In the Kitchen 2016: Countertop Trends

Last month on the blog we began to explore some of our favorite renovation and design trends emerging in 2016: new products from Kohler, the latest in glass surface innovation, and an illuminating look at what’s popular in home lighting. In today’s blog we will continue to look at our favorite emerging trends, beginning with countertop surfaces.

Trend: Investing in Surfaces

Flooring and countertops see a lot of wear-and-tear over the years, and eventually it shows! If your renovation budget is limited, investing in quality materials and help from a kitchen designer; avail yourself of their industry knowledge to help you make the most informed decision possible.

When working with a designer to choose the right surfaces for flooring, countertops—or anywhere in the home—you will want to consider not only budget but lifestyle as well. Not only will that help you determine material, but also color. That gorgeous white marble countertop you just pinned to your Pinterest page might not be the best choice in a house full of young ones, for example! Take the time to shop, ask questions, and see as many surface options in person as possible.

Trend: Going with Glass

Thanks to a seamless, easy-to-clean surface and natural anti-microbial properties, glass countertops are growing in popularity. Homeowners continue to seek out clean, contemporary design, and glass offers a seamless modern option that comes in a wide array of colors and styles. Another great feature of glass countertops? A non-porous surface means no stains, translating to quick and easy cleanup.

Trend: Stone, Natural and Manufactured

Homeowners continue to love the look of stone, and today they have more options than ever. There are pros and cons to both natural and manufactured stone, so your decision will rest on preference, budget, and lifestyle. Here are a few pros and cons to consider when looking at natural versus manufactured stone:

• Natural stone: Many options to suit different design aesthetics; marble requires periodic resealing, as does granite. Natural surfaces are beautiful, but require a little more maintenance than manufactured stone.
• Manufactured stone: Beautiful like natural stone but with a solid surface that is more resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria; depending on the material (i.e. quartz) you may see higher prices per square foot.

Thinking about designing the kitchen of your dreams? We can help! Stop in to the showroom today to speak with a designer, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Houzz.