Kitchens and master bathrooms are among the most popular home renovation projects for homeowners. Unfortunately, a complete renovation for either of these rooms can be quite expensive. If you can’t afford a complete renovation for your kitchen or bathroom, you still have options. Perhaps you don’t need a complete room renovation. Maybe, you can refresh your space with a partial renovation that will seem like a complete transformation.

Countertops make a big impression in the kitchen and bathroom. If you can’t afford (or don’t need) a complete kitchen or bathroom renovation, replacing the countertops might provide the update you need, without the added cost. In fact, you can likely replace the countertops in both your kitchen and bathroom for less than the cost of a complete renovation for one room.

How To Keep Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Costs Affordable

On average, a complete kitchen remodel costs over $25,000. For many homeowners, this cost is simply unattainable. Whether you’re trying to update your home in preparation to put it on the market, or dreaming of a modern space you’ll fall in love with all over again, the cost of a complete remodel might not be your best option.

Consider these options to lower the cost of your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Keep your existing cabinets.
Replace your countertops with new options that provide modern patterns and quality materials.
Make big statements with a partial renovation.
Keep your existing appliances and avoid moving them around.
Make a statement with a showpiece countertop or new kitchen island.
Find creative ways to get the pieces you really want.

Matching Countertops with Your Existing Decor

Countertops are a focal point in both kitchens and bathrooms. Luckily, replacing your countertops can provide a bigger impact and cost considerably less than replacing cabinets. Since countertops often use natural materials and come in a variety of colors and styles, they can match practically any type of decor you already have in your home. When you’re ready to shop for new countertops, take inventory of your existing home decor and learn which trends can update your kitchen while complementing your home’s best features.

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The Best Countertops for Dark Kitchens

When you’re completing a partial renovation that will make your kitchen feel new again, it’s important to take into consideration the importance of your existing colors. If your kitchen is mostly dark with dark cabinets, you may want to consider a light-colored natural material like quartz or granite for an appealing contrast. Still, contrasting your dark cabinets with lighter countertops doesn’t mean you’re confined to stark white.

Consider these options for the perfect contrast in your dark kitchen.

Modern White: White countertops paired with dark wood provides a crisp, bright look that brightens the entire kitchen.
Light and Creamy Natural Materials: Granite and quartz offer a variety of natural stone appearances in creamy colors that balance dark kitchens nicely.
Cool Gray: If your cabinets are on the lighter side of the dark wood spectrum, cool grays can provide a nice blend.
Go for Gold: Metallic colors can provide the same contrast as lights and gold accents can bring out the warm tones in your wood.
Using Color: Natural materials like granite and quartz have a variety of colors that naturally occur in the pattern.

The Best Countertops for Light Kitchens

Matching your new kitchen countertops to the existing colors in your light kitchen doesn’t mean you’ll simply replace your countertops with a newer version of what you already have. Light kitchens provide an airy feel and can be updated with a variety of options. For instance, white cabinets can really stand out with a contrasting showcase glossy black granite countertop. Conversely, some modern kitchens strive for a minimalist look with a monochromatic color scheme. While white cabinets paired with white countertops don’t provide an immediate contrast, the matching color scheme will make a focal point of accessories.

Consider these countertop options for your light kitchen.

Minimalist White: White with white provides a modern look.
Glossy Black: Glossy black granite provides a great showcase countertop.
Warm Natural Tones: The beauty of white means you can choose whether you want warm or cool tones. Warm, natural tones found in quartz and granite provide a natural match with accessories in your white kitchen.
Natural Gray: Grays found in natural stone pair nicely with white cabinets and light woods for just the right contrast.

Choosing New Countertops that Match Your Existing Bathroom Decor

For many people, creating a spa-like atmosphere in the master bathroom provides a relaxing beginning or end to a busy day. Still, a complete bathroom renovation can be pricey. Choosing countertops that take your master bathroom up a notch can be even easier than finding the perfect match for your kitchen. Bathroom countertops don’t take the same abuse as kitchen countertops, and they’re typically smaller, providing you with several options that center on appearance. When choosing colors and materials, bathroom countertops are only limited to soothing colors and water-resistant materials. Their small size means you may be able to take advantage of sales or purchase remnants for materials that are usually above-budget.

Providing the Finishing Touches with the Right Edges

In the same way that new hardware can update your cabinets, the right edging can provide the perfect finishing touch for your countertops. Matching your countertops to your existing decor is about more than color. It’s essential to take your home’s overall style and your family’s lifestyle into consideration. Edge profiles are typically divided into four categories.

Simple and Contemporary Edges: These edges are the most commonly used.
Transitional Edges: Often rounded, these edges match both contemporary and traditional kitchens and are common in high traffic areas.
Traditional Edges: Created with curvatures to enhance the elements of materials like granite, traditional edges are often used on kitchen islands.
Stacked Edges: Designed to create the appearance of a thicker, more dramatic countertop, these edges stack two styles together for a new look.
Custom Edges: Have an idea of your own that you haven’t seen before? Ask your edge profile specialist if they can create what you’re looking for.

Refreshing your home with new countertops can provide the transformation you’ve been seeking without the cost of a whole-room renovation. If you’re seeking new countertops in the St. Louis, Missouri area, explore the extensive gallery of beautiful selections from Arch City Granite & Marble. We can help you find the upgrade you’ve been looking for at a price you can afford.
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