The countertop is where you cook, clean, decorate, and much more. A good countertop not only needs to be able to stand up to daily wear and tear from heat and moisture but should also help to tie your kitchen together. Countertops are a cornerstone of kitchen design, and the finish you choose can either make or break the look of the entire room. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from when remodeling your kitchen, from elegant stonework to rustic wood. Here are some of the most popular design trends to help get you inspired!
Natural Granite
Granite has been a kitchen classic for a long time, offering an attractive yet durable work surface while cooking. A combination of feldspars and quartz give granite its unique textured appearance, while flecks of mica make it shine under overhead lighting. Granite is porous, meaning that you need to use a sealant to repel bacteria and ensure the countertop doesn’t stain. With just a little bit of care, you can keep your granite countertops looking pristine year after year.
Polished Quartz
Quartz is quickly becoming popular as a high-end alternative to granite. The material is completely nonporous, so you don’t have to worry about liquids seeping in and causing a stain. You also don’t have to spend time and money sealing and re-sealing the material yourself. Like granite, you can find quartz in a variety of styles and colors. There are white quartz varieties for modern kitchen styles, or you can choose browns and blacks for a more traditional look.
Wooden Butcher Block
In 2017, the farmhouse look has made a sweeping comeback in just about every area of home design, and the kitchen is no exception. Using a wooden butcher block in place of a countertop adds a natural, rustic touch to your kitchen while also allowing you to cook, cut, chop, and dice directly on your countertop. You can find butcher block countertops made of a variety of woods, from bamboo to walnut, with options available to suit any style and budget.
Ceramic Tiles
If you’re looking for a bolder style for your kitchens, ceramic tiling allows you to add a splash of color to your countertops. You can find tiles in vibrant colors that match accents in your kitchen or set up a whole new color scheme for the room. You can even find tiles with unique patterning on them for an even more interesting look. Ceramic tiles can be less durable than their stone counterparts, but they are easy to seal against water and handle heat well.
Photo by Jordan Sanchez on Unsplash
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