How much has really changed in kitchen counter trends? In the late 1990s, hardly anyone could tell how fast user preferences would change when it comes to kitchen countertops.
Back then, kitchens were considered to be one of those places with the least need for aesthetics and should be designed for functional purposes only. But time has proven otherwise, hasn’t it?
Beyond serving as a shelter for culinary activities, kitchens have morphed into dining hubs for most families, playgrounds for kids who can’t let mama alone for even half an hour, and bonding place for couples who know their way around spicing up their romance.
To serve these purposes, it only helps that your kitchen is given the best touch from ceiling, walls, floors and of course, countertops. If your goal in 2020 is to turn your kitchen into the royal castle it should be, then these countertop trends are a no brainer for you.
From eco-friendly options, granite, quartz, terrazzo, hardwood, leather-surfaced, to good old concrete, the trends are scintillating.
We will walk you through their unique applications, why they’re the right fit and what you should expect for your kitchen.
What are the Latest Trends in Kitchen Countertops?
Environmentally Friendly Countertops
What could be more thoughtful in this era than going green?
When world leaders and politicians are locked away in a chamber deliberating on how best to save the planet, you’re simply doing so from the comfort of your kitchen.
Choosing eco-friendly materials for your kitchen not only gives you that fulfillment for saving the planet and cutting back on your carbon footprint, but it also puts you in the right search range.
That simply means, your options are readily available. Most eco-friendly countertop materials are made from combining white cement and recycled glass.
Eco-friendly countertops are also free of Volatile Organic Compounds and plastic resins.
More so, they are resistant to stain, scratches, heat and they impede bacterial growth to preserve the sanctity of your kitchen.
And don’t worry about color, recycled glass surfaces come in various shades from neutral to shouty tones.
Beyond the eco-friendly properties, this material has a reputation for durability.
Quartz Countertops | A New Trend Choice
Perhaps when you heard about “top trends” you probably thought Quartz was finally out of the league, right? Well, not exactly.
Quartz has been the most used material for countertops since time immemorial and they won’t be going out of use anytime soon.
Quartz mostly gets it the upper hand over granite because of its non-porous nature. For most granite materials, they are porous and may, from time to time, harbor microbial life forms that make your countertop unsafe to keep food.
Quartz, however, is highly resistant to stains and bacterial growth, making it one of the best hygienic options available to homeowners and moms.
More so, Quartz is sturdy and durable. With these properties, it is easy to see right the argument that Quartz is a low maintenance option that won’t go out of vogue anytime soon.
Talking about colors, Quartz materials offer a multiplicity of options in terms of colors, finishing, and patterns that look so close to natural stone. Matte finishing comes to mind.
Going forward, Quartz countertop options will flood the market leaving you lots of options to choose from.
Granite Countertops
It is arguable to say that granite falls into the evoked set of countertop options for kitchens.
Granite countertops are known for their durability, sturdiness, scratch, stain, and heat resistant properties that make it a low maintenance option for you.
It is also etch-resistant, in case your kids get all creative with their play.
Granite also has aesthetic value, making it one of the best options yet for your kitchen surface. However, using Granite comes at a price.
Due to its porous surface, granite countertops would require periodic resealing of its surface to keep stains from holding up and bacterial life from growing.
Don’t let that discourage you from this bold kitchen trend.
Terrazzo Countertops
Maybe you gasped a bit. “Wasn’t terrazzo tiles meant for floors?” Yes. But no.
You see, due to the heavy duties countertops get to carry out including bearing your weight and your child’s poop sometimes, terrazzo becomes a worthy choice.
This material is as old as we can remember. While we’ve seen it on floors and open spaces, terrazzo is gradually making its way back to the kitchens.
Made from combining marble, glass, and granite, terrazzo not only provides highly appealing looks with a touch of the past but also a wide range of patterns and designs. In fact, couples can have their names etched into the design with ebonite rods. But with durability comes a cost. Nevertheless, once installed, terrazzo will watch your children grow up until they become young adults themselves.
Wood Countertops
This brings us back to our eco-friendly options once again. If you want to use your kitchen as the next Cop, then recycled wood would probably make that happen.
Although wood comes with various concerns and issues, when treated, those concerns can easily fly out the window. In a world of too many colors, wood is still dope.
Concrete Countertops
In a quartz filled industry, the demand for concrete is gradually rearing up its head in most homes today. Why? Well, it seems like most homeowners want Pure. German. Strength.
Why would you go for a concrete countertop? Concrete, you see, is no longer what we used to know. The concrete industry has since moved on from the good old eighties.
Now, some designs could be made on concrete that puts it at par with its granite and quartz counterparts. Concrete countertops also give users that rustic feel to their kitchen top.
And whether you realize it or not, some folks like it that way. You may be one of them. But you wouldn’t know until you try.
When given due quartz treatment, concrete countertops won’t require periodic resealing to keep stains out. Also, the fear of cracks and fissures will be gone.
Patterned Countertops
As we wrap up this article, let’s take a step away from materials now. We look at styles.
And so far, no other style has been making the rounds like the bold and realistic veining patterns.
While plain surfaces are still dope, patterned surfaces add a bit of personality to your kitchen countertops and make your kitchen appear sophisticated.
Although the patterns are there for a loud statement, some patterns, however, could convey elegance and sleek simplicity for your kitchen.
Whatever your choices are, we have no doubts that the above options would help you choose one that satisfies your functional and aesthetic needs.
Not certain of which trend will fit your desires, give the professionals at RSK Marble & Granite a call to help you decide.
These experts have been in the granite countertop business for over 15 years. Located in Wilmington, MA these pros are your Boston Granite company for all your stone countertop needs.
Contact us here today for a quote!