Looking for new kitchen surface ideas? The latest kitchen surface trends are here, we've researched the top materials and have put together a guide on what's hot in the world of this most vital part of the kitchen.
Quartz that is used for countertops is a manmade product that is usually constructed using a mix of ground quartz, resin, and polymers making this a robust alternative to 100% natural stone. The manufacturing process offers a myriad of creative options with some quartz countertops created with veins to mimic marble or granite. Or metal or glass flecks that sparkle in the light and unlimited color options including pure whites and blacks to create a crisp, contemporary finish.
Quartz is often more affordable compared to other natural stones and will retain its value. A non-porous material, quartz is unlikely to become stained, get chipped, or damaged and is considered very durable. Other benefits include easy maintenance without the need for regular sealing. But some liquids including bleach, paint, and nail polish remover could stain quartz, and because it is created with a mix of materials it could be susceptible to heat damage from extremely hot pans.
Granite on the other hand is 100% natural, it is a stone made from igneous rock, formed from cooling magma, the molten rock beneath the earth’s surface. Due to this natural creation granite often boasts beautiful unique details including layers of minerals, whorling shapes, lines, colors, and patterns. Ami McKay, interior designer, and owner at Pure Design loves the imperfections and natural formations found in slabs of granite.
Granite will look beautiful in a kitchen and each piece will be entirely unique to you. It's considered a very durable stone that, with care, should last a lifetime, it is also resistant to heat and stains making this a practical choice. But granite can be porous, so sealing each piece is highly recommended, it is also cold to the touch, which is perfect for making pastry, but can put some people off. As this is a natural item it comes with a high price tag.
If you want to make a statement in the kitchen then chose Arabescato Marble, a bold, beautiful veiny marble that is not subtle in the slightest, it is as Helen Parker says at deVOL, ‘not for the faint-hearted as it really does make a bold statement.’
‘Marble can etch, scratch, and stain, but some clients are ok with a material that shows its imperfections and will take the time to care for it appropriately. A bold marble slab can provide all the drama needed and set the tone of a home's finishes and color story,' says Keren Richter, interior designer at White Arrow.
Marble is, of course, the natural option, and arguably the most popular, when it comes to kitchen counters, an expensive option yes, that comes with its own set of pros and cons, but with care, it can last forever, and some experts even believe it will add value to your home.
There has been a resurgence in the use of copper for kitchen countertops, its rich burnished tone will instantly add drama and depth to your kitchen and can seamlessly fit into a traditional or modern style.
Copper has anti-bacterial properties, which means it will kill bacteria, a useful addition to the kitchen. It is a durable metal that will last for years, is sustainable, and can be 100% recycled if you tire of it. Copper will age with use, is prone to dents and knocks, it is also sensitive to oxidation, transforming the metal over time as it takes on other green and blue tones, which will for some add character to its patina, but for others, this could pose a problem.
The timeless beauty of wood has kept this natural material high in kitchen countertop trends. To get that rustic, countryside kitchen look, wood is an obvious choice, and as a material to work with it offers a lot of positive contributions as a kitchen prep surface, although there are some drawbacks.
‘Sustainably focussed homeowners may consider a timber countertop as an environmentally conscious choice; however, wood and water don't make the best combination when it comes to low maintenance or longevity. On countertops near a sink, timber can blacken and rot unless it is sanded and treated regularly,' explains Jennifer Hamilton, director at The Vawdrey House.
Keren Richter, interior designer at White Arrow, adds: ‘Some new sealants can increase the durability of countertops and can make wood more durable. Boats can be made of wood, so why not countertops?’
Andi Morse at Morse Design declares that quartzite is in vogue right now, adding: ‘The best material for bright colors is quartzite because it has all kinds of options.’ Quartzite is a naturally occurring stone, not to be confused with quartz, which is manmade. Quartzite is one of the toughest most durable materials available for countertops, it is created beneath the earth’s crust when sandstone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure, ensuring this natural stone is strong. After it is mined, it is cut into slabs, polished, and sealed, making this a top choice for a lot of designers.
Charlie Smallbone, the founder of Ledbury Studio, recommends it, ‘from my experience, I recommend quartzite as it is extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and other damage. In fact, it is even more durable than granite, which is renowned for its toughness. Quartzite is also UV resistant, heat resistant, and stain resistant due to its low porosity.’
Web Design Program