Countertops are one of the most important features of your kitchen. Whether you use marble, granite or engineered stone, they are what define the style of your kitchen. Bringing old cabinets back to life really only requires a fresh coat of paint (plus a little prep work), but if you have old countertops, you're basically stuck with them. I feel it. Or is it you?
While replacing your countertops is ideal, just because it's not in your budget doesn't mean you can't change the aesthetics. All you need to do is be creative. Here are six tips from experts to make your old kitchen countertops look new.
reorganize the countertop
A messy kitchen doesn't look or feel as good as a clean and tidy kitchen. Feng Shui-savvy interior designer Orie Prince recommends cleaning and decluttering your countertops. he says: “Start with decluttering and managing clutter. Excess items can overwhelm the senses and cause stress. Take a moment to look at your space and decide what you really need or put away for later. Please find something to keep.”
Designers also suggest considering storage solutions that coordinate with other items in your kitchen, such as baskets, trays, and bowls. “Making small changes, like clearing away clutter, can have a big impact on your relationship with your kitchen and give your countertops a new perspective.”
Consider a kit
If completely replacing your countertops isn't in your budget or budget, Kat Christie, licensed contractor and founder of Shefix That LLC, suggests considering using a DIY kit. If this is your first DIY project, you may want to hire professional help, but keep in mind that it will still cost less than a new countertop.
she says: “There are some inexpensive DIY options that include paint kits that give great results. You can install tile over your existing countertop as long as you follow the instructions perfectly, but it will change how you install your sink. Please be aware that this is possible.
Try contact paper
If you don't have access to a kit, or just aren't the DIY type, contact paper is worth considering. Christie says: If you want this but don't want to think about putting hot dishes or wet items on your countertop, some of the options above may not be suitable for you. ”
Installing contact paper on your current countertops can also be done by renters and can be easily replaced when you move out. Best of all, there are a variety of options available, including terracotta and butcher block.
stain the counter top
Prince suggests re-staining your countertops in a way that fits your current style, but also upgrades and refreshes your space at the same time. “You can replace old cabinet knobs, handles, and even faucet hardware and supplement your refinished countertops with new hardware,” he says.
reseal the countertop
If you have butcher block or marble countertops, you may be able to reseal them yourself or have a professional do it for you. Once resealed, it becomes shiny again, resists staining, and is easier to clean.
Redecorate your countertop
If you don't have the budget to change the look of your countertops, try placing personal or meaningful items around your workstation instead, Prince says.
“Bring in happy memories with photos, pottery, art, etc. Incorporating these elements will add personality to your kitchen and help you focus on what's important to you,” he says. I'll give you some advice. After all, even if you don't like your countertop, you can at least love what's on it.
