Kitchens today have moved beyond simple utilitarian spaces to highly stylized, functional and yet comfortable spaces designed not only for entertaining but day-to-day living. Faced with an abundant selection of colour and finish options, planning for your new kitchen can not only be confusing but stressful as well. Today’s countertops are emerging as the new showpieces for homes everywhere. Kitchen cabinetry, tiles and hardware are taking a more minimalist approach to let these spectacular surfaces take the spotlight. However, this doesn’t mean that your countertop needs to be overly dramatic; perhaps you are looking to have it simply be complementary as opposed to a standout focal point.

Wide selection of natural and man-made products

We have a wide selection of durable natural and man-made products from granite, marble and quartz to porcelain, soapstone, concrete and wood, to name a few. Deciding which countertop material to select is entirely dependent on what look you are trying to achieve, how you personally use your space every day, the volume of maintenance you are willing to invest and, naturally, your budget. With advanced technology and new designs regularly hitting the market, there are plenty of options which will not only look gorgeous but add ease and functionality to our lives.

A trend we are loving is large stone slabs with plenty of movement such as variegated patterns with colour and prominent veining, creating an organic, dramatic and customized look for your space. These slabs work well with thin depths and a seamless appearance to create and, while it will require more time and materials to achieve that seamless look, the result is an absolute showstopper.

Granite

Natural granite continues to be a popular countertop choice for homeowners. They are low-maintenance, durable, long-lasting and mostly budget-friendly, with a wide range of prices varying from mid- to high-end for the premium selections. The same can be said for quartz, which offers a wide range of selections from simple budget-friendly to premium grade options. Marble, one of my personal favourites, is a wonderful and luxurious natural stone. Unfortunately, it tends to not be a front runner in countertop choices as it is a porous stone that requires regular sealing, and can easily stain, scratch and chip. However, if you are prepared for the upkeep, the beautiful natural patina that develops with usage and age is worth it. There are many lovely quartz choices that can still offer the upscale look of marble but eliminate some of its negatives.

Porcelain

Porcelain is another great option with selections that emulate the beauty of natural stone, wood and concrete. Requiring no maintenance, they are a durable material that is stain and scratch resistant, as well as having high heat-resistant properties. Unfortunately, however, they can also be prone to chips and cracks under intense pressure primarily on the edges.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a lesser-known natural stone which is comparable to marble in style yet superior in durability; wear and tear on the surface lends to the patina and character.

Wood

A great option with a bit of a relaxed vibe is wood. Whether it is butcher block or a great piece of reclaimed wood, it adds a warmth and informality to your space. Wood is practical and durable as a work surface and can create a beautiful patina with age. It is a long-lasting material and easy to DIY if you chose to refinish it.

Concrete

Finally, a unique surface option for modern, industrial to farmhouse-inspired kitchens is concrete. Its customizable in terms of colour and texture, is heat and scratch resistant and is sure to turn heads in your space.

Ultimately, if you are looking to renovate your space, do your research and contemplate what will work best for you in terms of functionality, aesthetics and maintenance. A successful kitchen requires a good balance when it comes to finishes, but it should also make a statement. With careful consideration, your new countertops can become the star of your home.

Tips for selecting your new kitchen countertop:

• Review information about the product you are considering understanding its maintenance needs and durability.
• Work with a professional when considering the edge profile as some may not be as durable as other profiles and some patterns may not be as flattering with certain profiles
• Continuing your countertop for the backsplash can be a nice touch
• When selecting your countertop remember you will be living with it for a long time so make certain you love it.