2018: New Trends
2018 promises to be a year to remember, with bold and striking countertop trends making their mark on kitchen designs. This year is full of promise for new exciting styles. It is time to take stock of the current countertop trends! Below is a short look at the countertop trends that are making a splash this year in 2018.
Quartz Countertops
First introduced as an alternative to granite and marble, quartz is quickly usurping granite as the number one countertop material among today’s homeowners. The benefit of quartz is that it is non-porous and doesn’t require routine sealing, unlike granite. Quartz resists stains and damage while also being nearly impenetrable, preventing hazardous bacteria from growing. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns that can beautify any space.
Unusual Patterns and Unique Character
Today’s homeowners can now select countertops with bold, one-of-a-kind patterns, giving their kitchen a high-end and exceptional appearance. The plain, solid countertops of the past are just that… in the past! Countertops with personality are the new “it” design trend. Today’s countertops are the focal point of the kitchen and set the stage for the entire room. Both natural stone materials like granite and fabricated materials are multi-colored and have intricate patterns.
Textured Countertop Finishes
Rather than the highly polished countertops we are accustomed to seeing, a countertop trend of 2018 is to use alternative finishes. Like we discussed in our last post about finishes, different textures catch the light and extenuate the stone’s natural beauty. For example, honed or matte finish is a low shine finish that works especially well for marble. The matte finish hides flaws and imperfections. Leathered finish preserves the stone’s original coloring while also enhancing it with a light sheen. When more shine is added to a leathered finish, it is called a “caressed” finish.
The caressed finished countertops are both elegant and rough. The countertop material is subjected to extreme heat to create a flamed finish on granite. The high temperatures force some of the particles in the stone to change color. The overall result of the flaming process is a finish that is a bit rougher in texture, with colors that are muted and subtle.
Wood Countertops
Wood, reclaimed wood, and butcher-block countertops are also highly-sought-after for today’s kitchens. It is warm, inviting and adds a softness that stone countertops cannot provide. Wood can be stained and finished in a number of different ways to complement the cabinetry and overall design of the room. Additionally, wood is a sustainable material.
Integrated Sinks
A 2018 countertop trend extends all the way to the kitchen sink. Homeowners seeking a sleek, cohesive appearance to their kitchen design are falling in love with integrated sinks. Integrated sinks are fabricated from the same material as the countertop and are incorporated in a seamless way. The sink becomes a continuation of the countertop. An advantage of the integrated sink is that crumbs can’t get stuck on the lip between the counter and sink because the lip has been eliminated. The integrated sink concept works well in any decorating style from ultra-modern to farmhouse rustic.
No matter what trend suits your style, we are sure to see more inventive and beautiful designs as 2018 continues!
