Discover The Latest Countertop Trends in Kitchen Design

Countertop Trends in Kitchen Design

Trending Countertop Materials and Designs

It is said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. If that's true, then your kitchen countertops are the soul of your kitchen. Your kitchen countertops perform many valuable services both functionally and aesthetically, and they set the tone for your style. 

You spend a good part of every day in the kitchen preparing meals, catching up with the kids, doing homework, eating, and entertaining. It's critical to choose countertops that work well with your lifestyle.

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Good kitchen design and making the right choice for your countertop requires knowledge of the latest countertop trends. By following the latest kitchen countertop trends, you can create the perfect vibe for your kitchen while maintaining the functionality of the space. Along with being a statement of your style and a gathering place, the kitchen is still primarily a workspace. 

Contemporary countertop trends focus on several areas when it comes to the kitchen. Today, the factors that influence countertop trends include eco-friendliness, quality, practicality, and functionality.

In this post, we will look at some current kitchen design and countertop trends for 2021.

Five General Trends in Kitchen Design

Kitchens have become much more than cooking stations. Today they function as workstations, a gathering spot, and in open concept, floor plans a defining element setting the tone and focus of a home's interior design style. As the kitchen's functions have expanded, there are some significant design trends that we are beginning to see in 2021 and that we expect to grow in popularity in the coming years. These include:

Oversize Islands

As the kitchen has taken on more functions within the home, oversized islands have become a must. It serves as a centralized hub, and the larger surface allows for additional seating. That means more kids can do their homework while dad can be answering emails on the laptop as the family dinner is prepared. It also allows everyone to be comfortable spending time together in the same space. 

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For some, the island has transformed into the designated eating space. The formal dining area has become a much-needed play space, home school area, or temporary office. Of course, a supersized island is also a great way to make a stunning design statement too!

Warm Tones

For 2021 grays are out, beige is back. As designers and homeowners leave behind colder hues, they welcome back warmer tones like whites, beiges, oranges, gold accents, and natural woods. These colors as comforting and familiar, but they're also optimistic. That is something that we can all use after the year that was 2020!

These warmer palettes are softer, neutral, and pleasing to the eyes. They create a serene sense that's needed as we spend more time at home. If you need a little spice, add pops of color with greens, blues, or pinks. White kitchens are still popular, but you can break up the all-white look with your countertop choice.

Wow Factor, Walls!

Want to add some wow factor to your kitchen? The easiest way to do it is with a killer backsplash tile. In 2021 you'll be seeing more homeowners and designers playing up the patterns. Subway tile is, of course, still a popular choice, but you can add a bit of pop to your kitchen with the many options of color, style, finishes patterns, and textures available.

Taking the Kitchen Outdoors

Another trend we see more often as we continue staying home longer is the transformation of the outdoors into useful space. The kitchen is no longer just indoors. Some homeowners are choosing to create large outdoor kitchens that rival the ones in their homes. The trend for indoor/outdoor living and creating a seamless flow will continue to gain in popularity. By bringing outdoor materials into your home, you can create a connected space to enjoy.

Kitchen Sink Styles for 2021 and Beyond

Everything and the kitchen sink are getting upgraded in 2021! last year, homeowners and designers were excited about integrated sinks in the kitchen. This year, it is all about different finishes, sizes, and styles. Majorly trending in 2021 are matte black sinks and sink fixtures along with metals like gold and brass. These finishes stray from the traditional silver metal sinks. Another sink trend gaining in popularity this year is oversized sinks. It is a total functionality upgrade, and they pair well with oversized refrigerators. Also, watch for elegant and modern sink styles to be hot this year.

Five Countertop Trends to Watch in 2021

Like many recent years, quartz and granite are fighting it out for the top choice among designers and homeowners. This year's trends are focusing heavily on color, strength, and materials. Here are some trends to watch for 2021 and beyond.

Quartz is Here to Stay!

Quartz was originally introduced as a high-end alternative to granite which for years dominated the countertop world. Quartz offers durability, a non-porous surface, and a wide range of colors and patterns, including those that mimic natural finishes like marble. One of the hottest trending finishes in quartz for 2021 is matte.

Honed Versus Polished

There has been a growing trend among designers for using more textured and tactile surfaces in their designs. It's finally made its way into the countertop realm. Honed and leather surfaces are the most common and are used with many different materials, including marble, granite, and quartz. Polished is still the most popular, however. 

Adding Character – Countertops with Veining and Patterns

Homeowners realize the visual appeal of their countertops in creating a design focal point and are seeking more character. Technology has listened and provided us with a wide range of patterns unlike the plain styles of years past. Materials like quartz and porcelain are being designed to look like natural stones like marble and granite. Veining adds to your kitchen's visual interest and brings in the wow factor! These finishes lend themselves to bringing in other interesting elements, from flooring and cabinetry to dynamic backsplashes.

Natural or Recycled Wood, Glass, and Alternative Materials

As the trend toward sustainability is growing every year, designers and homeowners wanting to make a difference turn to renewable natural and recycled wood products, recycled glass, and alternative surfaces like acrylic for their eco-friendliness. Acrylic uses no natural materials and is manufactured using solid resin or acrylic. Recycled products are by their nature incredibly eco-friendly and use no new natural materials. Products like recycled glass countertops are not only eco-friendly. They also offer a hi-tech, minimalist appeal perfect for the contemporary kitchen design, and they're remarkably easy to keep clean!

Thin Countertops

The thickness of your countertops is playing a role in the kitchen countertop trends for 2021! Designers and other experts are recommending that thinner is better when it comes to your countertops. If your countertop is composed of high-quality, sturdy material, then they do not need to be thick. Countertops made of natural materials like granite and manufactured materials like porcelain, quartz, or acrylic can be kept exceptionally thin and still be effective!

Watch The Trends and Make the Change!

If you're considering a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, soon consider these countertop trends when designing the space of your dreams. Whether it's a bigger island to provide you with an extra-large work surface, or creating a better flow between your indoor and outdoor living space, transforming your kitchen space with stunning new countertops is a gift to yourself that will pay dividends. For years! 

If you are considering bathroom or kitchen remodeling, choose to stay on top of the latest countertop trends. If you are unsure which way to turn, give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720. Stonelink Marble & Granite now serves all of New England. Let us show you our beautiful selection of countertop materials trending in home design for 2021 and beyond!