Home Remodeling Crash Course: What I Learned the Hard Way

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, a new counter can provide a stunning look in the room. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional stone or laminate counters, here are some unique counter ideas to consider as you plan your kitchen remodeling project.

Glass

Glass counters offer a chic, modern look. The smooth surface is easy to clean, and the thick glass offers a durable counter option for your kitchen. Unlike other counter materials, glass maintains its color over time. Another benefit is that glass is not porous like some stones, which means the surface won't typically stain or absorb liquids. Consider glass counters in unique shapes, such as with wavy edges, to bring an architectural look to your kitchen.

Reclaimed Barn Wood

If you want a rustic, country look in your kitchen, reclaimed barn wood makes a beautiful addition to your space. The natural wood finish and irregular coloring makes each counter unique, and the sturdy material stands up to years of use. Additionally, using reclaimed materials for your kitchen gives you a way to do something good for the environment. Work with your contractor to source the materials for your reclaimed barn wood counter, and consider integrating barn wood into other aspects of your kitchen as well. For example, you can use the wood to create a custom kitchen table to match your counters.

Hammered Steel

Stainless steel counters offer a bold, modern look for your kitchen, but hammered stainless steel provides even more of a unique look. The textured design creates a pattern on your counter that almost sparkles under light, while the durable material resists staining. This combination of beauty and durability makes for an excellent kitchen counter option. If you already have stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, think about adding hammered stainless steel counters as a handsome finishing touch.

Subway Tile

Adding subway tile can be a cost-effective way to bring new counters into your kitchen. The tile can be placed over plain laminate counters, which means you may not even have to do a complete replacement. You can install the tiles yourself using sheets of small subway tiles, or you can have your remodeling contractor install each tile individually. Subway tile comes in a range of beautiful colors, from bright blues and reds to subtle shades of gray and cream. Choose a single color to match your decor theme, or choose a combination of colors to create a repeating pattern on your counters.

Have your contractor help you determine which option is right for your kitchen, and make one of these ideas the focal point in your new kitchen. Visit a site, like mcleanhomeimprovement.com, for more help.