By Marc Atiyolil, Special to Times ColonistMarch 20, 2010
 
Dear Marc: I am living in a small and ordinary condo, purchased at the very highest time. To sell it quickly for the highest possible price, I've begun to upgrade the unit.

In the kitchen, I have put in medium-toned hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. Because there's 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 usually the room that "sells the house" when potential buyers come in.

There are many different factors that come into play when choosing kitchen counter tops as they will tie your entire kitchen design together with the use of your set colour scheme. I love a clean look for a kitchen. Granite is great but you will have a challenge finding any in a neutral or light colour.

There are alternatives that might better suit your look and budget. Consider 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. It 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 counter tops. It's just too boring for the statement we want to make.

I would also suggest upgrading your lighting. Lighting influences your overall design and you can't hide bad lighting, no matter how much money you spend on the rest of your design. Light affects your colours and the overall mood of the room.

Marc Atiyolil is the editor-in-chief of Canadian Home Trends, Canada's home decor magazine.