The Hottest Countertop Materials Are Clean, Neutral, and High Performance

Kitchens vary widely in size, design and how they are used in a home. But in all kitchens, the countertops are critical to the over all functioning of the space.

Designers are working with homeowners to bring the personal taste of the customer into the room, making sure the work space is not only aesthetically appealing, but utilized to its fullest potential.

Value, high performance, durability and a shirt toward clean lines and neutrals top the trends in countertops, according to manufacturers. So many people will spend the majority of their time in the kitchen when they're home , and it's kind of a multitasking space, so we're seeing a lot of different things happening that are really quote interesting. This can include mixing and matching of colors  and materials as well as the use of color to add a visual pop.

The countertop can pull a design together, adding contrast to the room and serving as a bridge between cabinetry and other components. Because these surfaces are called upon to complement cabinetry, appliances and the overall design of the kitchen, it's important that there be options to appeal to a wide audience.

CLEAN & NEURAL
The demand for busy patterns and a glossy sheen is waning, and shifting toward a more toned down neutral look. This doesn't mean, however, that a broad range of looks isn't in demand.
Consumers know there are many numerous options, in part thanks to HGTV. Everyone has really been educated on all the options out there and they won't settle.

Texture created by colors or very busy patterns is not popular in countertops anymore. Textured glass, however, takes light in to create interesting patterns that are quite different from a busy granite countertop. For textures, the matter finish is a major trend that continues, as consumers are enjoying the appeal of a softer look to their surfaces. On the traditional side, colors are often inspired by the rich, natural movement of exotic granite, particularly when combined with a detailed edging. For modern looks, there is a demand for thin countertops in neutral tones, particularly greys and whites.

Lighter tones are more popular than dark now, and there is a classic, timeless look that comes from a desire for a calming feel in the kitchen. To that end, designers love the "griege" or grey and beige tones that combine cool and warm tones and go with everything. This mixing and matching of cool and warm tones creates an eclectic design that allows designers to select the materials they love and pull them all together.


Additionally there is a movement towards more honed looks on solid surface as well as an increase in white. More and more there are white kitchens outside of the Metropolitan areas and catching on broadly around the country.

MAXIMIXING SPACE

Whatever the size of the kitchen, designers are tasked with making the best use for the space available- and that means it's desirable to have countertop space that serve multiple functions.
Because the kitchen is still a general gathering place, island tops and a lot of counter space are still a current trend. Large islands are used for the multitasking  that is so prevalent in today's society. The work well for both sitting and standing tasks,  and can become the focal point in the room, both visually and functionally. We are continuing to see kitchen islands as a multi-use station. More homeowners are using it as a social space as well as for informal dining. In modern kitchens, the increased use of waterfall-style countertops offers a dramatic and sleek look to a kitchen island while also adding more countertop materials to the space.

In addition, the popularity of open design is seeing overhead cabinetry replaced by shelving and designers are using non-traditional materials such as quarts to create unique and sturdy shelving.


Countertop materials have evolved a great deal and the choices available just keep expanding. There are a lot more materials in the market and new ones are coming out all the time. Remember when looking at material for your countertop, evaluate how long it will stay beautiful. Being affordable and durable aren't only considerations. The ecological aspect of material is also important. The origin of the material and the ecological impact of its process are influencing choice.