6 Top Trends in Kitchen Countertops
Countertops are arguably the centrepiece of a kitchen. This is the place where many delicious meals are prepared. Beyond this obvious functional consideration, kitchen countertops are simply beautiful. They take your kitchen décor to an entirely different level to make your cooking experience even more exciting.
Kitchen countertops come in various designs, texture and materials. The 2018 trends have sustained a tradition of featuring breathtaking kitchen countertops. Let us look at a few of these trends.
1. Quartz Continues to Rule
When quartz came onto the scene years back, it was billed as a high-end alternative to granite. Granite, a natural rock, had for years refused to give up its top position to any other, despite sustained competition from would-be top-flight contenders. It is highly popular with homeowners looking for a combination of strength, durability and beauty. It, however, has one disadvantage; its porosity.
The implication is that liquids such as oils, wine, and water can seep into it and cause staining. In extreme cases, it can be a veritable breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. The good news is that this weakness, the porosity, can be circumvented by using a non-porous sealant to seal the granite surface. This sealant, however, needs to be regularly replaced since it wears off with time.
Quartz is, however, non-porous and therefore does not have to be resealed. It is also highly resistant to staining and is a homeowner’s perfect choice for the most hygienic countertop. Besides, quartz is remarkably strong and therefore highly durable. Besides low maintenance, quartz countertops feature different colour options and various finishings that mimic the appearance of a natural rock. These qualities are bound to keep quartz countertops a constant feature in most discerning kitchens in 2018.
2. Textured versus Polished Finishes
The use of heavily textured tactile surfaces is likely to influence kitchen countertops in 2018. The highly popular leather and honed finishes can be applied to quartz, marble and granite. Polished finishes, however, will continue to dominate kitchen countertops in 2018.
3. Unique Designs and Patterns
Another trend that is dominating 2018 is the use of unique designs and patterns that add character and creativity to kitchen countertops. Technology has made it possible for homeowners to add character to their kitchen countertops through creative solutions. Unlike in the past when countertops were bland, today’s countertops feature a wide variety of patterns that leave homeowners spoilt for choice.
4. Integrated Kitchen Sinks
Integrating your kitchen sink with a quartz countertop is becoming quite popular in 2018. Since these sinks are from the same material as the countertop, there is a continuous, seamless blend from the countertop to the kitchen sink. The result is a smooth transition from the working surface to the kitchen sink.
5. Neutral Tones in Vogue
Neutral tones are quickly edging out splashy colours in 2018. Where jet black countertops once ruled, the new trend towards neutral tones such as white, beige and soft grey continues to dominate 2018. These neutral tones are blending very well with modern kitchens that are increasingly embracing natural lighting.
6. Backsplash Tiles
Backsplash tiles are set to continue their popularity into 2018. While the kitchen countertops are adopting subdued neutral tones and thin slabs, the backsplash is emphatically moving in with captivating, bold styles. The current trend is to have the backsplash extend to the ceiling rather than just below the wall cabinetry, making it a kind of an accent wall that blends very well with the kitchen.
Kitchen countertops are the most striking kitchen décor. While this trend continues into 2018 and perhaps into the years ahead, a variety and neutral tones that complement the rest of the kitchen décor will rule into the foreseeable future.