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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Kitchen Countertop Dilemma

I recently read a post on the DIY Showoff Blog that showcased Jane’s newly renovated kitchen.  Jane used a product called Giani Granite Paint for Countertops to transform her boring laminate countertops to a granite-look surface.  I updated our kitchen cabinets a couple years ago by re-staining them, and now it’s time to take the updates to the next level by changing the countertops and backsplash.   Here’s a look at our kitchen now:

IMG_0401  IMG_0403

DSC01466

I was inspired by Jane’s results and intrigued by the Giani product because of its low cost  and easy DIY application.  Plus, we can’t agree on anything else!  The main problem is that we have an island that is already topped with a nice slab of real granite, so we need something that will coordinate.   DSC01359I really don’t want a “painted” granite look, but upon further inspection, the company also offers solid-look stainless steel and jet black versions, which could work in our kitchen.  Hubby likes the idea, so now we just have to decide on which color to try.

The stainless steel:

Or the black:

Do you think the black would be too dark with our dark wood cabinets?  I’m thinking a glass tile backsplash would brighten things up.  By saving money on the countertops we could splurge on a fun backsplash.  Maybe something like these:

 

We have black ovens, stovetop, and dishwasher, and stainless steel sink, refrigerator and microwave.  The walls are a neutral light golden khaki color and all the trim will stay white.

I am so bad at making decisions! What do you guys think??  Take a moment and let me know by answering my poll over on the left side bar.  Thanks!

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11 comments:

  1. I think with your color cabinets, I would go for the stainless steel, but do love the black look too (gave me an idea for my kitchen!)
    and I LOVE the last option for backsplash! Love glass tiles!
    Can't wait to see what you chose

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  2. So love the idea of the glass bksplach. My favs are 2 and 3
    Cheri

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  3. I like the idea of the stainless steel look for the countertops...I do think the solid black may be too dark with the cabinets. I love glass backsplashes...think that will look great with your "new" countertop.

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  4. My daughter has dark cabinets like yours and she has the black granite and it looks fabulous. She used a backsplash similar to the first one you show. Her kitchen looks like a million dollars. I think the stainless would almost be too glaring and way too modern. Good luck on your decision. Hugs, Marty

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  5. love your cabinets- think that the black tops are to dark- love the glass tiles.

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  6. I voted for the black counters and I love the #2 backsplash. I have dark cabinets and black uba tuba granite in my kitchen and it looks great. My walls are a horrible red and need updating, but the color cabinets and black counters look beautiful together. Good luck!

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  7. I feel bad, I don't want to add another opinion to the mix and confuse you more!

    Still, you asked. I am always thinking in terms of resale potential and overall design longevity. The black, while beautiful, would turn off many people that just aren't into dark colors anywhere. I would go with the stainless to brighten it up. Everyone loves stainless, not everyone loves black.

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  8. I'm so indecisive too! haha

    But, I say do the stainless steel and that last glass tile option. SO pretty! ;)

    Roeshel
    Thanks for the reminder for the hunt and link! You're so good to me! :)

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  9. Wow, this is a hard decision. I LOVE black counters with white cabinets (This is how the barefoot contessa's kitchen is). But, with your dark cabinets, I'm not sure.

    If you did the stainless, it would look pretty modern, especially with the 3rd tile choice.

    If you did black, with the 1st tile, it would look more traditional.

    You might need to paint the walls a slightly lighter color to brighten it all up. and maybe under cabinet lighting would do the trick. :)

    Also, if you hung the little curtain at the top of the wall, the bottom of the curtain would cover the top trim of the window, making the window look bigger and letting in even more natural light. (which is always a good thing).

    Well, I'm all out of ideas now. :)

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  10. I really like the idea of the black countertops with off-white cabinets. Thanks so much for this post. I've been looking for a way to spiff up our countertops. This is perfect!

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  11. I love what you're doing! I have granite(came with the house).I like it. But, I'm always afraid I'll do something to it. Like chip it, scratch it etc.. I wrote and eHow article months ago about painting Formica. With all the options you have gone over...I think it's going to look great! And, granite isn't all that great.(just my opinion)There are cons to granite. This is a great way to go/spiff up countertops!

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Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear what you have to say!

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