By Caroline Inge

Being new to the DIY-world, I only take on modest projects that can't cause too much damage if I screw up, and I always, always print off step-by-step instructions which I've probably been googling for about a week. You could say I like to be thorough. Well, I think I've found my next project, and even though it's much more ambitious than say, painting a bookshelf, I definitely think it looks do-able -- at least the step-by-step video looks easy enough!

Having brand new countertops installed in your kitchen or bathroom can cost thousands of dollars, and in many homes, they are the main offender in a tired kitchen. The grey, marbleized laminate in my kitchen makes me sad, and paired with dull, cream cabinets, this space is a total bore. Until recently, there was no way to update your kitchen countertops without completely replacing them. This month, Modern Masters®, a decorative paint and faux finishing brand, came out with a clever way to makeover your outdated, laminate countertops using a three-step painting system. Countertop Transformations™ allows you to change the aesthetic in your kitchen without sacrificing your durable work surface. Check out the website for an easy step-by-step instructional video, or upload a picture of your kitchen and try out each of the five colors!

I definitely think this paint kit would help me achieve my dream kitchen, which looks something like this: 

I love color, and for my kitchen, I want something energetic but still classic enough that we could grow old together. I think this kitchen from Sunset has a nice balance with its soft, minty green cabinets and sleek, black granite countertops. I think the Charcoal paint kit from Countertop Transformations would look fantastic paired with Benjamin Moore's Salisbury Green. What do you think?