Waterfall countertops are all the rage, but what are they and are they a worthwhile investment? As we search for design elements that add luxury and timeless appeal to our homes, attention is turning to kitchens and long-lasting features.
When it comes to kitchen trends, it's important to only incorporate designs that will stand the test of time. Kitchen countertops are expensive items that you can't just replace once you get tired of them. When choosing a countertop design, it's important to choose one that is timeless but fits your design style.
Waterfall countertops are a gorgeous design style that interior designers are obsessed with, but should they be part of your plans? We asked the experts for everything you need to know about this trending design feature.
What are Waterfall Countertops?
(Image credit: Original BTC)
Waterfall countertops are a beautiful way to create a seamless kitchen design. Stone countertops create a feature that instantly makes your kitchen feel custom. “A waterfall kitchen countertop is one where the stone wraps around the top and sides of the island or around the sides or edges of the cabinets,” explains Creative Director Elizabeth Sherwin. Naked Kitchen.
This free-flowing design gives the kitchen island a finished look, rather than having all sides exposed. “Waterfall countertops create a seamless flow from the surface to the floor. The design gives the appearance of the countertop 'cascading' like a waterfall,” adds Oli Webb, director at Cullifords.
It's a relatively simple design feature, but it adds a more dramatic and striking look than traditional cabinetry and countertops. “We recommend using book-matching stone for the transition from the countertop to the legs for a sophisticated and timeless look,” suggests Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects. This will ensure your scheme feels classic, rather than simply trend-driven.
What is the best material for waterfall countertops?
(Image courtesy of Naked Kitchens)
If you're planning on incorporating waterfall countertops in your kitchen, the gorgeous design requires good quality materials. “High-quality materials like granite, marble, limestone and quartz are great choices as they are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Consider the thickness of the material; thicker slabs will create a bolder impression, while thinner slabs will look more subtle,” explains Oli.
When choosing your countertop material, consider the design style of your kitchen to make sure you choose something that fits in with it. “There's an incredible variety of materials to choose from, depending on your lifestyle and home design,” says Alex Main, director of The Main Company.
(Image courtesy of Cullifords)
“Reclaimed wood is a timeless choice that suits both traditional and contemporary environments, while other options such as quartz, concrete and marble also suit modern homes, especially,” adds Alex.
Certain materials, especially natural stone, are the most popular because of their practical and aesthetic benefits: “Marble is a popular choice for countertops, but quartz is another option and is very on trend right now,” says Natalie.
Quartz is super on trend right now, but consider a material that will not only look good in your space, but that you'll love for years to come. More traditional stone options might be a bit more expensive, but they're proven to be timeless and timeless styles.
Should you choose waterfall countertops?
(Image courtesy of Re: Design Architects)
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they also add a practical element: “Waterfall countertops are a beautiful, modern, clean look that blends in with your cabinetry and accentuates the sleek lines. The countertop can extend beyond the island cabinetry to create a seating area that is neatly enclosed by the waterfall end,” explains Elizabeth.
Plus, you have the added benefit of more luxurious design features creating a bespoke look – a statement stone with a beautiful vein can instantly become the conversation piece of your scheme.
“If your worktop material has a distinctive grain pattern, it's nice if this continues along the edge of the worktop and waterfall,” she adds, but you should bear this in mind when choosing a suitable slab.
(Image courtesy of Cullifords)
There are a few additional factors to consider when deciding if a waterfall countertop is right for your kitchen: “If you have an island, a waterfall countertop will limit access to the island, so you won't be able to design cupboards along this edge,” warns Elizabeth. If maximizing storage in your kitchen is a priority, you'll need to consider how a waterfall edge will affect that.
Of course, you'll need to consider your budget: “The downside is that the cost of your countertops will go up; you'll need to buy more of the marble, or whatever stone you've chosen for the space, so it can get a little pricey,” says Natalie.
For an eye-catching design, it's worth keeping in mind not only the amount of stone you need, but also that a more premium stone type may be best suited, especially if you're going for one with a pronounced vein.
Waterfall countertops are a luxury kitchen trend favored by interior designers, and with the right materials and design, this feature can be used to create a timeless design.
