Home Kitchen Design – Countertops and Backsplashes
Kitchens are truly multi-functional spaces where friends and family can gather to cook, eat and entertain, so they have to be both functional and beautiful. Get tips for choosing countertops and backsplashes for your kitchen in this House & Home video:
When choosing countertops and backsplashes, don’t lose sight that they have a job to do. If you’re a serious cook, you may want a tougher surface that doesn’t need a lot of care. As you weigh all your options, think in terms of longevity and make choices for both style and function that will suit your evolving tastes over the years.
When deciding between granite, quartz or laminate countertops, here are a few things to consider:
- Granite is natural stone, so the pattern is unique to the stone; for some people, that’s also its big appeal. Although granite is the hardest, most durable and least scratchable of the natural stones, it can still stain.
- Quartz is man-made and comes in a much broader range of colors. The pattern can also be more consistent throughout, giving you a more uniform look. It is an extremely hard and durable material that has become a popular choice for kitchen countertops. They require less maintenance than granite and don’t need to be sealed.
- Laminate countertops have come a long way. If you’re looking for a lower price point or something you can use in the bathroom or laundry room, they’re a great option. Laminate can mimic materials like granite. You need to be mindful not to stain, scorch, chip or scratch the material. Consider a matte or textured finish over high gloss to better camouflage everyday wear and tear.
Another consideration for countertops is to choose an edge treatment that complements your kitchen’s architectural style. There are a lot of options out there, whether you want a clean modern line with a straight edge or something with a bit more of a profile if you have a bistro kitchen or something more traditional.
The backsplash is the ideal spot to get creative and add more color or texture into your kitchen. When choosing your backsplash, remember to think long term. Ask yourself if the tile you like today is one you’ll still like in 5-10 years.
If you’re a fan of DIY or on a budget, you may consider doing the installation yourself. Starting the tiling process is to find your spacing. Proper spacing and seeing how you’re going to start and how you’re going to finish. Use spacer clips to create the perfect amount of space in between each tile. This helps you keep the tile perfectly straight and leaves the right amount of space for grouting. In the end, you’ll have a job that looks professional.
