Counter Space
The countertop is no less important than the cabinetry in your kitchen.
It can also tell the prospective buyer about the age of your kitchen.
You have to make sure that it is in tip-top shape as to not distract the
buyer from the rest of the kitchen and to not lover the price.
A counters flaws that could be fixed
A quick and easy fix for any unsightly burn or cut marks on an overall
good looking countertop can easily be fixed by installing a
butcher-block cutting board over it. You can find a 1/2 inch thick, 2
foot square board for under $10. Secure it by drilling holes from the
bottom and screw in a few short wood screws.
If you have a butcher-block already, but it looks a bit beat down you
can easily make it look like new. Just use a wood scraper to take off
the not-so attractive layer and fine sand paper to smooth out the
surface. Following that, just apply oil and it should look just like
new. If there are a few minor flaws that can’t be scraped away, make a
little pattern with ceramic tiles that could be used as a spot for any
hot pots or pans.
If your counters are in very bad shape, consider purchasing new ones
from a home-improvement store; they will run about $12 per linear foot.
These can be ordered custom cut to include a hole for your sink or range
top, but the installation may require a professional. A compromise
measure between expensive retiling of an existing counter or total
replacement of a countertop is to apply ceramic tiles against the wall
behind the counter. This will also create a country-kitchen look and add
a focal point which may draw attention away from an otherwise lackluster
counter area.
If your counters need a lot more work than a few quick-fixes, you may
like to opt for a new countertop. You can find attractive countertops
for a very reasonable price per linear foot. If there is only a part of
your countertop that needs to be replaced, you may do do which will
create a “country style” look.
Making a Connection with Countertops
If your kitchen and your dining areas are separated by a wall and could
definitely use to appear a bit larger—cut a hole in the wall and put
either a small counter over it or give it a quaint window frame. If you
are uncomfortable with doing so because you do not want to feel
pressured that your kitchen is not clean, then install shutters that
could be easily closed at your discretion.
More upscale kitchens tend to feature an island in the middle. It
provides more counter space—you can make it into a grill-top or just
extra space to work on. It is also very convenient for the couples who
like to cook together.
An Eat-in Counter
There is a growing popularity of being able to eat in one’s own kitchen
and the trendiest thing is an Eat-in counter. It usually tends to be
granite and it is affixed to an empty wall with a support at the bottom.
Seating is usually provided with bar stools which gives the kitchen a
very modern and trendy look.
An Eat-in countertop is very convenient due to the fact that it can be
used for preparing the food as well as for quick meals between tasks.
Mistakes to Avoid
You should know that everything below the eyelevel merges. That means
that the countertop should take into account the surrounding objects. It
does not have to match, per se, but it should not clash. If you are
planning on using anything else but neutral colors, you should be
careful and bring home a sample and see exactly how it works in the room
and make sure that it is a color that anyone can live with.
