surfaces smooth as cement sticks better to irregular surfaces. Once the surface is ready, apply the first coat and let the cement dry. You should then use medium sandpaper to remove any noticeably uneven surfaces and apply a second coat.

Wait for the cement to dry again and repeat the process until you have a beautiful, even surface. Complete your work by sealing the cement. To do it, you should pour water-based sealer into the paint tray then use a roller to apply the sealer over the cemented surfaces.

Tile your countertops

This is as simple as it sounds. Buy tiles and arrange them on your existing countertops. Like paint, you should be cautious about the type and design of tiles you go for. In addition to the tiles complementing the look of the kitchen, they also should be made by a reputable company. This way, you are sure they will withstand the chaos in the kitchen.

If you are looking to create a tiled backsplash on the wall behind the countertop, first remove the backsplash, creating a continuous effect that makes your project easy as you will have only one right angle to deal with between the wall and the countertop.

If you have the skills, you can lay the tiles by yourself, but if you have never done it before, let an expert help you out.

Replace the countertops

Another great way to improve your countertops is to replace them with other countertop materials. There are plenty of these materials you can choose from. The most common ones being:

Laminate

Laminate is extremely cheap; therefore, a great option when operating on a tight budget. The cool thing with installing laminate is it doesn’t make it obvious you are using cheap material. This is because it comes with plenty of designs that even resemble high-end materials such as granite and marble.

When choosing the material, go for a textured surface instead of a flat one. This is to have an easy time concealing scratches and other forms of wear and tear.

Wood

Want to give your kitchen a more natural look? Why not install wooden countertops? Wood comes with plenty of benefits that include: gives the house a natural rustic look, it’s easy to repair, and you can confidently prepare food on it without worrying about contamination.

On the flip side, you need to keep applying mineral oil, varnish, and beeswax to maintain the look. Wood is also easily damaged by heat and moisture, so you can’t use it around sinks or over the dishwasher.

Marble

If you have the budget and want to give your kitchen a fancy look, you should install marble countertops Durham. Like the other materials, ensure the marble pieces you choose match the design of the house. They also should have a classic look so you won’t keep replacing them when they grow out of style.

To keep your marble in good shape, seal it regularly. You also should avoid placing heavy items on it to prevent it from chipping.

Things To Know Before Resurfacing Kitchen Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Whether your kitchen countertop has beard years of wear and tear or you are thinking about kitchen countertop replacement just to provide fresh look to your kitchen, you can find a decent countertop surface without hefty price tag. There are many budget friendly kitchen countertop materials that not only look good, but also last for years. In order to find the right kitchen countertop material, you need to explore various kitchen countertop materials and brands. Learn about the pros and cons of every material, and then select the material that full fills all your requirements and fits within your budget.

Why to resurface the kitchen countertop

A new kitchen countertop can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen. It can lighten up the entire kitchen aura. Your kitchen will look more sophisticated after changing the countertop. Below mentioned are the reasons why you should consider resurfacing your countertop:

Your countertop looks worn out: If your kitchen looks worn out, then you should explore good kitchen countertop options. New kitchen countertop can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen.
Your countertop is old: Old kitchen countertops lose their shine and smoothness. Working on old countertop is not fun.
You are remodelling your kitchen: If you are remodelling your kitchen, then you should totally think about replacing your old countertop. New kitchen countertop will change the entire appearance of your old kitchen.
Your kitchen decor is compromised: Modern countertops are available in plenty of textures and colors. If your countertop does not match with the existing decor of your kitchen, then can easily find colors and textures in modern countertops.

Resurfacing Kitchen Counters

There are oodles of kitchen counter materials, from expensive granite to cost effective manmade materials. Depending on what you expect from your countertop and how much you are willing to spend on your countertop, you can explore the materials.

In order to find a budget-friendly kitchen countertop, you need to find the right kitchen countertop contractor or kitchen countertop company. The contractor will not only help you in selecting the right countertop for your kitchen, but also provide the installation services.

Your ultimate guide to Bamboo surfaces countertops

Bamboo might not be the first name that clicks in your mind when you think about kitchen countertop replacement, but it can be a very good surface. Undoubtedly, this material is one of the most durable and versatile option available for countertops. Along with the fact that bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the earth, it is stronger than concrete, and has strength like steel. This is the reason why it is one of the best materials for kitchen countertop surface.

Using bamboo countertops

Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly materials. You can use this material in floors, countertop, furniture etc. It is the renewable material, and this is the reason why it is also used in the manufacturing of fabrics, textile, paper, and even in medicines. With its flexibility and eco-friendliness, bamboo can be an excellent option for your new kitchen countertop.

Bamboo countertops are very much different from natural stone and engineered countertops. And not everyone prefers the bamboo countertops over other materials. So, your countertop will be different from most of the homeowners. This material provide rustic look and feel to any place where it is installed properly. You can even match your countertop with flooring. This will take your kitchen decor to the next level. Your kitchen will get royal makeover after replacing old countertop with bamboo countertop.

The cost of bamboo countertops

There are many types of bamboo countertops, and cost of the countertop depends on the quality of bamboo used in the manufacturing process. This countertop is available in many colors, textures and finishes. The better the finishing, the more will be the price.

In order to purchase the right countertop at the right price, you need to find the right kitchen countertop company. There are many contractors on the market who sell the bamboo countertops, but you need to find the right contractor, as kitchen countertop replacement is expensive and onetime task. Look for the contractor who provides installation service as well, because bamboo countertop installation can be tricky. You need to have experience to install this countertop without causing any sort of damage.

Why you should think about bamboo countertops

Bamboo countertops have gained a lot of popularity in the recent times. Many interior decorators are preferring bamboo over convectional countertop materials such as marble, granite, quartz, tiles etc. It is because this material has its own unique charm. However, bamboo countertops are certainly an unusual choice.

Advantages of Bamboo countertops

Bamboo countertops have a big litany of advantages. These countertops are environmentally friendly. Bamboo trees grow quickly and can be harvested every year without resulting deterioration or depletion of the soil. The availability of bamboo trees help in fighting deforestation, forest degradation and illegal logging. It is present in abundant and are readily available. This makes bamboo an environmentally friendly countertop material.

Bamboo can be great as a countertop material. It is light to medium brown in color that looks beautiful in the kitchen. This material provides a rustic and classic appearance to the kitchen. You can even match your countertop with your cabinets.

You can find various textures in the bamboo countertops, from natural wooden finish to customize designs. And the most fantastic fact about bamboo countertop is that it does not change as it ages. This countertop can look beautiful for a good number of years to come.

When it comes to maintenance and cleaning, bamboo surfaces do not demand much. You just need soap and water to clean the bamboo surface. This countertop material does not get stained easily. However, cleaning countertop surface every day is a good practice to avoid stain marks.

More about Bamboo countertops

Bamboo countertops are economically friendly. This countertop material is a lot cheaper than popular countertop materials. Furthermore, the price of bamboo countertop depends on the length, width, quality and finishing of the bamboo. It means you can make adjustments according to your budget.

In order to enjoy all the features that bamboo surfaces, it is important to purchase the countertop from a reputable manufacturer. You may find many bamboo countertop contractors, but instead of choosing any random contractor, you should opt for reputable countertop company. You will not only find better quality, but more styles when you choose a good countertop company.

Choosing the best kitchen worktop

A lot of kitchen countertop materials are available in all shapes, colors and styles. Choosing the right countertop material is not an easy task. The countertop you install in your kitchen will set the tone for your kitchen. You should choose kitchen countertop material on the basis of: durability, look, feel and cost. It is important that your chosen material should have multiple benefits, as countertop has to bear regular wear and tear, and still has to look good all the times.

Selecting the Right Kitchen Countertops

Countertop material selection becomes easy if you truly know what you are looking for. Different countertops have different set of benefits. It is your responsibility to understand your needs and requirements clearly before choosing the kitchen worktop surface. The more precise you will be about your specifications, the better worktop surface you will be able to find. Consider following aspects about countertop material before making purchase.

How durable you need your countertop to be?

Kitchen countertop is a big investment. You definitely want that your kitchen countertop should last for years. Thus, before opting for any countertop material, check if it is durable enough to bear daily wear and tear of your busy kitchen. Granite, quartz and marble are a few durable kitchen countertop materials available on the market.

How much you are prepared to look after the countertop?

Some countertops require more maintenance, while some require lesser maintenance. It is good to consider maintenance aspects before finalizing the countertop material. For example: Granite countertops require annual sealing to maintain sheen and shine.

How countertop material looks?

Since you are investing a lot of money in countertop, you definitely want your countertop to look good. Some countertop materials have natural sheen and shine that remain as it is for years, while some countertop materials are polished. The polished countertops lose their beauty over time.

How much countertop material cost?

Kitchen countertop prices vary. In fact, you can find price variations in same material. It is because quality of the material. However, if you want to purchase the best quality at fair price, you should choose the kitchen countertop company wisely.

The Kitchen Countertop Selection Guide

The countertop acts as workbench for kitchen. It is more functional than decorative. Along with beauty, you should consider durability, maintainability, heat resistant capacity, scratch resistant capacity and strength of the countertop material. A wide range of kitchen countertop material choices are available on the market. You will find many countertop materials to choose from that suit your taste and style. The best material is one that fulfills performance standards, available within budget and looks beautiful.

Things to know before choosing countertop surface

Countertop selection is one of the important parts of the kitchen remodeling. In spite of the wide range of options available, it is important to thoroughly observe every material. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is mandatory to determine your needs, requirements and budget before opting for any countertop material. Spare sometime and check out the following aspects of countertop material before making your decision:

Check both look and feel of the countertop material
Think about practicality and maintainability of the selected material
Analyze the long term durability of the material
Ascertain about the environmental friendliness of the material
Check if material require sealing

Types of kitchen countertops

Laminate Countertops

These are affordable and low-maintenance countertop surfaces. Although they do not offer heat resistance, get scratched and chipped easily, they are available in many colors and textures. If you are not going to use your countertop for heavy duty work, you can think about installing laminate countertops.

Solid Surface countertops

Solid surface countertops are basically plastic. They offer renewable surface. The cuts and scratches can be blended. This surface allows you to use of integrated sinks. Solid surface countertops are non-porous and do not contain any visible seam. You can get fully customized solid surface countertop.

Natural Stone Countertops

90 % homeowners opt for the natural stone countertops for their kitchens and bathrooms. Natural stones such as marble, granite, soapstone and gemstone offer amazing countertop surface. These countertops inherit the beauty of the stone from which they are made. These countertops are scratch and heat tolerant. Natural stone countertops lasts lifetime, if maintained properly. However, you should purchase natural stone countertops from reputable and trustworthy kitchen countertop company to get genuine product.

The Secret to Getting Great Kitchen Counters

You can find plenty of kitchen counter surfaces these days. Each material has its own pros and cons. However, the latest trend is stone, stone, and more stone. There are countless choices in stone countertops and all of them are exceptionally durable. Thus, if you are looking for great kitchen countertop, then explore a number of options available in the market.

Kitchen countertop options

When it comes to kitchen countertop surface, no other material can beat the stones. The biggest advantage of stone counters is that they can bear heat, wear and tear, stress, and spills without complaining. On the dark side, stone countertops are cold, expensive and tough on glassware. Check out the below mentioned kitchen countertop options to know which surface full fills the needs and requirements of your kitchen.

Engineered stone countertops

This type of countertop surfaces combines the colorful palette of solid surfaces and durability of granite. Engineered stone countertops are good for homeowners who want the look and feel of stone. A lot of color options and textures are available in the engineered stone countertops. The benefits of engineered countertops can be stated as-

Engineered stones are aesthetically pleasing.
Engineered stones remain unfazed by heat.
Engineered stones countertops have very good scratch-resistant property.
Engineered stones do not get affected by everyday spills.

Natural stone countertops

Natural stone countertop materials like slate, limestone marble and granite makes an incredible style statement. These counter surfaces come in a variety of grains, colors, textures and finishes that means it go with any design scheme.

Every natural stone has its own benefits. Granite has wonderful heat resistant quality. Marble and limestone provide perfect finishing and are cheaper as compared to granite countertops.

Concrete countertops

Concrete emerged out as a new trend in kitchen countertops. You can paint concrete countertops in any desired color, even embed stones, beads, jewels, and fossils. However, concrete countertops easily develop cracks and stains.

Stainless steel countertops

This countertop material can withstand all abuse without discoloring or rusting. Stainless steel countertops are really very easy to maintain and they keep their luster for years.

So, these are the popular countertop choices trending in the kitchen décor trends. No matter which countertop material you choose, do select apt granite countertop company for hassle free installation.