DEAR Marc,
I am living in a small and ordinary condo, purchased at the very highest time. In order to sell it quickly for the highest possible price, I've begun to upgrade the unit. In the kitchen, I have so far done the following: medium-toned hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. Because there is minimal light in the kitchen, I am looking at the lightest possible colours for the countertop. I love marble but it doesn't seem practical and granite doesn't have real light colours. Any suggestions?
Bea
Dear Bea,
Upgrading your condo is a great investment! Kitchens are at the heart of the home and they are usually the room that sells the house when potential buyers are browsing though your home.
There are many different factors that come into play when choosing kitchen countertops as they will tie your entire kitchen design together with the use of your set colour scheme. I personally love a clean look for a kitchen. Although granite is a great option, you will have a challenge finding a neutral/light-coloured granite. Granite is all about character and a one-of-a-kind look.
There are alternative products on the market that might better suit your look and budget. When you are looking for something specific in light colours, you may opt to look for products such as quartz countertops. Quartz is a great alternative to granite and comes in a variety of different styles. It is also very durable and comes in every colour imaginable including white. The product is easy to maintain and usually comes as a scratch, stain and heat resistant countertop.
Judging by the design elements you have chosen, you will want countertops that create a statement, yet blend into your overall design. To ensure this, be sure to choose a contrasting colour for your walls. There is nothing worse than having white walls with white countertops. It's just too boring for the statement we want to make.
I would also suggest upgrading your lighting. Lighting impacts your overall design and you can't hide bad lighting, no matter how much money you spend on the rest of your design. Invest in quality fixtures that exude more light than your current fixtures. Light affects your colours and the overall mood of the room. Proper lighting will make your space more appealing to potential buyers. If you have a window in your kitchen, be sure to choose window coverings that allow lots of natural light which will again help with your lighting problem.
Once you have upgraded your countertops and light fixtures, simply add a few colourful accessories which will bring vibrancy and energy to your space.
Marc Atiyolil is the editor-in-chief of Canadian Home Trends, Canadas Home Decor & Lifestyle Magazine. To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit CanadianHomeTrends.ca.
-- Canwest News Service
