Kitchen Counter Top Designs
Countertops have become an area of intense focus for those individuals looking to update their kitchen design in Trenton. With the increasing trend toward using kitchens as social spaces for entertaining, attractive countertops have become very popular as a way to make any kitchen attractive and inviting. Many homeowners are opting for wrap-around countertops that are perfect for entertaining. This style allows both guest and host to share in the cooking experience as one social event. There are many different types of materials that are currently being used in the construction of kitchen countertops, all with different aesthetic properties as well as advantages relating to durability and sustainability. Many of these materials come from the earth and are called natural materials while others are more synthetic.
Wood
Wooden countertops have long been a mainstay of kitchen design. Many of us probably think of old, faded looking countertops when we think of wooden designs. These bland, dated looks are a thing of the past. There have been many exciting ideas in this world of natural wooden countertops. Many people are using reclaimed or recycled wood products as part of their countertops. These pieces of wood may have come from an old building or barn, or perhaps something even more exciting like an old ship or rail yard. Reclaimed wood is one of the trendiest materials to use currently simply because it is so interesting. It looks great and is a great conversation starter.
Another wooden counter top option that many people are choosing is the butcher-block finish. This thick and sturdy look is very handsome and gives a masculine strength and elegance to any kitchen. This style of countertop is popular with the environmental or ‘green movement’ because it is one of the more environmentally friendly options. The only down side to this particular material is that it is one of the softer surfaces and therefore requires a bit of maintenance.
Concrete
Poured concrete is a popular option for counter top construction for those looking to create a solid and strong look in their kitchens. This is a very versatile material in that it can be tinted to many different shades and can be poured in various shapes to create a really unique look. This is definitely a material for those looking to make a custom design that looks strong and is highly durable.
Stone Options
There are a variety of countertop options made from stones that have been very popular over the years. These natural materials are very elegant and interesting looking because of the natural variations found in the stone itself. Granite countertops have long been popular but there are a few other materials that have been increasing in popularity recently as well. Slate countertops are a relative newcomer on the scene but have gained an appreciation for their naturally uneven finish. This means that unlike polished granite or marble, they hide tiny knicks and dents that occur from daily use rather well. Another type of naturally occurring stone that has become popular in recent years in the mineral quartz. This materials has a natural luster and virtually impervious to stains and discoloration, making it a very useful material in the kitchen. Soapstone is another natural material that has become popular for countertop construction. Much loved for its beautiful soft-grey finish, this material is slightly softer than granite and does require a bit of care.
Heavy Metal
Metal countertops have become popular for those looking for a more modern and simple looking kitchen. Those choosing metal countertops often extol their simple and clean appearance. There are a few different options when it comes to metal countertops. Stainless steel has long been a popular choice when it comes to anything metal in the kitchen and for good reason. This material doesn’t stain and won’t rust. It’s easy to clean up and has natural germ fighting properties. Many people who are looking for a thoroughly modern look for their kitchens choose stainless steal.
Another option for those wanting metal countertops but wanting something a little less austere than stainless steal is pewter. This type of metal countertop is actually made of a variety of several different metals, making it an alloy. This material has a dark, silvery finish that is warmer and more inviting than stainless and can be a very beautiful addition to any kitchen.
Wood
Wooden countertops have long been a mainstay of kitchen design. Many of us probably think of old, faded looking countertops when we think of wooden designs. These bland, dated looks are a thing of the past. There have been many exciting ideas in this world of natural wooden countertops. Many people are using reclaimed or recycled wood products as part of their countertops. These pieces of wood may have come from an old building or barn, or perhaps something even more exciting like an old ship or rail yard. Reclaimed wood is one of the trendiest materials to use currently simply because it is so interesting. It looks great and is a great conversation starter.
Another wooden counter top option that many people are choosing is the butcher-block finish. This thick and sturdy look is very handsome and gives a masculine strength and elegance to any kitchen. This style of countertop is popular with the environmental or ‘green movement’ because it is one of the more environmentally friendly options. The only down side to this particular material is that it is one of the softer surfaces and therefore requires a bit of maintenance.
Concrete
Poured concrete is a popular option for counter top construction for those looking to create a solid and strong look in their kitchens. This is a very versatile material in that it can be tinted to many different shades and can be poured in various shapes to create a really unique look. This is definitely a material for those looking to make a custom design that looks strong and is highly durable.
Stone Options
There are a variety of countertop options made from stones that have been very popular over the years. These natural materials are very elegant and interesting looking because of the natural variations found in the stone itself. Granite countertops have long been popular but there are a few other materials that have been increasing in popularity recently as well. Slate countertops are a relative newcomer on the scene but have gained an appreciation for their naturally uneven finish. This means that unlike polished granite or marble, they hide tiny knicks and dents that occur from daily use rather well. Another type of naturally occurring stone that has become popular in recent years in the mineral quartz. This materials has a natural luster and virtually impervious to stains and discoloration, making it a very useful material in the kitchen. Soapstone is another natural material that has become popular for countertop construction. Much loved for its beautiful soft-grey finish, this material is slightly softer than granite and does require a bit of care.
Heavy Metal
Metal countertops have become popular for those looking for a more modern and simple looking kitchen. Those choosing metal countertops often extol their simple and clean appearance. There are a few different options when it comes to metal countertops. Stainless steel has long been a popular choice when it comes to anything metal in the kitchen and for good reason. This material doesn’t stain and won’t rust. It’s easy to clean up and has natural germ fighting properties. Many people who are looking for a thoroughly modern look for their kitchens choose stainless steal.
Another option for those wanting metal countertops but wanting something a little less austere than stainless steal is pewter. This type of metal countertop is actually made of a variety of several different metals, making it an alloy. This material has a dark, silvery finish that is warmer and more inviting than stainless and can be a very beautiful addition to any kitchen.