Home Remodeling Guide >>  Kitchen Guide >>  10 Easy Steps to Your Dream Kitchen

Step 1  •   Step 2  •   Step 3  •   Step 4  •   Step 5  •   Step 6  •   Step 7  •   STEP 8  •   Step 9  •   Step 10

Kitchen Countertops

The use of stone as a countertop material has existed for many hundreds of years. Born out of necessity in the European homes of the past, large slabs of marble and limestone served their purpose as durable and functional surfaces. Man has created many different materials since this first countertop of stone, but even today, most will agree that nature has provided us with the most beautiful and functional material for the kitchen.

Take a moment to visualize your ideal kitchen. Not everyone's vision will be the same, but natural stone usually enters the picture somewhere. When designed creatively, your kitchen can transform even the mundane task of cooking into a sensory adventure. Close your eyes. Can you smell the aroma of the warm tangy spices as they simmer on the cooktop? Do you hear the gentle hiss as a cork escapes a perfectly aged bottle of wine? When you open your eyes, what do you want to see? Is your dream kitchen one that reflects the sleek, clean lines of Asian-inspired simplicity or the old-world charm of a French country estate? Maybe you are seeking something a little more traditional or whimsical, or perhaps you yearn for the authentic look of nature with its rugged and rustic charm. Whatever your tastes, your dreams can be accomplished through the use of natural stone materials juxtaposed one against the other creating visual and tactile excitement.

With the kitchen becoming one of the most predominant living areas within the home, why not make it a feast for the senses? Even when working with a limited budget, designing a kitchen that is unique, exciting, and upscale is now more possible than ever.

Be aware that the porous surface and unfilled holes of stone countertops can collect debris during food preparation. To be safe, consider sealing or filling and use a cutting board routinely.