The countertop is an essential component of the kitchen. It's where all the action takes place. But more than that, the countertop is the foundation of kitchen décor when doing a kitchen renovation. It bares the burden of setting the tone and feel of the space.
Seeing its importance in kitchen décor, it matters a lot what material, finish and design you choose for your countertop. We're including a few trends that will give you ideas for your own kitchen. As you would expect, these trends focus heavily on color and material choices.
Quartz was introduced as a high-end alternative to granite. Granite a natural rock, has for years dominated the countertop scene especially for homeowners who want something strong, durable and good looking.
Quartz is highly stain resistant and is one of the most hygienic countertop options available. Quartz is extremely strong, making it super durable so you can see why this low maintenance material is a top choice for many homeowners.
Quartz comes in many colors, patterns, and finishing techniques that mimic’s the look of natural stone. In 2022, Quartz manufacturers will continue to impress us with manufacturing improvements to keep this countertop option at the top of the list.
Countertops With Character – Veining and Patterns
Fantasy Brown - Granite (above)
Smooth and silk-like veining brings character and style.
Homeowners are seeking a bit more character in their countertops. Thankfully, technology is there to offer creative solutions. Today, countertops come in a wide variety of patterns unlike the plain styles of years past. Say goodbye to the round particulates of countertops past and hello to realistic veining.
Materials like quartz are being designed to resemble slabs of natural stone. This involves creating veins in interesting patterns swirled into the countertop slabs. This added boost to your creative personality in your kitchen will wow!
Kitchen Sink Styles To Get Excited About
The countertop is getting the modern treatment and the sinks are not being left behind. 2022 is bringing different finishing’s, sizes, and styles to kitchen sinks and we’re super excited about it. We're starting to see matte black sinks and sink fixtures as well as gold and brass colors take over. These finishes stray away from your typical silver metal sinks.
Oversized sinks are also gaining popularity. This is great in terms of functionality. Elegant and modern styles of sinks are also homeowner favorites. For example, farmhouse sinks, otherwise known as apron front sinks are super trendy. Expect to see all these types of sinks in upcoming kitchen countertop trends.
Bold & Dramatic
Labyrinth - Quartz (above)
Bold and dramatic counters, especially dark counters, can easily seem very gothic in certain circumstances and also perfectly harmonious in others.
If you seek to create a statement with your home renovation, bold colored countertops are a great solution. The style is not merely for contemporary spaces. A bold and dramatic color also functions well in a conventional kitchen. On the other hand, dark counters, whether matte or glossy, will help make your dishes, flowers, and linens pop.
Beautiful Backsplash Trends
Backsplashes can be a fun part of the house to decorate as there always seems to be new trends and styles.
Basic subways tiles are out! Well ... maybe not completely, but if homeowners are using them these days, they're likely using larger ones with patterns. People are moving on to larger slabs with various textures or patterns. The color choices are endless. It just depends on the other colors you choose in your kitchen and of course personal taste. A pop of color would be very trendy right now and allows you to get more creative with your design. Neutral patterns with natural texture is another option for those looking for a classic look.
Another big change we’re seeing in tile backsplashes are their size and the portion of wall they're covering. Large slabs are taking over and can be marble, quartz, wood, copper, stainless steel, glass … the list goes on! Regarding wall coverage, backsplashes are rising to the ceiling. With upper cabinets on their way out, homeowners are left with more wall space. When it comes to decorating this space, tile backsplashes are a popular choice.
Outdoor Countertops
In an outdoor environment, inferior craftsmanship is going to deteriorate quickly. When picking outdoor kitchen countertops, your priority should be durability first and appearance second.
An outdoor countertop must be durable, waterproof, easy to clean up, and gorgeous. There are almost as many material selections for outdoor counters as there are for indoor. Porcelain and granite are both good options. Manufactured countertop materials like quartz and solid surface are not created to resist fading when subjected to UV rays. Keep these in mind when selecting countertop materials.
Conclusion
The countertop has always been a big part of kitchen décor. Through the years, we have gone from style to style as homeowners seek the perfect look for their main cooking space. In modern times, variety is the theme of the day. Homeowners have an almost endless selection of materials, styles, sizes, and finishes to choose from.
Visit your local Lowe's Home Improvement Center today for more information on countertop materials available!