We are choosing new counter tops. I knew it was a big decision and thought I had steeled myself for this part of my kitchen transformation but.....whaaaaa...it's a difficult choice! I narrowed my decision between quartz and granite and after researching both I decided to use quartz. It is a durable surface without the maintenance that comes with granite. They have a wide range of colors which brings me to the next decision...and that is where I am stuck! With the cost of replacing countertops I don't want to make the wrong choice. I did a show and tell about my kitchen in a previous post. If you recall, I have a bi-level bar. I would like to put one color on the bottom and another color on the top to break up the the same color through out the kitchen. Honestly, I would love to use a dark butcher block on the lower counter top but my Sweetie doesn't like that idea and he has to be happy with all of this too, especially since he does the dishes and the clean up after dinner.
Making choices is not my cup of tea. A few years ago I had to make a carpet choice for a house we lived in. We had converted the attic into a large family room; I had no problem choosing the paint colors and the rest of the finished items in that room but when it came to the carpet, I simply could not decide. Not only were we adding carpet to that room but we would be replacing the carpet through the rest of the house as well. I contacted carpet stores and asked for samples. With those in hand, I laid them on the sub-floor and tried to decide. This went on for weeks. In the end, we sold the house and provided a carpet allowance for the new owner. 
How can you have excitement and dread at the same time? That's where I am in choosing the color for the countertops. To avoid the repeat of the carpet dilemma I have given myself 2 weeks to make the final decision. I am so excited. It can take up to 45 days after the final decision and placing the order for the counters to be installed. After they are in I will decide on the color of the cabinets and the walls. Those should be easier choices, they can be changed with minimal costs. I have decided to go with the bead board for the back splash. Excitement and dread, they can keep your heart rate up!
Stay tuned for the transformation.
~willa~
Wow! That is a tough choice. My daughter has granite--black granite. She is always wiping and cleaning because it shows everything from water spots to dust to food. I have a multi-colored speckled on a dark brown background. Much easier to keep clean. If it were my choice, I would keep the lower portion the same material as the counters and make your top portion a different color. Sounds like an awesome job. Wish I was making it all again. I love remodeling!
ReplyDelete★Linda★
Willa, we remodeled our farmhouse-style home last year and chose quartz for our countertops. We love it and are very happy with it! I look forward to seeing what color you decide on.
ReplyDeleteOh boy Willa, I totally understand where you are coming from, I have paint swatches painted hither and yon on my walls that have been there for MONTHS and that's just paint, choosing counter tops is not one of those decisions you can change after the fact! Love your idea of having two different colours of quartz on your bar area, I think it will look fabulous. I was interested to read that you are going to choose the cabinet colour after you decide on the counter top, would it not be easier to do it vice a verse? Since I have never designed a kitchen I honestly have no idea, just thought choosing the cabinet colour first would narrow down your counter top choices. My Mom & Dad just re-did their kitchen and chose a granite with a cream background that has dark chocolate and charcoal inclusions; it looks amazing. How they ever decided though is beyond me; I get my inability to make decisions from my Mom so I am sure she was agonizing for weeks over it! Good luck and I am sure that whatever you choose will look divine, you have such exquisite taste! Deb
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information on the counter tops. I would like to replace mine and have no-clue what I want or where to begin! Can't wait to see what color you decided on.
ReplyDeletesandraallen260@centurytel.net
Hi.. we remodeled our kitchen 3 years ago and went with quartz, after our supplier told us all the cons of granite. Quartz doesn't scratch, it is not porous, you can chop and slice on it, you can set a hot pot on it and everything you spill comes right up..you can use a razor blade to scrape up the stubborn messes. Granite was not even in our plan....I think people are just finding our that granite is just not worth the upkeep. And Cambria quartz in made in America (Minnesota). Quartz is a winner for me.
ReplyDeleteDecisions, decisions......I understand completely. We are in the middle of a renovation....I mean a major renovation...I have the hardest time with everything. I have actually painted one bedroom 3 times....Blessings!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Southern California :-)
ReplyDeleteI added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to :-)
God Bless You, ~Ron
We started redoing our kitchen a long time ago and I've had a hard time making decisions, so it isn't done yet. Did a faux copper tin backsplash and are painting the cabinets white, but I still can't make up my mind on the countertops.
ReplyDeleteLOL!! I have to laugh through this post because this is SO me! I am a horrible decision maker! I've been trying to decide for two years what color to paint my dining room... for the whole first year, I had paint chips taped to the walls. Guess what... it's still not painted. I wish I could help you here, but as you can tell... I'm not good with decisions. I think you picked well in picking the quartz. I have heard more people end up going with it because it is easier to take care of. Best wishes on making a decision! =]
ReplyDeleteJust remember Willa, it has to look cottage so keep it lite with a little cottage color splash?
ReplyDeleteCarol