I hate my dated countertop!

Did you know you can paint a countertop? Sure, it's not the best long-term solution, and don't plan on cutting on it, but it can be a great option if replacing it is a little ways off. You'll want to rough it up a bit with sandpaper, use a high-adhesive primer, 2 coats of paint, then a clear coat (optional, but a good idea). Talk with someone who is knowledgeable at a store where they specialize in paint for the details. If painting the countertop isn't a option for you, remember, work with the color of your countertop, not against it. In other words, don't pretend it's not there and pick a wall color that fights it. Pick a color that works with it and you might be surprised it's not as bad as you think!