Top Picks for Kitchen Countertops

One of the biggest decisions you will make about your kitchen is the countertop. There are many options, and depending on your lifestyle, how you use your kitchen and, of course, your budget will determine what type of surface is best for you.

Top Picks for Kitchen Countertops
Top 10 Kitchen Countertops

From Coral Nafie,Your Guide to Interior Decorating

There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Our list of top picks gives the pros and cons of the top 10 choices so that you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen. Follow the links to more information about each countertop material.

1) Granite Counters
Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.Pros: holds up to heat; comes in beautiful colors; looks permanent and substantial.Cons: very expensive, requires lots of maintenance, including periodic sealing; absorbs stains; can crack; limited range of colors available.

2) Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is composed of quartz particals. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Brands on the market are DuPont Zodiaq®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone.Pros: resistant to stain and acid; easy care. Cons: Expensive.

3) Solid Surface
Because solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.Cons vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.

4) Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.

5) Laminates
Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.Pros: you can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seans show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.

6) Wood or Butcher Block
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed. Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's instructions.

7) Stainless Steel Counters
For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean. Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can't cut on it.

8) Soapstone Counters
Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material. Pros: rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant. Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.

9) Marble
Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining. Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful. Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.

10) Concrete Counters
If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they're often cast right in your kitchen. The high price tag may be beyond most people's budget.Pros: heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative. Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous but can be sealed."

Give a lot of thought to how you use your kitchen before you make a decision about your countertop- do you cook often, or is your kitchen more for show? Do you use your kitchen for other activities, i.e. kids homework or school project, crafts, etc?

Tags: home decorating kitchen remodel, Tags: kitchen countertop materials

Decorating Color Trends for 2007 - Rental Decorating Digest

Decorating is like fashion - colors and styles go in and out of vogue as time goes by. While avocado and harvest gold were the hot colors of the 70's , here is what you can expecct for 2007.

Decorating Color Trends for 2007 - Rental Decorating Digest
Color Trends 2007: Home Hues That Comfort and Excite
By Debbie Zimmer, The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

"From spicy color combinations to hues that warm the soul, our 2007 color trends contain palettes that work independently as a “statement color” or as a subtle backdrop where home furnishings and accessories take center stage. We are excited to share the annual trend report, which contains color hues appropriate for all areas of the home or living space.

Comfort Colors
Just like the comfort foods we return to when searching for familiarity and simplicity, the comfort color palette provides a pleasant association with uncomplicated times and a respite from our hectic, technology-overloaded life. Their warmth envelopes us and provides a simple reward and feeling of security.

Biscuit and wheat neutrals, cocoa brown, pumpkin orange and cinnamon apple pie, are just a few of the comfort colors that will wrap your room with warmth and promote a stress-free space.

The comfort color palette is an especially good choice for kitchens and family rooms.

Back to Nature
A growing focus on the environment and sustainable products continues to push natural, earthy hues to the forefront. Yellows and blues, leaf-like greens, along with organic browns combine to bring the outdoors in. Add translucency and a glass like quality by incorporating varying paint sheen levels. As a subtle accent color, add rust or copper-like metallics into the scheme.

Bathrooms and bedrooms are perfect places to incorporate the back to nature hues or in rooms where an accent wall is employed.

Stark Contrast
What’s black and white and red all over? The 2007 stark contrast palette! With the 2008 Summer Olympics just around the corner and a keen and continuing interest in Asian culture, these and other events have helped to shape this bold and striking group.

From clean, clear reds and deep plums to the sophistication of black and white, this color group works both as an accent and as an elegant backdrop for many living spaces. Polished brass metallics complement this scheme.

Dining, living rooms and especially powder rooms will benefit from this bold and spicy palette."

If you have been thinking about updating your living space, try changing wall and fabric colors. These are inexpensive changes that can make a big difference in your rooms.

Tags: home decorating color trends

Coni Art Glass Decorative Home Accessories

I found these glass balls at ConiArtGlass.com. They make a great room accessory any time of the year. I like them stacked in a centerpiece bowl or tray. They bring light and color to any space.

Coni Art Glass- Handmade Glass Balls, Christmas Ornaments, and Spirit Balls

"These handmade glass balls bring light and happiness to home décor. Often used for Feng Shui design, the colors promote creative energy in the home. Float them in ponds to protect the fish from predators. When the sun shines on the glass balls, the light scares away the predators.

Used year round, these glass spheres also make beautiful Christmas ornaments. The colorful hand blown glass balls, spheres and hearts are a versatile and affordable decorative accessory (used in homes, hotels, restaurants, and offices), and make great gift items. They come in many colors and patterns. We welcome special orders for your design ideas, and color combinations.

The glass balls are the perfect home decorating idea, or party decoration. They make unique gifts and party favors. Interior Designers love to use the decorative balls grouped in a beautiful glass bowl, as a centerpiece or focal point of a room.

Hang them in windows as sun catchers. Also known as Friendship Balls, Spirit Balls, Witch Balls, Fairy Balls or in German as "kugels", which means ornamental balls, they are beautiful called by any name. Lighting designers are making beautiful light fixtures with these handmade glass balls, too. The witch balls (also known as spirit balls or fairy balls) and Gazing Globes, were traditionally used to protect the garden."

Interesting and cost effective decorative accessory.

Tags: home accessory,home decorating

Finishing Touches Perk Up a Room

Here are some great ideas for the finishing touches, or decorative accessories, that can make an otherwise lackluster room into a spectacular living area.

Finishing Touches Perk Up a Room
Finishing Touches Perk Up a Room
From Coral Nafie

"Get it Just Right! Once you have painted the walls, put up the window treatments, moved the furniture around, and cleaned up the mess, you might think that the job of redecorating your room is done. But it just doesn't look finished! What to do? Read on.

Once you have the shell of your room just the way you want it, you're not done with the job. There are lots of finishing touches that you can add to make the room look finished and welcoming. Some decorators feel that decorating a room or home should always be a work in progress.

Whether it takes a week, a month, or a whole lifetime, finding just the right finishing touches for a room is really the fun part of decorating. You'll be adding the jewelry to the room, the personality that makes the room reflect who you are, what your interests are, and where you've been.

Get some ideas from our list of finishing touches for decorating a room.
Remember, you may never be finished, but you'll have fun along the way.

Plants and Flowers It's amazing what a quick transformation can be made with fresh plants and flowers. You don't need to find something dramatic and expensive. A simple plant potted in a decorative pot set on a coffee table, bookshelf, on top of a cabinet, almost anywhere, adds life and color instantly. Be sure to keep fresh plants shiny and dusted. You might even want to have two plants for each location, one for display, one "on the mend." If a plant gets scraggly or droopy, get rid of it! You might nurse it back to health, but not in your living space! If you just don't have time to tend plants or if your room is dark, find some new artificial plants. These work great for out-of-reach spaces. But be sure to keep them dusted and perky, too.

Expand on a Theme Everyone has a special interest. Traveling, sports, pets, flowers, children, and even a favorite book or movie can all provide focus for a room and offer ideas for adding finishing touches. By choosing a theme for your room, you'll know what to zero in on and be able to select accessories, art, and colors to expand and enrich the theme.

Deck the Walls Bare, boring walls get a real lift with a painting, colorful poster, collection of prints, or family photos. When working with art, try to focus on a color scheme or theme. Unify the works with common mat colors, similar colored frames, and size and shape. One large piece can create a focal point in a room, while a small collection of pieces draw the eye for a closer look.

Get Grounded A hardwood floor looks sleek and smooth, while wall to wall carpet adds softness and unifies large spaces. But an area rug, placed on top of the flooring, can create a special area, provide a boundary for furniture, and even divide a room into several spaces without walls. Classic oriental rugs can be found to fit almost any decorating scheme and contemporary patterned or color-blocked rugs add color and character to the floor and the room.

Gather Together Some of Your Favorite Things If you collect anything such as dolls, books, teapots, cameras, or sporting equipment, use the collection as a point of interest. Gather the whole collection into one place or arrange the items around the room. Celadon plates, blue and white porcelain, carved wooden pieces all offer themselves as works of art for a room. What do you love?
Combine Textures and Feel Contemporary interiors are often sleek and smooth, while cottage style rooms are usually soft and snuggly. For a really interesting look and a comfortable feeling for a room, combine smooth and rough, shiny and matte, hard and soft in one room. The contrasts will add interest and help to avoid a boring room.

One Piece to Stand Out Neutral walls and fabrics look clean and neat in a room. But to really draw someone's eye, add a punch of color with lime pillows, orange mats on black and white photos, a hand-painted piece of furniture on the main wall, an animal print ottoman. Just one interesting accessory or piece of furniture will help make the room spectacular."

Take a look around your rooms. Are they finished? Or, do they need a few of these finishing touches to add interest? Have some fun, and try some of these excellent home decorating ideas.

Tags: decorative accessories, home decorating, home decorating on a budget, interior design.

Apartment Bathroom Design

Create a stylish, easy care bathroom in small spaces. These ideas are especially good for city dwellers, where space is at a premium.

The newest bathroom designs are focused on using the most up-to-date technology to meet needs, with high-tech steel appliances, streamlined ceramics and tough, durable surfaces.

An apartment bathroom is a good place to experiment with color, since the areas to be covered are never large, and are generally seen for short periods of time only. Try unusual color combinations, or keep to cool, clinical white and steel, with small pools of concentrated color provided by bath linens and accessories.

Aim for a simple, functional look; keeping in mind the following style fundamentals for apartment bathrooms:

• Walls - Neutral or strong: latex paint in flat colors, either subtle, stark white, or bold combinations. Stay away from wallpaper which tends to give a dated look. Tiles: plain glazed ceramic, in colors or white, natural stone, glass, slate, or sealed cork
• Windows - Frosted glass: replace clear glass windows with frosted. Window coverings should be narrow Venetians in metal or wood, Roman or pleated shades.
• Flooring: Smooth: pale wood, tiles, stone, linoleum, vinyl in plain or semi-plain designs. Rugs with short pile , or a wood-slat bathmat.
• Plumbing Fixtures - Contemporary simple shapes in white ceramic or steel.
• Lighting - High tech bath lighting: recessed ceiling spotlights or simple modern central light fixture.
• Bath Accessories - Modern gleaming, shiny or satin steel fixtures (towels bars, toilet roll, toothbrush holder, etc.), simple mirror, and colored or white towels.

Tags: bathroom design, decorating small spaces, home decorating on a budget, interior design.

Express Yourself With Color!

Using paint in home decorating is a powerful way to express who you are, and how you want others to perceive your home. Most people are afraid to paint the walls of a room, thinking that the room will seem smaller, or because the commitment of color on the walls is intimidating. But don't depair! Redecorating with wall color can give your room a whole new updated look and feel!

Painting a room in your house can have many of positive effects. Color can make your home feel more comfortable and inviting to both you and to your guests, and your space will have a whole new updated and stylish appeal. You'll be surprised how such a simple change like changing the color of your room can improve your home!

Set a mood or tone with paint color

Something as simple as adding a splash of color to your walls can set any particular mood you might be going for.

• Earthy tones like browns, and dark reds or greens give a warm and cozy feeling
• Bold colors like bright blues, reds, or even purples are fun and funky
• Subtle pastels like yellows, pinks, or light grays and blues are light and airy
  

Establish a theme with paint color

Wall color is an excellent start for a particular room theme that you may want to achieve. For example, if you are planning a nursery with a “moon and stars” theme, you could use a dark blue paint color, or even a lighter blue (for a baby girl’s room), to simulate the night sky. Wall color can literally be the backdrop to the room’s theme!

Express your personality with wall color

Adding wall color to a room not only improves its appearance, but it can also be a fun way to extend your personality. Your home is an extension of who you are. By expressing yourself through color and décor, you are showing the world your personality. Are you fun, laid back, or intense? Express yourself!

Make a room feel larger with wall color

Often people resist wall color fearing that it will box the room in, making it feel smaller. This is simply not true! In fact, many professional decorators use bold and darker hues to actually make a room feel larger. These colors help to blend the corners of a room together, literally making it feel larger, and giving the feeling of continuous space, and therefore, more space!

Define the limits of a room

Many modern floor plans are open. It is difficult to define where one room starts and another room begins. This can make painting somewhat difficult. However, by defining your spaces with wall color, you not only break up big white spaces, but you create a stylish living environment. Remember to try to coordinate the colors you choose for each space, though. Otherwise, the walls will look choppy rather than cozy or modern, and the effect you are going for will just not happen!

If you are afraid to paint the whole room one solid color then start with one wall in the room. Paint it the color of your choice! This one wall can act as an accent wall, or even be used to establish the focal point of the room, such as a fireplace, or a piece of art. You will be surprised at what a difference painting just one wall can make! Even the smallest change can make a big difference!

Don't be afraid of color on your walls! The good news is it’s only paint, it can be changed if it doesn’t look the way you envisioned it! Anyway, you never know. Take a chance with wall color, and you might just end up tapping into a hidden creativity that you never knew you had! Redecorating a room with paint color can change the entire look and feel of your home, and how you feel in it!

Organize for the New Year!!!

It's a New Year, and it's time for a new start. If your New Year's Resolution was to get more organized, you are definitely not alone. The MyGoals.com survey indicates that for 2007, a whole lot of you made Time Management & Organization Resolutions. In fact here is the percentage of the people in the US polled who made the following resolutions:

• Getting Organized 44%
• Time Management 22%
• Cleaning & Reducing Clutter 11%
• Goals About Setting Goals 11% (now there's an interesting one)
• Projects 11% (Actual goals people have recently set in this category:"To fix up the upstairs office""To plan my wedding""To weed all of the gardens""To wake up at 8:00""To control paperwork")
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Here are some ideas to help you get more organized:

1. Plan ahead. Schedule the hours that you think it will take to get the job done. Start with one room at a time; you don't have to organize the whole house in one day. Break the job up into managable slots.
2. Reduce the clutter - give away or throw out anything that you haven't used in the past year. If you haven't used it in the past 12 months, you are not likely to use it in the future.
3. Recycle old magazines and newspapers.
4. File away bills and other papers that are important, shred everything else with any personal information on it to prevent identity theft .
5. Identify zones in each space. For example, the kitchen has cabinets to be reorganized, the refridgerator and freezer, workspaces, etc. Work on each zone, one at a time.
6. Take advantage of the many organizer products available on the market. For the kitchen, Cooking.com has great drawer organizers, spice racks, canisters, and the like to help you to organize your kitchen. There are products for the office, and for time management, as well.

It will take you less time than you think to get organized, and you'll feel great about finishing this project!

Update Your Kitchen - Even If You Are On A Budget

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, and one that you may want to redecorate first. If you can't afford new appliances, countertops, fixtures, and floors, don't despair! You can update your kitchen even if you are on a modest budget.

First, give some thought to how your kitchen is used. Do you entertain a lot? Do you need more storage? What is it about your kitchen that you don't like, or that you're uncomfortable with? Do your children use the kitchen to do their homework, or school projects? What color is your kitchen - are you happy with the color? What kind of shape are your cabinets in? Do you need more organization and storage?

Even if you have a living room, great room, and/or a family room, we often find everyone congregating in the kitchen. It tends to e the most important room in the home. The kitchen is the place where food is prepared and shared, an important gathering place for activities and chats, and often the most warm and cozy room in the house.

I once had an apartment in New York City with a very small kitchen - we're talking very, very small. Whenever I had guests over I noticed that everyone would gravitate to the kitchen! There was hardly enough room to turn around - imagine, I was trying to cook or prepare drinks and there would be 6 or more people trying to crowd in! We couldn't move. Something had to give.

After giving it a lot of thought, I had part of the wall between the kitchen and the dining area cut out to create a pass-through. We added a granite counter/ledge to create a bar-like area. After making this simple change, I could banish everyone from the kitchen without anyone feeling "left out".

Here are some other ideas for mixing the old with the new, making the most of limited space, and creating your dream kitchen even if you are on a budget:

1. If your cabinets are in good repair, paint them instead of replacing them. Even old laminate cabinets can be painted. Ask at the hardware or paint store for a good primer that sticks well to laminate surfaces. If your cabinets must be replaced, save money by ordering them unfinished and paint them yourself.
2. Cover imperfections in the floors with a rug. Take a look at Natural Area Rugs you can buy sturdy area rugs direct from the manufacturers and save up to 80%! These type of natural rugs are a good choice for the kitchen, and cost effective. Bamboo or seagrass rugs add warmth, and can be an economical upgrade from a worn vinyl floor.
   
3. If your kitchen has a nice private view, leave the window curtainless to open up the room. When you let in more light, you'll make the space feel less cluttered. Alternatively, use blinds that can be opened completely during the day, and then closed at night when you want more privacy.
   
4. Paint the walls a bright new color. Add some fabric accents in contrasting colors to create a completely new look. Think placemats, napkins, tablecloths, seat cushions, etc.
   
5. Update your lighting, if possible. The more light you bring in, the more cheerful, and welcoming your kitchen will be. You can find great light fixtures online. I like Bellacor.com; they have the largest online source for lighting and home furnishings. Their prices are great, and they offer free shipping. Not to be missed.
   
6. The kitchen is a great space in which to display your collectibles. Do you have a collection of colorful mixing bowls, or glassware? Display them on open shelves to add interest and color. Vintage kitchen linens, old bottles or china make beautiful displays on shelves, or hanging on the walls. Check out the flea markets, and discount stores like TJMaxx or Tuesday Morning for bargains. Alternatively, you can use artwork on the walls to update your kitchen. Did you ever think about framing some of your children's artwork? You can also find nice framed prints at ArtprintCollection.com , or BestArt.com at great prices.
   

Home Decor Ideas - The Six Basics for Budget Decorating

Express your personal style! Decorating your home allows you to have fun and be creative. Keep the following six basics in mind as you approach your project, and remember that with a little imagination, you can realize your dreams.

1. Paint. This is always the least expensive way to change the look of any room, and often you can do the job yourself. Go neutral and light, or bright and bold. Think about the look that you want to achieve. Look at magazines and advertising brochures to get some great ideas.
2. Slipcovers. You can find custom or ready made slipcovers to cover worn furniture. As long as the furniture has good structure, slip covers can make a blah room look like new.
3. Fabrics. For maximum impact, use colorful fabrics to brighten a room. Contrasting or matching throw pillows, table covers, or linens can make a major difference in an otherwise lackluster room. Check your closets for items you may already have; flea markets, and fabric stores often have great finds, too. You can also make a splash with area rugs that complement your setting. I like Rugs Express because they offer free shipping, and have low prices for nice quality area rugs.
   
4. Artwork. You may have artwork that you haven't thought of using. A grouping of architectural shots from your last vacation can make an interesting accent to a room. Take a look at ArtprintCollection.com , they offer high quality canvas-textured art prints. BestArt.com also offers framed art at great prices.
5. Collectibles. Do you have a collection that is stored in an attic or closet. Make use of collectibles such as art glass, pottery in bright and complementary shades and shapes, or vintage quilts, for example. You can find contemporary pieces in retail stores, or other decorative touches that are not expensive at flea markets and antique fairs. Use collectibles that you like - whether they are seashells and stones, or fancy Limoges porcelain collectibles.
   
6. Windows. There are so many beautiful window treatments available online or at retail stores. When you change the window covering, you change the amount of light that is available in a room, changing the mood of the room. Do you want a bright and airy room, or something more subdued? You can make big changes to the mood and feeling of a room just by changing the window treatments.

Stick with the basics, and watch your rooms take on a new peersonality - one that expresses who you are, and your personal style.

Inspiring Home Decorating Ideas

Transform your home inside and out with great ideas for decorating your home. Whether you are on a tight home decorating budget, or the sky's the limit, we'll bring you home decorating ideas that you'll love.

Home improvements can be an exciting but challenging process. Whether your goal is to make your living space more functional or to create a look that suits your personal taste, realizing your dreams is often frustrating - especially if you are on a limited budget. It's often difficult just knowing where or how to begin.

We'll bring you solutions for transforming every room in your house, with valuable ideas for everything from seasonal makeovers to simple do-it-yourself home decorating projects. From your living rooms and bedrooms to kitchen and bath - you'll find the ideas here. You don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a stylish renovation - fabric, paint, and other decorative details can make a major impact on your space at a minimal cost.

Check back often for all the best home decorating ideas.