Kitchen Counter Revolutions

by Allison E. Beatty
KitchensAndCabinets.com Columnist
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Kitchen countertops are made in a wide variety of colors, patterns and materials. If you want a more exotic look, think outside the box when selecting a countertop. A bold pattern or brightly colored countertop can make a dramatic statement in any kitchen design.


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So Many Options

As you plan your cabinet refacing, consider how the cabinet fronts you choose can coordinate with the countertop. Instead of a traditional white, beige or sage countertop, try:

Aqua and white speckled
Mint green
Coffee and chocolate-brown granite-style patterns

Any of those colors can add some spice to refaced cabinets in white, oak, maple or other colors.

Consider Kitchen Countertop Materials

Man-made countertop materials are available in a wider range of patterns than their natural stone counterparts. For a striking kitchen design, try:

Laminates. They come in hundreds of patterns, from a rain forest design to green or russet speckles. In some cases, laminates can be installed directly over an existing laminate countertop. They also are:

More affordable than granite countertops
Easy to clean
Available with different edge treatments, such as bevels

Solid surface. The most widely available patterns have speckles or solid colors with inlaid stripes around the edges. Try adding a dramatic red or teal countertop to highlight your cabinet refacing project. Solid surface countertops also are:

Nonporous
Easy to clean
Easily buffed out (for minor scratches)

Blend Countertop Color with Kitchen Design

Being bold is fine, but you want to make sure the countertop is not too far removed from the rest of your kitchen design. To make sure it blends, stick with tones from the same color family. For example:

If your wall tile and flooring have earth tones, try a deep green or blue.
If your paint is a subtle yellow, try a countertop with vivid yellow and white speckles or go with blue, which complements yellow nicely.
Choose all "warm" colors (such as earth tones) or all "cool" colors (such as primary colors) for consistency.

When refacing cabinets, remember to think outside the box. A stunning countertop can help bring new life to your kitchen design--and focus more attention on the newly refaced cabinets.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.

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