So kitchens truly have to be both functional and beautiful.

The countertop we chose for local builder, Dave Depencier is almost done being installed

and it’s going to look fantastic.

When choosing your countertops and backsplashes, don’t lose sight that they have a job to do.

If you’re a serious cook, you may want a tougher surface that doesn’t need a lot of care.

As you weigh all your options, think in terms of longevity and make choices for both style and function

that will suit your evolving tastes over the years.

When deciding between Granite, Quartz, or Laminate countertops, here are a few things to consider.

Granite is a natural stone so the pattern is unique to the stone.

For some people that’s also its big appeal.

Although granite is the hardest, most durable, and least scratchable of the natural stones, it can still stain.

Quartz is man-made and comes in a much broader range of colours.

The pattern can also be more consistent throughout, giving you a more uniform look.

It's an extremely hard and durable material that has become a popular choice for kitchen countertops.

They require less maintenance than granite and don’t need to be sealed.

Laminate countertops have come a long way.

If you’re looking for a lower price point or something you can use in the bathroom

or laundry room, they’re a great option.

Here’s an example of a laminate countertop that looks just like granite.

Nowadays, it’s really hard to tell the difference.

You need to be more mindful not to stain, scorch, chip, or scratch the material.

Consider a matte or textured finish over a high-gloss to better camouflage everyday wear and tear.

Another consideration for your countertops

is to choose an edge treatment that complements your kitchen’s architectural style.

There are a lot of options out there whether you want a clean modern line with a straight edge

or maybe you want something with a bit more of a profile,

if let’s say you have a bistro kitchen or something more traditional.

In this kitchen, we went with Wilsonart’s Haida quartz countertop.

It’s a bright white with fine short black veining resembling a marble look.

The great thing is, it’s low maintenance as it won’t need to be sealed.

It provides more stain resistance, and it’s got these great clean edges.

The backsplash is the ideal spot to get creative and add some colour or texture into your kitchen.

When choosing your backsplash, remember to think long term.

Ask yourself if the tile you like today, you’re still going to like in five or ten years.

If you’re a fan of DIY, or on a budget, you may want to consider doing the installation yourself.

This is Masia Subway tile we picked for the kitchen.

The wavy texture reflects the light and the irregularity gives character to the backsplash.

Starting the tiling process is to find your spacing.

Proper spacing and seeing how you’re going to start and how you’re going to finish.

If you’re installing it and you’re a do-it-yourselfer, use these spacer clips.

And what they do is they go in between on the bottoms, sides, and tops.

And it creates the perfect amount of space in between each tile.

This allows you to try and keep the tile perfectly straight

and leaves that perfect amount of space in between each tile for grouting.

And in the end it’ll look like a job that was professionally done.

Countertops are in, backsplash is going on, what do you think?

You know what? I love the way it’s coming together, especially this piece right here.

The colour the top on it now, it just setting the whole room off.

I think the tiles are going to look great, nice and sparkling.

Yeah, I like that bit of waviness to it. I think it really makes it kinda pop.

What do you think about grout? What colour?

I would like to keep with the white theme we have going. I think it’ll look very clean.

Yep, I think that’s a good idea. Good choice.

Great.