‘It is worth saying, however, that balance in your design is important. Some of the heavily veined marble effect materials are awesome, but they are also strong, so avoid too many competing bold looks.
‘As an example, if you choose an intense Verde Green granite for the island surface, it may be best to pair it with a more understated material for the other countertops.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kPDTcFuZtEvOZbO3o5K71w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTc2OA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/d8a9e885daddfee630f28b9b40196961 class=caas-img data-headline=”2. Balance kitchen countertop materials”> Made from acrylic resin and minerals, solid surface, such as Corian, is non-porous, durable, smooth and warm to the touch. It also offers plenty of design freedom as it can be moulded into organically curved shapes with a seamless finish, in contrast to quartz, granite and porcelain, which require joints for sizes greater than their maximum slab dimensions. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yz1HXB9XjdtCM.biLbAOKw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/03d9df443fb6aa3b605f65e12047768b class=caas-img data-headline=”3. Choose a solid surface”>
A firm favorite in farmhouse-style kitchens and the perfect match for kitchen wall tiles, solid oak countertops bring charm and warmth. ‘We often specify a solid oak top for a prep table,’ says Peter Humphrey, design director and founder of Humphrey Munson.
Bear in mind that heat and humidity can impact wood. ‘As a rule, wood and water do not mix, so always specify quartz or stone for a sink area,’ he adds.
‘Many of our kitchens have a combination of workshop materials, often including wood. As a natural material, it will require some maintenance, but its warmth, host of options in types of timber and range of washed, oiled and stained effects make it ever popular,’ comments Melissa Klink.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/L6giYa5T2.jgsBH.LDOpmQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/d58be46fe846846ee7f4595432fe0ac0 class=caas-img data-headline=”4. Create rustic style with wood”> ‘A 100% natural stone countertop is the most practical surface choice you can make. Remaining in its complete natural state from quarry to kitchen, the material boasts high heat, water, scratch and UV and stain resistance as well as being incredibly easy to maintain.
‘When choosing a real stone surface do consider that each piece is unique and therefore can vary in its appearance,’ says Hege Lundh.
This can bring an element of individuality to your space – they are highly heat-resistant and extremely durable too. These benefits are reflected in the price you’ll need to pay.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/26Q0OEU_Jn6VfqRlmvZC_Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY4Mg–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/a8ca74df37a84b232610d5adcd541a8e class=caas-img data-headline=”5. Go for stand out looks with stone”> One of the most popular choices of countertops in kitchens (and bathrooms), quartz is a non-porous, low-maintenance and long-lasting surface. You can find finishes that replicate the look of granite, marble and concretes, so the drawbacks are minimal. However, it is worth noting that quartz tends to have a more contemporary appearance, be more expensive than these types of material and will require specialist installation.
‘Also containing pigments and polymers, quartz surfaces are more durable than most natural stone, and impervious to stains and scratches, resistant to heat and easy to maintain,’ says Melissa Klink.
‘Real marble is porous and will stain, whereas with quartz there are many great marble effects on offer. Quartz is also consistent in appearance: what you see in the sample is pretty much what you are going to get in your home, which is particularly useful if you have a large kitchen and want a uniform surface. It is also worth noting that some of the newer ranges are made using a significant amount of recycled material.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/olej2iS6pVnvldk.hdjeyg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/d72917c7223d2faeca30949300bf4b79 class=caas-img data-headline=”6. Combine luxury quartz looks with low maintenance”> Beautiful to look at and cool to touch, marble is highly desirable. ‘It’s one of our favourite countertop options,’ says Claire Birkbeck, kitchen designer at Neptune.
‘Carrara marble, with its subtle grey veining, is always timeless.’ In a kitchen, it is great for rolling out dough, and in bathrooms it can emulate the look of a luxury spa. However, take care maintaining an authentic marble worktop to prevent staining.
‘One of the key considerations to take into account when choosing a real stone surface for your kitchen is that each piece is unique and therefore can vary in its appearance. Whilst this is part of the beauty of opting for a 100% real stone surface, it’s important to ensure you’re happy with the exact piece of stone your worktops will be made out of,’ says Hege Lundh.
‘Visiting a stone yard or stone merchants is the best way of doing this. Not only will you be able to select the exact piece of stone that your countertop will be made out of but you will also be provided with the knowledge and expertise of the team to ensure you are selecting the best material and finish for your home.’
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RdFJhP.wLSwQuy3AY0sEag–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/a52e90f9e37ae2db408c9d19595d1516 class=caas-img data-headline=”7. Make a commitment with marble”> Laminate work surfaces are more affordable and easier to install, but less robust than other materials. However, today’s premium finishes can be a good solution, particularly for areas such as kitchen and laundry rooms. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HlwFEHsDtSQf009h2yTfxg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/598af6fe5b95d2529f0e4ab2b660a717 class=caas-img data-headline=”8. Opt for a low-key laminate kitchen countertop”>
Thanks to modern technologies, engineered solid surfaces can mimic traditional materials and be made to fit your exact requirements with a seamless finish. These kitchen surfaces are usually made of a mixture of acrylics and natural stones – which make them extremely hard wearing, easy to clean and highly heat- and scratch-resistant. Be aware that you’ll need a trained specialist to install a composite worktop, which can add to the cost. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/z03OknqrWYJF71heWfFGbQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/88bb455951118d0f6a1f9080de303d8b class=caas-img data-headline=”9. Go for a creative composite surface”>
Stylishly hardwearing, granite remains one of the most popular choices for a kitchen worktop. Incredibly versatile too, it suits contemporary, traditional and classic kitchen environments and be used to add depth and an element of real luxury.
As well as the hundreds of different types of granite available, there are also the various finishes to consider – polished, honed, leathered, hydro or antiqued but what you choose depends as much on the color and style of your cabinetry as much as personal taste.
‘As a natural material, each slab of granite will be unique, ideal if you want an individual look with a timeless sense of beauty. it is also durable and relatively low maintenance once sealed,’ comments Melissa Klink.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Euk_mmdIXS0bFtg0wUfzEw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/5662d9c3c4aff8a4bdfdc415eae3d906 class=caas-img data-headline=”10. Invest in a strong granite worktop”> Durable, heat resistant, hygienic and impervious to water, stainless steel is the restaurant kitchen favourite and great for creating the industrial aesthetic in your home. It will scratch however, but some say this adds to its well-worn appeal.
Other metals coming on to the worktop market include an on-trend copper. Coated with a specialist nanotech protectant, it is easy to clean and care for.
” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Z1vraqyW5wByDuYaRkpeyA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/50c7607ad3a3f2728acb620e3a0060ed class=caas-img data-headline=”12. Marvel at a metal countertop”> The industrial look of concrete makes it a current choice. It’s also designed to withstand plenty of heavy duty use, and comes in a range of standard concrete mix colors (from white to grey) and can be mixed with pigments for stronger colors. Polished concrete worktops are flat and smooth, but concrete is porous and can stain, and it is heavy so extra reinforcement may be required. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SNAAM6OFWF8ZWGbePU0vCg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/d4e323e697fb092af1a4fd0652f27c06 class=caas-img data-headline=”13. Enhance an industrial kitchen with concrete”>
Many of successful kitchens have a combination of countertop materials, often including wood. As a natural material, it will require upkeep, but its warmth, host of options in timber species and range of washed, oiled and stained effects make it ever popular. ” data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vwmfNvRnuPM2ITZDJIhmAg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTExNTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/homes_gardens_107/7e7451be15dbe65617a23decd824cb29 class=caas-img data-headline=”14. Combine two materials”>
