Granite Countertops Remodel can range from easy cabinet update to new countertop By Susan Felt / The Arizona Republic Posted: February 14, 2009 Cabinets, appliances, countertops and flooring should be considered as you ponder remodeling your kitchen, experts say. Depending on the budget, the redo can entail something as simple as replacing cabinet hardware ($1.99-$18.99, depending on style) and switch plates to installing granite countertops, tile or wood flooring and a Sub-Zero cooktop and fridge. Refacing cabinets is an affordable alternative to buying new ones, says Greta Guelich, owner of Perceptions Interior Design Group in Scottsdale, Ariz. If the cabinets are solid wood, the shelving is sturdy and you are satisfied with the layout, new fronts provide a like-new transformation. If you decide to paint kitchen cabinets, Guelich says, she advises sticking with white for a classic look as opposed to a trendy color. Diane Neslund, owner of Distinctive Interiors and Design in Scottsdale, suggests faux painting with a darker stain on the inside panel of dated, lighter wood cabinets. And you can add brushed nickel or bronze hardware to freshen the look. Granite remains the gold standard for countertops, real-estate agent Bill Fuchs says. However, don't further date your kitchen with last year's granite pattern and color choice. Think large-veined with lots of movement. Wood flooring is appearing in kitchens, as are large squares of stone and tile, but Fuchs cautions that these finer surfaces require regular maintenance and might not be as serviceable for families that include children and pets. "Form follows function," he says, adding that laminate flooring is a wise choice for rooms with heavy foot traffic. More info Hardwood Floors Granite Countertops