February 2010 HOME GUIDE 7 Tips for selecting stone countertops that best fit your lifestyle NAPSI — When you're thinking kitchen remodel, countertops rank right up there with the cabinetry as far as importance. Evaluating your lifestyle is important when it comes to this selection. Are you empty nesters that take care when prepping food and cooking? Then your options have just expanded exponentially. However, if you are a busy family with children that tend to make messes, you may want to opt for a combination of durability and good looks. A granite slab is the pinnacle of countertop alternatives when it comes to form and function. Prices range from the very expensive to the affordable. More often than not, this little gem will make its way onto your "wants list." Do your homework and you might be surprised to find out that you can afford granite. It may not be that exotic massive slab you have been drooling over, but it might be close. By choosing a more common variety, a thinner cut, a simple edge profile and limiting cutouts, you will likely spend less than you would on most man-made quartz or solid-surface materials. Remember, granite tile incorporated as the sink despite the fact that your type of granite may be more common, each piece of rail. The most affordable option is the natural stone is a totally unique piece of smaller 12"x12" tile finished with a wood strip to finish off the countertop art directly from Mother Nature. edge. When If slabs are choosing tiles, too costly for use the larger your budget, format in a consider solid shade granite tiles. with a miniSeveral opmal grout joint tions exist that and a matchvary modering grout color ately in price. to help give The highestthe illusion of end option is a a slab. tile that comes If your preassembled tastes lean with a submore toward stantial decoa rustic rative edge matte-finished profile. This countertop eliminates any material, unfinished or Courtesy of www.napsi.com consider limeawkward-lookForm and function: A triple waterfall edge adds form stone, travering exposed to this functional Suman granite countertop. tine, slate or edges at the honed marble sink rail. The tiles for your surface. Keep in mind that midrange option is a large-format tile these materials come with some inher(16", 18" or 24" square) with a strip of ent drawbacks when used for countertops, so research each one carefully prior to committing to it. Marble slab countertops, especially white, are gaining in popularity and add a sophisticated, modern look to any kitchen. Some marble, however, is more porous than granite and may etch and stain if it comes into prolonged contact with certain foods. Be sure to ask your stone fabricator for information on marble stone care and upkeep before selecting this material. While a kitchen remodel on a tight budget might seem like an oxymoron to some, it can become a reality. Remember, inexpensive does not equal cheap, ugly or boring — it can be incredibly beautiful when well executed. Treating the kitchen like any other room of the house by adding features such as unique architectural finds, overscale accessories, framed art, lamps, plants, fabrics and furniture will help exude luxury. Focus on the focal points (countertops and cabinets) and the rest will fall into place. Keep an open mind, compromise and tap your inner creativity. 2+2 bdrm, 1 3/4 bath home. Oversized dbl garage. Quiet & private location at end of cul de sac. Great views. Large fenced front & back yards. Great deck. Call Janis Flynn Pyrak @ 265-9400. 8 Kober Drive ~ $169,000 1016 17th Avenue West 5 bdrm, 2 3/4 bath, custom kitchen, formal dining, master suite w/ dressing room. Corner lot, attached dbl garage, fenced back yard & attached dog run w/ doggy door. Excellent condition, ready to move into. Call Janis Flynn Pyrak @ 265-9400. Spacious 3 bdrm, 1 3/4 bath older home with gorgeous wood floors, completely updated, ready to move into. Single garage, off street parking, fenced back yard. Call Janis Flynn Pyrak @ 265-9400. JANIS FLYNN PYRAK......................... 265-9400 NICK PYRAK ...................................... 390-2867 LARRY MARTINSON........................... 390-1509 MARY BLAIR ...................................... 265-9333 JOHN CARLSON .................................. 390-1381 GARY TOLDNESS................................ 265-6439 PAUL KUKA ........................................ 265-2060 JEANIE COLE..................................... 265-1517 932 3rd Ave ~ $155,000 MOVE IN CONDITION! 4 bedroom, 2 bath. Basement could be used as a rental. Close to park & school. Call Gary Toldness @ 390-3155 416 11th Avenue ~ $92,500