PHOTOGRAPHY^BY^ BRETGUMCountertops
Here are a few considerations for
your countertops:- PRICE. Determine where
countertops lie on your priority
list. If they’re the most important,
then allocate a larger portion of your
budget to them. If you have other
elements that are higher in priority,
go with a less expensive material. - LOOK. How long will you be in
the home? For less than fi ve years,
you can choose a trendy look like
concrete or butcher block that will
help the home sell well. If you’re
planning to be in the home for 5 to
10 years, choose a more traditional
look that will outlast current trends. If
this is your forever home, don’t worry
about trends and choose whatever
you love most.- MAINTENANCE. Some
countertops don’t need much
maintaining, but others, such as
butcher block, require oiling every
few months. Don’t choose a high-
maintenance option for bathrooms
that will see a lot of foot traffi c. If a
guest drips water in your powder
room and doesn’t wipe it up, that
standing water can cause damage.
26 • AMERICAN FARMHOUSE STYLE
BUDGET SAVER
Choose a lookalike material
that costs less. Love marble?
Try laminate that looks similar
instead. Want an option you
can DIY? Go for butcher
block or tile.