Siemens Home Appliances
Countertops that make a big difference in your kitchen
Your kitchen is one of those places in your house where you can expect a lot of footfalls. It is the place where you can enjoy a delicious meal, as well as entertain your guests. So, it makes perfect sense that a room of social gathering should be one of the sharpest-looking rooms in the house.
One of the most crucial parts of the kitchen is the countertop that you choose to go with the décor. Since making this choice may be a challenging decision for many of you, we are here to help you out with some amazing kitchen trends that have picked up rapidly in 2016. Have a look!
1. Block & Wood
Countertops made up of wood and those having earthy elements are trending currently, right after Quartz. It has become a common practice to incorporate wood in the kitchen beyond floors and cabinets to places like countertops, both in traditional and modern kitchens. Wood is simple on the eyes and also adds the homely touch, which is absent in most modern designs. The wooden countertop also proves to be apt for activities like chopping and cutting.
2. Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops have been making their way into most kitchens in 2016. Natural stones, such as marble, granite, soapstone and slate, have been the top choices this year. Of course, all of them have their share of pros and cons, but in the end, it is about personal preferences.
- Marble adds a polished and elegant touch, but it stains and scratches easily
- Granite is elegant and durable, but is very heavy on the pocket
- Soapstone and slate hit the perfect middle ground, but need a lot of care to look their best
3. Laminate
Laminates make their way into stylish, trendy kitchens even today, but with an upscale, polished look. This upscale laminate allows you to get the appearance of an expensive material at a substantially lesser cost. You can get amazingly creative with laminates and recreate modern butcher block or luxurious, elegant countertops. While laminates can be a convenient option, they are not heat-resistant and have a greater vulnerability to scratches and chips.
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops add a neat and sharp touch to any kitchen. Due to this ability of stainless steel, the material’s popularity has increased in the countertop department since the past few years. Apart from the aesthetic value it adds, steel is brilliantly durable, and is also resilient to bacteria. Steel countertops remain cool in the summer, play amazingly with pots and pans, and also work well with both modern and contemporary settings. They even make your kitchen look larger due to their reflective properties! However, many homeowners do not opt for steel since they think it is cold, and not a good fit for someone who is rough or careless in the kitchen.
5. Tile & Backsplashes
Tile is one of the most versatile materials you could opt for, since it can be installed as a kitchen countertop, a section of the wall, or even as a backsplash. This material can be experimented with, when it comes to the creativity factor. Art like mosaics and hand-painted tiles can turn your kitchen into a lively space. The ceramic is resistant to heat stains, scratches and moisture. However, tile has a high probability of getting chipped, and has to be cleaned regularly to avoid long-term stains and mildew.
