One of the most important places in the home is the kitchen and some of the most important items in the kitchen are the counter tops. The counter tops that are placed in the kitchen provide a focal point for the kitchen and are often the most used surfaces in the entire kitchen. For many homeowners, the décor of the kitchen is based on the style and color of the kitchen counter top so it is important to choose the counter tops that are right for your home.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a kitchen counter top is how much money you would be willing to spend on the countertop. Kitchen counter tops come in a wide range of different materials and each different material comes with a different price tag. Stone counter tops are generally the most expensive and laminate counter tops are generally the least expensive to purchase and install in the home.
Another thing that must be considered is the size of your kitchen. Wide, dominating counter tops will look out of place in a small kitchen area and skinny, small counter tops in a larger, open kitchen area will look just as bad. Before shopping for new counter tops, it is very important to measure the kitchen area and the counter tops already installed in the kitchen so that you will know what size counter tops to shop for.
If you do not intend on replacing or staining the cabinetry in the kitchen, then the color of the cabinets will need to be taken into account when choosing a new kitchen counter top. Cabinets that are light colored can be paired with any dark or light counter top color that will not clash with the color of the cabinets. Cabinetry that is dark colored will generally go well with a dark colored counter top, with light colored walls to create a dramatic contrast within the kitchen area.
Individuals that have a wide open kitchen area, often part of the dining room, or individuals that are remodeling their kitchen from the bare walls will also have to decide what the shape of their kitchen counter tops will be. Some individuals prefer the look of rounded counter top corners over the traditional squared edges and some individuals choose new shapes altogether. There are many different choices to make when choosing a new kitchen counter top and each decision should be made carefully to ensure that you are getting the best countertop for your needs.