12 Ways A Kitchen Countertop Changes Everything

emilyphillips says:

Love the contrast of neutrals in the kitchen by Ilija Mirceski. Would love to learn more about the the different countertops options as we are considering to replace our contertop in the near future. Thanks!

Linda Paul says:

Those are some very nice countertop examples and very pretty kitchens too

moderngirl says:

I like the one that floats around the wall in photo #3 (Schwartz and Architecture).
Great ideabook.

eclecticgirl says:

The blue countertop is gorgeous!

diva2009 says:

Great examples. Any thoughts about stainless steal countertops?

T. K. says:

I am a big fan of stainless steel countertops and also as a backsplash. Great for cooking(doesn't dent, heat resistant, sanitary) It has as an amazing glow when
there is lighting under cabinets. My choice for countertops!

Abbey Koplovitz says:

Susan-- Jonathan cutler is a real life friend of mine (so talented and nice and a good business person). Especially interesting is that his personal taste is SUPER modern. Also that one w/two islands that you did gives me inspiration for a current project. Think I will print it and show my client.

pwalter says:

Perfect timing! I'm about to replace my countertops and this has been very helpful. www.satisfiedsole.com

sophie777 says:

Have never seen stained glass in kit. cabinet doors before--very intriguing!

Becky Harris says:

My favorite is this black soapstone with a white vein going through it that my cousin journeyed to New Jersey to find. I can't help but show the before and after on this one:

Susan Serra, CKD says:

Emily, quite honestly, the options are endless! Take it one step at a time, but try to find a general look you like best, then see if you think it will work with your own space. Look at some of the points above that I mentioned. Step by step!

lindapaul...thanks a bunch!

moderngirl...love that one too. Strong texture on the wall, love it.

eclecticgirl...It's pretty crazy. It has depth to it too and almost looks handcrafted.

diva2009...Stainless steel can be a great countertop for several reasons, but unless you're ok with a patina that will happen over time, it may not be for you. I like stainless steel in a very, very thin, 1/4" piece rather than the thicker, 1 1/2" thick countertops.

tkim...yes, you're right about "that glow." It's its own reflective element in the kitchen and looks terrific in many cases.

abbeyk...It's a nice kitchen, especially that blue. Funny you say that. Everything think I'm very traditional because that IS most of what I do, but the opposite is true. I like modern design, personally, for my own kitchen!

pwalter...glad to have helped!

sophie777...oh yes, the possibilities are really endless. I like leaded glass, the sort of nickel/pewter lead look to separate the lites in the doors. Love that look.

becky...love that before and after shot, that's a huge difference! I like the contrast, it's so classic. I'll bet that white vein is perfect too!

merav says:

how about backsplash? I have a 1980's kitchen with real wood cabinets (which I plan on painting dark gray). The problem is the floor in this kitchen- orange/bronze colored tiles. I do not plan on putting in new floors (we have enough work already :) ). And will most likely will go with a wooden countertop. Any suggestion for backsplash color and materials?

Susan Serra, CKD says:

Merav...I wish I could help you. Not knowing the shades and tones and textures of your materials and how they work together, including other design or architectural elements in the room, makes it impossible for me to offer sound advice. I would not want to recommend something based on your words alone, above, which might be very wrong, since a backsplash is meant to last for many years. I do appreciate the question. :)

arikay says:

I LOVE the last photo with the beautiful granite and white/cream cabinets and wood floor. So classic, classy and warm!

Susan Serra, CKD says:

Glad it "speaks" to you!! Warm is the word! Well, I'll take the other words too!!