Considering a Kitchen Makeover?
Designers agree - don't give up on granite.
By Wendy Gilbert

So you're considering a kitchen renovation. Starting with new countertops? There's little doubt that replacing your old laminate with something a bit more durable and good looking is a great way to go.

Deborah Dickson, co-owner of Elite Kitchens has a couple of suggestions for you. First of all, don't assume a granite counter top is out of reach. "Granite is really popular these days. There is a perception that it is expensive, but granite has come down in price in recent years," Dickson said.

The range of colors and patterns is an attractive quality of this durable and natural material. However, Dickson notes that, "the patterns don't always line up."

If having perfectly symmetrical lines in your kitchen is important to you, consider granite with less intricate patterns. There are plenty of solid colors with metallic flecks that might end up more pleasing to your eye.

"People are really drawn to granite because it is so pretty, but it gets a little tricky when they butt together. The manufacturers work hard to keep that from becoming a problem, but it is a natural material."

Such a stunning change can really make a difference in any kitchen and if your kitchen is on the small side, don't avoid granite until you've done a little investigating.

In addition to replacing worn, outdated or scarred countertops, Dickson advises taking a look at the entire kitchen, including the cabinets when planning a renovation. "Look at how long the cabinets are going to last. Do you need to reconfigure the whole kitchen?"

Perhaps your makeover requires more than just a new granite countertop. It could be time to modernize a little bit by adding and island or little accent pieces near the cabinets. They don't have to match.

"Look at changing things while you are at it," Dickson advises.

One way to add the look of a more spacious kitchen is to clear off the counters. A few minutes spent de-cluttering each week will keep those little piles from getting out of hand.

Minimize the appliances and decorative pieces on the countertops. Only make iced tea in the summertime? Put your iced tea maker in a cabinet during cool months.

If there is an option for an appliance, like a can opener or CD player that you can hang from overhead cabinets, look into it.

Do everything you can to provide the chef of the house with room to work and the clean-up crew the same.
Adding natural or artificial light in the kitchen also provides a more spacious feel to the room. Consider light filtering curtains and blinds or even removing them altogether. Create a sense of privacy by hanging translucent or transparent decorative pieces like stained glass or bead strands in front of the open window.

Choose bright colors that reflect light and make sure you choose light fixtures that brighten the kitchen.
Ponder the kitchen space workflow as well. When considering a kitchen remodel, the placement of work spaces is important. Think about how you cook and who is helping (or not helping). Correct placement of appliances will keep your dream kitchen from becoming a nightmare.

This is especially important when considering an island. According to Blue Arnold, CKD, CBD, with Kitchens By Request, Jarrettsville, islands present a challenge and an opportunity.

"The most important thing is to remember that you need enough space all around the island. Always try to keep a minimum of 42 inches between countertop spaces," Arnold noted. The old rule of thumb was 36 inches.
Are Americans getting bigger?

The rules can be bent a little, especially when remodeling, but if you bend the rules too far, it becomes impossible to move around.

The space between the island and the countertop increases if there is another cook in kitchen. "The recommendation is 48 inches of space for multiple cooks," Arnold said.

The old expression "too many cooks in the kitchen" probably came from a cook who was cooking in a kitchen designed for one and infiltrated by at least one more.

Another consideration is the flow of "traffic" on the back side of the island.

Think "dinner's ready?" and visualize the charge to your Chicken Cacciatore.

If the hungry diners are passing behind the first arrivals, allow 44 inches of space whenever possible.

When considering adding an island to kitchen space, Arnold notes that bigger is not always better.

To make the most of a small space, he often opts for cabinets that are substantially less deep than most - about 12 inches.

"Adequate lighting is very important. We recommend pendant fixtures for really good task lighting. They can be whimsical, traditional or contemporary.

"An island is a great way to add space and it doesn't need to match the cabinets. It always looks nice and adds drama and is also functional."

Arnold also recommends taking this opportunity to be a bit more lavish. Even a small island with a marble or granite countertop can do wonders for the overall look of a kitchen.

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