Kitchen Counter Design Ideas

Kitchen design can have a major impact on most residential design projects. Spending some time designing just the right countertop can go a long way for your kitchen's aesthetic appeal and functional practicality. Like paint, the countertop makes a bold statement in the overall look of the space. Many new materials and methods are available to give your kitchen an updated look. Does this Spark an idea?

Mosaic Countertop

You can make beautiful countertops that are also environmentally conscious by creating mosaic countertop surfaces using reclaimed (once used) ceramic pieces, mortar and grout. If you have an existing countertop, you can increase it's thickness by adding a layer of mortar on top of the counter, attaching the mosaic and using the grout to fill between the pieces of ceramic. This convenient option is helpful if your existing counter is outdated or damaged. You can also apply this effect for new countertops by using a solid board as a substrate.

Countertop-Dining Table

You can create a continuous look by having the countertop on the kitchen's island step down to form a dining table. The most effective way to do this is to use a malleable countertop material such as concrete or stainless steel, so that the counter and dining table can truly be one piece. If you are using a non-malleable material for the counters, you can create a similar effect by extending the island countertop over the table surface and attaching the table (made from the same counter material) to the side of the island so that the island is layered and the table looks like an extension of the counter.

Faux Granite

You can create a look of granite on your existing or new countertops, without having to buy real granite, by using a sponging technique to paint a granite finish. First, prime the surface if it is formica or other non-porous material, then paint the base granite color on as you would normally paint a wall surface. Then, use a natural sponge and three tones that contrast with the base but are similar to the flecks of color in granite. For example, if you're painting the base in black, use tan, cream and beige as the sponged colors. After this dries, add a water-based polyurethane sealer to add a glossy finish and water protection. For best results, use paints and sealers that contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).