Let’s
face it: no matter how much we invest in decorating and furnishing our
living rooms, the kitchen undoubtedly becomes the true gathering space
for the home. Dubbed the “workroom of the house” by famed architect
Frank Lloyd Wright, the kitchen is likely to get a lot of use—and
everything in it needs to stand up to years of abuse by hot pans, sharp
knives, dropped dishes and whatever else might happen. Especially
counters. And since counters take up a large proportion of space in a
kitchen, they definitely need to look fantastic.
Below is a guide to the some of the most trendy kitchen counter materials:
Artisan Tile
Custom
designed tile mosaics are ultra chic. Using top-quality glazed
artisanal tile on the backsplash areas of sinks and counters is a way
to add a pop of color into a kitchen and make it truly unique.
Granite
Durable,
attractive, and long-lasting, this material is as trendy as ever for
kitchens. However, there have been recent reports (like this one from the New York Times)
that says some of the granites used in may countertops emits elevated
levels of radon, an odorless gas linked to lung cancer, though the
industry maintains their product is safe.
Wood
If
your kitchen gets heavy use, and the recipes in your repertoire call
for pounds of chopped vegetables, a wood counter may be in order. Many
home chefs are opting for kitchen islands made from the same materials
used in chopping blocks.
Soapstone
Soapstone
is a non-porous material, which makes it resistant to bacterial growth,
requires no sealing, and is durable enough for you to place hot pans
directly on its surface. And rumor has it that Martha Stewart has
soapstone counters in her own kitchen.
Stainless-steel
This
material is becoming popular in kitchens as it is very easy to keep
clean and will not be marred by hot pans. It lends itself to a modern
aesthetic and looks very sleek and industrial. However, the surface is
easily dented.
Concrete
Concrete
sounds harsh and industrial, but it won’t look like the sidewalks you
tread on. It’s easy to customize in terms of color and doesn’t pose the
radon threat that granite does while still being just as durable and
heat resistant.
Green
Eco-friendly
materials are gaining steam: recycled glass, end-grain bamboo and
reclaimed woods like recycled old-growth lumber are trendy in
eco-conscious and green remodels.
