Bedroom Design: Choosing the Right Furnishings

Posted on: 5 December 2018

When building or remodeling a house, there are many decisions to be made, often in very short time spans. Kitchen countertops are just one of many decisions, but they are often the most difficult to decide due to the dizzying array of options. Knowing both your style, as well as how durable you need the product to be, can help in your decision-making process. 

1. Laminate: More commonly referred to by its brand name, Formica, laminate countertops are the go-to countertop when you need a quick, easy, and inexpensive option. Before you dismiss them, however, take a closer look. Laminate countertops have almost an infinite variety of colors and patterns to choose from. 

2. Granite: The king of all countertops is granite. Seeing a sharp rise in popularity since the late 1980s, granite imports to the United States have increased tenfold as Americans have fallen in love with granite countertops. While they first only came in two colors, granite slabs are now easily available for homeowners to peruse from all over the world in every conceivable color imaginable. 

3. Tile: Porcelain and ceramic tile can also be used as a countertop material. While plain, white tiles are often viewed as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project due to their ease of installation. Tile countertops can add a rustic ambiance to kitchens seeking a French Provincial or even a rustic, Italian design aesthetic. 

4. Solid Surface: One of the newer players to emerge in the countertop game is solid surface countertops. They consist of a crushed material, like quartz or recycled glass, that is mixed with resin and formed into slabs. The slabs are durable and the color choices are almost limitless. 

5. Marble: Polished, Carrara marble was cherished by the ancient Greeks for sculptures, and it is easy to see why. The creamy, white surface with undulating, gray veins is quite beautiful and is still highly prized today. As a kitchen countertop, it stays cool to the touch,  making it ideal for making pastries. However, note that it can also stain if not regularly sealed. 

6. Cement: While cement may be commonplace underfoot, it is just as suitable for your countertops. In fact, once sealed, cement countertops fit in with many design aesthetics, from modern to traditional. In addition to being quite durable, the polished surface makes for an interesting juxtaposition against traditional Shaker and raised-panel cabinet doors.

7. Wood: Most homeowners wouldn't think of wood as a suitable kitchen countertop choice, but it is actually a durable choice. Wood has been used in shipbuilding since the time of Viking explorers—if it can stand the waters of the North Atlantic, it can handle anything you throw at it. In fact, wood countertops are traditionally sealed with a marine quality varnish to seal and protect them. 

Whatever countertop you decide for your kitchen, choose one that is not only durable and affordable but that will also appeal to you for many years to come.