In an era where beautiful, minimal and functional design is embraced, we’re seeing some shifts in the types of materials designers are exploring for kitchen countertops. Here are just a few trends we’ve been seeing recently.
Eco-friendly
These days, we’re seeing more eco-friendly countertops for the kitchen. Not only does it feel good to be part of the global fight against waste and stand up for the environment, but it’s also durable, versatile and easy to maintain. Some of these materials even hinder the growth of bacteria! Countertop options in this category include everything from recycled glass surfaces, recycled quartz, bamboo, and even composite materials made from recycled post-industrial materials.
Quartz
A new popular alternative to the more conventional options for countertops is quartz. Quartz is durable and easy to clean, but more importantly, unlike granite (the conventional choice), it doesn’t require you to seal it. It’s got a beautiful luxurious look and feel and can turn any mundane room into a glorified modern oasis.
Lava stone
The newest material choice to emerge in the kitchen is lava stone. It’s a really fun, playful alternative to the conventional options for countertops. It comes in matte or sheen finishes and the best part is that it's offered in almost any colour imaginable. It’s super durable and can withstand heat. But beware, this option may be hard on the wallet.
Concrete
Concrete has always been around but it hasn’t been as prevalent in use for countertops before. It’s not only strong, durable and scratch-free, but it can also be moulded to any thickness, shape or form depending on the overall look of the kitchen you are trying to achieve. Concrete, as you can imagine, is extremely heavy and will need to be sealed to make it heat resistant. Though concrete requires some more upkeep in the long run, it’s still a beautiful, refined and fully customizable option that is becoming more popular among homeowners.
Stainless steel
A surprising trend that has been emerging in kitchens is the use of stainless steel for countertops. Celebrated for the very clean and futuristic look, it can leave pestering fingerprints to the touch. The use of stainless steel in kitchens does make sense though. It’s stain-resistant, and has a high threshold for heat. It is hygienic and easy to clean but like any metals, you’ll have to be careful for scratches or indentations upon hard contact.
These are some of our countertop trend selections but there is an array of materials out there for you to discover. Remember to always do your research and get multiple quotes from various retailers before you make your final decision. You’ll want to go in-store to look at samples before you commit to anything. For more information, contact your local retailers.