Get creative with what containers you have at home. Use canisters (like a large glass jar from pickles) to store dry goods in your kitchen pantry. Berry boxes, jam jars, and similar food containers can be wiped or washed out as well.

Small Vertica Wire Stacking Bin

These affordable stacking bins can hold anything from fruits and vegetables to spices, olive oil or bottles of wine.

16. Add dividers to give cabinets order

Utilize cabinet dividers to keep the kitchen knickknacks in their place. Measure canisters and containers to make sure everything will still fittheres nothing worse than buying something that makes your kitchen organization woes worse!

ROUFA 4Pcs Clear Acrylic Shelf Dividers

These acrylic dividers are a simple solution that will change your life from the moment theyre installed.

17. Use pull-out shelves

For a kitchen cabinet thats a bit awkwardperhaps its really short or super deepadd functionality with a pull-out drawer organizer combined with a pot rack to reveal neatly stacked cookware. You wont ever have to crawl into the cabinet to grab a pot from the back or avoid a cacophonous avalanche that comes with looking for an errant pot lid.

Smart Design Pull Out Cabinet Shelf

Whether youre simply not tall enough to get your hands to the back of the cabinet or just want your pots and pans stacked in a more aesthetic way, these are a must-have.

18. Rack and stack baking sheets and cutting boards

The same principle with pot racks applies to baking sheets and cutting boards. Stop piling up sheets in the oven and arrange them neatly so you dont have to shuffle the deck before baking the next batch of cookies.

YouCopia StoreMore Adjustable Bakeware Rack

So many things can be stored standing upright. Plus, this doubles as a drying rack.

19. Organize lids with dividers

A kitchen cabinet with a bevy of lids might as well be chaos. Keep them all in one place with dividers, which you can also use for all those insulating sleeves youve collected over the years.

YouCopia StoraLid Container Lid Organizer

Again, more upright storageit just makes sense, especially for those slippery Tupperware lids.

20. Employ a lazy Susan for a kitchen cabinet or countertop

Even if you have a spice rack in your kitchen cabinets, no one wants to take out every bottle and tin just to find the paprika. For those oft-used spices and condiments, place a lazy Susan on a countertop or kitchen cabinet to shorten the search.

A Lazy Susan does all of the hard work for you, keeping your kitchen organized and easily accessible, letting you be the lazy one.

21. Use a divider to stack pots and pans

Although it might seem like a half-step above just piling everything on top of one another, using a divider for pots and pans will help make everything easy to findplus, youre less likely to start a kitchen cabinet avalanche. Cabinet dividers can also be used to stack cutting boards, oven pans, and all the cheeseboards youve been gifted for every occasion since college.

Never hear the clang-clang-clang of organizing cast iron pans again.

22. Add a rolling can holder

Cardboard can holders hold their shape for about as long as it takes to get from the grocery store to the kitchen. But at that point, its anyones guess as to when theyll pop open and release a cascade of aluminum cans. Avoid that hassleand the unsightly look of a torn-up cardboard box in your fridge or cabinetswith a polished version that will last forever.

Hold Everything Metal Powder Coat Soda Can Bin

Another solution for things that tend to take up space in a completely unorganized manner: A soda bin will make it easy to keep your Spindrifts and Ghias in their rightful place.

23. Use risers to get more storage in each shelf

Take advantage of that empty vertical space by placing risers in cabinets. This will help keep items separated so you dont have to try to pick something out of the middle of a huge stack.

If your cupboards have high ceilings, double your storage with these svelte, lightweight shelves.

24. Make use of cabinet doors

The inside of your cabinet doors is filled with storage possibilities. Install hooks to store pans, lids, or serving and measuring spoons, or add a slim rack to stash pot lids or boxes of foil and plastic wrap. Sure, you might have to inch back the contents of your cabinets just slightly, but youll be happy to do it when you open the door and see this supremely organized situation.

Over-the-Cabinet Door Organizer Holder

Especially short on counter and cupboard space? Throw one of these over your kitchen door and have cutting boards all in one place, high off the ground.

25. Keep cutlery from rolling around

Every time you open a cutlery drawer, the silverware gets jostled unless you have something keeping it all in place. Invest in nice drawer dividers to keep everything together for easier table setting, or grab a utensil holder that looks chic and orderly.

Tower Expandable Cutlery Drawer Organizer

A nice cutlery divider drawer will stave off the numerous headaches that come with an expanding collection of knives and flatware.

26. Stick the knives

The last thing you want is to cut yourself when youre digging for a knife. To avoid that fate, get a countertop knife block, a knife divider for the drawer, or a magnetic strip to show off the best chefs knives.

Fox Run Brands Magnetic Knife Holder

We are big fans of putting the knives up on the wall.

27. Place clingy liners in drawers

Beyond silverware, kitchen toolslike whisks and spatulasarent usually uniform pieces that can be stacked on top of one another in a drawer divider. Using a clingy liner can help keep gear in place.

Duck Brand Clear Classic Shelf Liner, 2 Rolls

Immediately make searching for your favorite spatula a thoughtless process.

28. Invest in a label maker

A kitchen in order means that the cabinets are also organized, especially when it comes to food storage containersyou cant rely on sight or smell to distinguish all-purpose flour from cake flour. Keep a label maker on hand, perhaps in an organizer storage bin for odds and ends that find their way into a kitchen drawer.

Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine

The label makers in our houses are literally never allowed to miss an organization party.

29. Step up with a ladder

Maximizing cabinet organization means using the upper cabinets and even the space above. But unless youre tall enough to be in a basketball league, how do you reach anything you put up there? With a step ladder, of course. Look for one thin enough to slide into the space between your fridge or oven.

Kingrack Aluminium 3 Step Ladder

Dont climb on the counters, its just not worth it.

30. Start hanging up cooking gear

Weve already looked at the space in and above your upper cabinets, but what about the rest of the ceiling? A pot rack hung from your ceiling can take advantage of otherwise wasted vertical space, and any frequently used tools that happen to have holes in themslotted spoons, rubber spatulas, and the likealso make good candidates. Just avoid using anything that is heavier than what the rack is rated to carry or anything sharp or potentially dangerous, such as knives and kitchen torches.

Maple Hanging Bar Pot Rack

A pot rack frees up space in your cupboards and keeps your most cherished cookware at eye level.

31. Wine-bottle holder for the fridge

Wine bottles might look great on the bar cart, but you probably prefer drinking chilled white wines, rather than those that have sat at room temperature. However, unless you have room to stand them upright, youll need a wine bottle holder to not only keep them organized but also prevent them from rolling out and shattering, which is the number one way to kill the vibe.

mDesign Plastic Free-Standing Wine Set Rack

Cant have a wine cellar? Thats ok, neither can we. A wine rack like this one keeps your humble collection safe while your finer bottles remain on display.

32. Adjustable fridge drawer storage rack

Similar to kitchen cabinets, fridges tend to have a lot of lost vertical space and not a lot of ways to adjust the shelf heights. Luckily humanity has come up with insertable drawer storage racks, which take advantage of the space under a fridge shelf.

Fridge Drawer Organizer 4 Pack Retractable Drawer

Free up some ever precious fridge space by adding retractable drawers that make your space grow almost exponentially.

33. Stackable fridge bins

If you dont necessarily need more vertical space, but you need to keep similar items grouped together, consider stackable fridge bins to keep like items together. No more looking for that chunk of cheddar.

IDESIGN Wide Fridge Bins Tray Clear

Another perfect solution for organizing your refrigerator; you cant go wrong with the Container Store.

34. Add a paper towel holder

Place a magnetized paper towel holder on the side of the fridge to clear up the valuable real estate that is the kitchen counter.

Magnetic Paper Towel Holder

A magnetic paper towel holder like this one wont require any actual setup and can easily be moved around to suit your needs.

35. Implement the side for extra storage

Besides being very easy to install (just stick it there), a magnetic shelf is also, of course, removable: perfect for renters.

Yamazaki Magnetic Spice Rack

Spices deserve a place of their own and Yamazaki are masters at finding things a neatly designed home.

36. Find a use for sentimental items

It doesnt technically belong in the kitchen if its a sentimental item [because] if youre not using it in the kitchen, then its not a kitchen tool, Cattano says. She notes that this applies to items that are kitchen-related but you never actually use for culinary purposes. Take advantage of nostalgic pieces that could hold things. If you rarely use your grandmas glass gravy boat, use it as a candy bowl to encourage guests to eat all the sweets and snacks you want out of the house.

Artichaut Heritage Gravy Boat

Remembering that things dont have to serve just one purpose will make decorating and organizing that much more fun.

37. Place stand mixer attachments in the bowl

Unless you have every accessory, the basic attachments that come with a stand mixer can all fit in the mixing bowl. And since stand mixers tend to take up quite a bit of counter space, this can help reclaim the territory in kitchen drawers. Line the bowl with a clean dish rag to prevent scratches.

38. Use glass storage as cookware

Plastic food storage containers, like Tupperware, cant be put in an oven since theyd melt. But glass storage containers can double as bakewareor even work triple duty as bowlsif your kitchen cabinets are lacking space.

Pyrex Simply Store 18-Pc Glass Food Storage Containers

That gourmet macaroni and cheese isnt going to cook itself.

39. Multitask with glassware

If youre tight on space for glassware, think about using Ball glass mason jars as both storage and extra cups for unexpected guests (and their plus ones). Cheugy? Admittedly yes, but no one will complain once its in their hands and full of beer.

Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, (Set of 3)

Just get Mason jars, you wont regret it. They may be everywhere, but you can use them in so many creative ways that youll never regret having them around.

40. Removable over-the-sink dish rack

Counter space is always at a premium, but theres an easy fix: Get a dish rack that fits over the sink. The best part is that you wont have to worry about residual water spilling out onto the counters.

Five Two Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack

Ditch those moldy towels and let gravity do the work.

41. Stick magnetic hooks on the fridge

Dish rags, seasonal kitchen towels, and oven mitts can all find a new and easily accessible home on the front or side of a stainless steel fridge. And instead of losing cutesy measuring spoons in your kitchen drawers, you can also hang them from the hooks.

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47 Kitchen Organization Ideas That Declutter Cabinets, Countertops, and More - Architectural Digest

While the clothes steamer is a kitchen superhero, it's not invincible. The steam cleaning method works best on non-porous surfaces like quartz and stainless steel, where the steam can work effectively. Non-porous materials prevent the absorption of moisture, making them unlikely to get damaged by the heat and water in the steam.

Unfortunately, porous surfaces like wood and marble, even when sealed, are not ideal candidates for periodic steam cleaning due to the microscopic openings in their surface. The moisture can damage these materials, compromising their integrity over time. Excessive moisture absorption can lead to swelling, warping, or discoloration, particularly in the case of wood. Also, since steam is hot, the heat it generates can cause the countertop material to expand, and then contract when it cools down. This expansion and contraction cycle can stress porous structures, potentially leading to cracks or other forms of structural damage, especially in materials like marble.For porous countertops, opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaners or specialized solutions recommended by the manufacturer. Disinfecting wipes are also effective for quick sanitization. Remember to follow proper cleaning guidelines for each specific material to ensure longevity and performance.

So, while the clothes steamer can be a kitchen cleaning game-changer, it's essential to tailor your approach based on the countertop material. By adopting the right cleaning method, you can maintain a kitchen that's not only visually appealing but also a safe, hygienic haven for all your culinary adventures.

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Grab This Laundry Staple To Give Your Kitchen Counters The Cleaning Of A Lifetime - House Digest

Kitchen countertops are possibly the hardest working element of the kitchen. A well-chosen work surface not only combines beauty and practicality, it can also be the star feature of your kitchen.

Busy, family kitchens need tough, hardworking kitchen countertops, not only to withstand a daily onslaught of use but to look contemporary, and stylish and complement your kitchen dcor. Designers are increasingly inspired by kitchen countertop trends to help finalize their choices, and Fixer Upper duo Chip and Joanna Gaines are no different.

A concrete counter, similar to the one in Joanna Gaines's Gristmill Kitchen, is a popular modern option, but also a controversial one that comes with many pros and cons, according to experts. Designed to withstand plenty of heavy-duty use, concrete comes in a range of standard concrete-mix colors and can be combined with pigments for stronger colors. Polished concrete countertops are flat and smooth, but concrete is porous and can stain. Concrete is also heavy so extra reinforcement may be required.

The use of concrete in our homes has had a resurgence in recent years, but this porous material, known for adding an industrial touch, comes with its limitations.

If food spills are left on concrete for a long period of time, it can cause staining. You may need a touch-up kit to minimize the appearance if this happens. You will need to use a food-grade sealer or finishing wax to prevent water and stain absorption. Concrete is an incredibly durable material, but is also prone to scratching.

It is also important to be aware that concrete can crack. Shrink-reducing additives and anti-crack reinforcing can help prevent larger cracks. Sudden temperature changes are the main cause so it's vital to introduce heating slowly and carefully. Choose a specialist installer with a quality track record. The finished surface should offer a good depth of tone and luster, with a hard-wearing finish.

If you do love the urban, industrial appeal of concrete, all is not lost. Hardwearing, easy to clean, and dust-mite resistant, its little wonder polished concrete surfaces are so popular. The industrial look is very on trend too, plus it pairs beautifully with timber kitchen cabinets for a 'rough luxe' look that is very of the now.

Make do like Joanna Gaines and team concrete counters with unfinished wood kitchen cabinet ideas, as seen in her on-set kitchen, used to film the popular cooking show, Magnolia Table. The balance of old and new is truly captivating. Plus, unpainted, oak cabinet kitchens, especially when paired with modern amenities and surfaces, are an aesthetic we predict will top kitchen trends in 2024.

Rattan Round Fruit Basket

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Joanna Gaines' controversial kitchen countertops come with these pros and cons | - Homes & Gardens

When you have marble countertops in the kitchen or bathroom, wiping up spills promptly is crucial, especially when dealing with acidic foods or beverages. Acids, found in items like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, can etch and stain marble surfaces. In the kitchen, other common acidic culprits include red wine, coffee, and tomato-based sauces. When left unchecked, these spills will penetrate the porous nature of marble, leaving stubborn stains that are challenging to remove without a deep cleaning or sometimes even a professional refinishing service, which can be both inconvenient and costly. If left alone, these acidic substances can also seep into the marble, causing discoloration.

While the kitchen is a high traffic area for acidic substances, in the bathroom, products like perfumes, toiletries, and even toothpaste may contain acids that can harm the marble surfaces. Prevention is key, and avoiding prolonged exposure of acidic materials to marble is the first line of defense.

To minimize the risk of stains, it's best to use cutting boards, coasters, and trivets. When spills occur, immediately blot the affected area with a soft, damp cloth to prevent the acidic liquid from seeping into the pores. Opt for a pH-neutral stone cleaner and gently wipe the surface. Periodic sealing of marble countertops creates a protective barrier, enhancing resistance to stains. Regular maintenance, cautious usage, and swift cleanup are the keys to preserving the pristine allure of marble countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid If You Have Marble Countertops - House Digest

Epoxy or resin-covered countertops became popular over the last couple of years due to TikTok. Amateur home renovators have shared this DIY project with their followers when updating their houses on a budget, touting it as a cheaper alternative to buying new countertops. When you search "epoxy countertops"on the platform, you get thousands of hits, giving you an endless parade of inspiration and how-to knowledge on how to do it in your own home. Rather than buying marble or quartz slabs which can cost on average$60 and $70 per square foot, respectively you can just buy a tub of epoxy and paint on faux veins to achieve a similar result. However, these results are meant to be temporary rather than permanent.

On average, with proper care and maintenance, epoxy countertops can last up to 10 years, which sounds like a lengthy amount of time. However, you have to be careful how you treat them. You can't let spills linger, or they will stain the resin; you can't put hot pots and pans on it without scorching the surface; and you need to avoid harsh cleaners, or you'll fade the surface. Some kits recommend only usingone-fifth of an inch of resin, which makes the surface more prone to peeling or cracking. Other times, DIYers don't prep the surface area well enough, which can lead to faster bubbling and peeling, leaving behind a weathered look.

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The Popular Countertop Trend The Property Brothers Want You To Avoid At All Costs - House Digest

It might seem obvious that waterfall countertops need to feature veining that continues across their entire design, but doing so is actually pretty hard to achieve. It needs to look like it came from one giant slab, but you usuallycan't get a slab large enough to achieve this effect. Because of this, using natural materials like marble, travertine, or granite can't guarantee you will have matching veining down the sides. To give you some context, the average marble slab is 10 feet long and 6 feet wide, but the average island is 6.5 feet long. This is usually the industry standard for slab size because producing something larger increases its weight and the difficulty of transporting and installing it.

So, to create a waterfall effect, you have to use a manufactured material such as quartz instead. Since it is manufactured rather than naturally made in the ground, this allows you to customize the vein placements, allowing you to have them match up. However, people who don't want quartz and instead have their hearts set on natural materials often need to choose between the material or not having the veins perfectly lined up. According to Napier, it's better to have the veins match.

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Erin Napier Shares An Essential Feature Every Waterfall Countertop Should Have - House Digest

Amazon is offering an exciting 45% discount on the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker. This compact, stainless-steel powerhouse is capable of producing 26 lbs of ice in two different sizes every day. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, this machines sleek and modern design will complement any space.

Featuring soft-touch electronic controls and LED indicators, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker makes the process of producing ice simple and effortless. With no installation required, you just need to plug in the unit, add water, and the machine starts creating batches of ice. Thanks to its 2.3-quart reservoir, you can produce a significant amount of ice without constantly refilling it.

Arguably, the most alluring aspect of this machine is its practicality and convenience. You dont need to worry about a bulky design or complicated setup. This ice maker fits comfortably on your countertop, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen, mini-bar, or office space.

Whether you are hosting a party, having a family gathering, or looking to satisfy your chilled drinks cravings on a hot summer day, the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker is an excellent choice for consistently providing fresh ice.

With energy-efficient operation and environmentally friendly refrigerant, this ice maker is not only good for you, but also for the environment. The built-in air outlet fan ensures the unit runs smoothly and quietly, allowing for ice production without disruptive noise.

Dont miss the chance to get this compact, efficient, and stylish addition to your beverages preparation at a highly discounted price. Access this deal on Amazon today and revolutionize your experience of having chilled drinks at your convenience with the Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker. The discount makes it an absolute steal!

This article was generated by an AI engine which may produce inaccurate information.

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Experience Ice-Making Effortlessly with Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker, 45% Off - The Inventory

Of course, there is no perfect countertop material, so even quartz has downsides. "The downside with this material is that it can be difficult to repair if you have a crack in it or a chipped corner," Jason Pietruszka told House Digest. However, cracks and chips are not common with quartz and often occur after improper installation, low-quality materials, extreme temperatures, or being hit by a heavy object. As long as you take care to maintain the stone, it should stay in good shape for years to come.

Because marble is porous, it's not always the best material for the kitchen. However, quartz's non-porous nature and some slabs' ability to appear like marble make it a good alternative. "It doesn't look fake like a porcelain slab,but sometimes it can be obvious that it is not 100% authentic marble," warned Pietruszka. "So you do have to be cautious of the product and look you are going for."

As for alternatives to quartz, Pietruszka said, "I would only ever recommend natural stones, porcelain (but only for backsplashes!!), or quartzite. If I had to pick a top recommendation, quartzite would be it. It is basically a quartz slab, but they mix in real pieces of natural marble. This ends up enhancing the look and feel of the product tremendously. You get all the benefits of using quartz, but the upgrade of having it look so much closer to real marble."

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Our Real Estate Expert Tells Us The Best Type Of Countertop Material For A Large Kitchen - House Digest

As an avid cook with a sizable collection of cookware, dishware, and small appliances, countertop space is valuable real estate in my kitchen. While I love cute olive oil bottles and salt and pepper grinders, these smaller items usually end up tucked away in a cabinet due to a lack of designated space to display them.

To make my kitchen counter more functional and aesthetically pleasing, I recently turned to a trend Ive been seeing all over my social media feedfooted serving boards. They can be used for anything, including holding small kitchen tchotchkes, organizing spices, protecting surfaces from hot dishes, and presenting food on dinner-party tablescapes.

During a recent Target run, I struck gold with this raised wooden trivet from Joanna Gaines Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line, and you can grab one for just $25 while the darker finish is still in stock.

Target

Even though I have a few serving boards already, I was drawn to this footed style because I loved how it can double as a countertop organizer when Im not using it to entertain. The elevated element added some dimension to my otherwise simple countertop setup of lined-up appliances.

The large surface area (10 by 13 inches) means its big enough to act as a landing spot for so many small items, and I like that the raised board protects the surrounding surface from scratches, spills, or hot foods. Ive found that it is easy to clean small spills like oil and spices by quickly wiping off the surface, though the brand doesnt recommend submerging it in water.

Shoppers agree, with one saying that its great for serving and displaying snacks, cheese, fruit, desserts and more. They also added that it is sturdy enough to hold even heavy serving dishes and platters. Plus, it can be used for more than just kitchen countertops. Another shopper noted that they absolutely love this trivet for decor and candles in their bathroom.

While I love this footed wood serving trivet in my kitchen, Hearth & Hand with Magnolias line at Target also has many more serving boards to choose from. Keep scrolling for a few more options that will quickly upgrade any countertop or table.

Target

Target

Target

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Our Shopping Writer Loves This $25 Trivet from Joanna Gaines' Brand - Food & Wine

Twenty years ago, when filmmaker Nancy Meyers featured a honed black granite countertop in her movie Somethings Gotta Give, she set off a design trend that reverberated throughout kitchens across the U.S. Two decades later, and interior designers are reporting a black countertop resurgence. The color exudes elegance and drama while making a bold statement, says Joe Carline, a partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design. Plus, it provides a sophisticated canvas for expressing design ideas.

Ahead, design experts share why you should consider a black countertop in 2024.

Black countertops are chameleons and can adapt to pretty much any kitchen stylewhether theyre enhancing an ultra-modern design, adding drama to a farmhouse setting, or evoking a coastal chic or cozy cottage vibe. Their versatile nature allows for both an elevated and relaxed aesthetic.

Black countertops effortlessly adapt to various design styles to create a cohesive feel, says Becky Shea, creative director at BS/D, who likes pairing them with natural woods, softer color palettes, and casual decor.

Choosing complementary accessories is key to making black countertops work in any style kitchen, notes Marie Cloud, owner and principal designer at Indigo Pruitt Design Studio. With coastal and cottage styles, for example, black countertops add contrast and depth against lighter and softer elements.

Ashley Maddox, a kitchen and bath designer at District Cabinets, loves accessorizing black countertops in French country kitchens. Picture pewter-colored cabinets, funky art in vintage frames, and a large wood dining table."

Annie Schlechter

Black countertops function as a neutral, creating contrast against white or light cabinets. However black-on-black can be daringly chic, especially in a sleek, modern kitchen, says Ross Padluck, a partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design.

Black countertops can also look earthy and warm against natural or ebonized wood. I love bringing a look together by mixing an all-black painted wood island, a lighter perimeter cabinet, and a black countertop, says Laura Bischofberger, a designer at J. Banks Design.

For a moody combination, Lucy Penfield, founder and creative director at Lucy Interiors, likes to team black countertops with deep green or Bordeaux cabinetry. Its like velvet and leathersultry and luxurious, she says.

A matte finish on a black countertop offers an understated elegance with minimal reflection, while a glossy finish results in a polished, high-end look.

A matte usually works best in a more traditional setting, while a glossy surface is sleeker and looks more modern, says Padluck. I once put honed granite black countertops in a 19th-century home and it appeared as if theyd always been there. I also installed a polished black marble countertop on a bar in a contemporary waterfront beach house and it looked perfectly at home.

With a matte finish, reflected light wont compete with the details of the stone and will be easier to maintain and hide imperfections. A polished finish exudes a luxurious appeal, but I prefer to lean into a quieter, understated matte for a subtle yet impactful presence, says Shea.

Jay Wilde

Some believe a black countertop will make their kitchen feel smaller. But its actually quite the opposite, says Maddox. Black countertops add depth and dimension, opening up and visually expanding a space. Maddox suggests choosing a stone with subtle veining, as solid black can come off as monolithic, he says.

The only time you should avoid black countertops, says SethBallard, founder ofBallard+ Mensua Architecture, is if theres not a lot of natural or artificial light in the room. Things could feel a bit claustrophobic, he notes.

Strategic illumination of pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and statement chandeliers is important when you have dark countertops. The key is balancing ambient and task lighting to enhance visibility and prevent the kitchen from feeling too dark, along with using under-cabinet lighting and pendant lights to illuminate and accentuate the space, says Cloud.

If youre implementing LEDs, experts suggest using warm, white 2700K bulbs. The last thing you want is for your kitchen to feel like an operating room, shares Padluck.

Whites, grays, and muted colors all create a balanced backdrop when it comes to black countertops. Its called neutral harmony, where you allow the countertop to shine without overwhelming the space, says Carline.

A variety of flooring can be paired with black countertopsfrom ebony wood to black and white marble. I love a white oak floor and a bone white wall withblack countertops, shares Christina Kim, the owner and principal of Christina Kim Interior Design.

Black countertops will show fingerprints and smudges more, especially under bright lights and in glossier finishes. Look to textured materials to help hide smears, suggests Ballard. Something like Absolute Black polished granite requires very little maintenance. Adds Cloud, The good news is dirt and crumbs dont show up on black countertops as much.

When choosing a thickness for your countertops, consider your overall vision and the style of your kitchen, says Cloud. A thin black countertop contributes to a minimalist aesthetic, while a thicker one will add substance to a space and can withstand more weight.

My go-to with black countertops is a 1--inch thickness with an eased edge, says Penfield. But a -inch countertop with a minimal overhang can look great in a modern setting. Shea prefers a 2-inch thickness with an eased edge. I like a profile that adds a sense of volume.

John Gruen

Black countertops can create a luxurious and dramatic feel in places like a home office or library. Bischofberger loves one on a bar paired with brass accents, while Penfield finds them equally as elegant in a powder room or pantry.

However, Maddox doesnt recommend putting black countertops in a bathroom, You dont want to risk toothpaste and soap stains, she says.

Its all about creating the right balance using the other elements in the room. Im actually all for the moodiness! says Cloud. However, I like to pair a black countertop with a lighter or more colorful backsplash, plenty of lighting and natural elements to keep the space feeling welcoming. Carlene often introduces elements including open shelving and glass cabinets to stabilize the dark drama of a black countertop.

Vibrant colored accessories can infuse energy and prevent a moody atmosphere, while a softer hue can work as well. Consider pairing black countertops with something unexpected, like pale blush, suggests Penfield.

A black countertop can be timeless, but its important to update any finishes to keep things fresh. Replacing cabinet hardware, for example, is one way to do so, says Ballard. Its all about incorporating finishes that are trending to keep black countertops feeling current.

Better Homes & Gardens WERNER STRAUBE

Theres a lot to consider when choosing a black countertop for your home. Here, Zach Epstein, presidentand chief product officer at Artistic Tile, shares the pros and cons of the most popular offerings.

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Black Countertops Are Making a ComebackHere's How to Get the Look - Better Homes & Gardens