The kitchen countertop is the perfect place to add the ultimate design touch to your kitchen. Regardless of which kitchen countertop ideas you’re attracted to, select materials that are durable and built to withstand the wear and tear associated with cooking and prep.
Engineering and technology have made a wide variety of design choices and finishes possible. While most of the following kitchen countertop ideas are durable, it’s a good idea to always work with cutting boards and silicone trivets for hot pots. Keep countertop surfaces clean with a non-abrasive, soft towel and follow manufacturer or installation guidelines on what products to use to clean and maintain the beauty of your countertops for years.
Contrasting Color Kitchen Countertops
For a bold effect, select a countertop in a lively color. While some of the top choices include yellows, oranges and lime green, the choice of white or black countertops can be as bold a color choice as yellow, depending on the kitchen.
The secret is in the contrast. If you want your countertop to stand out, select a countertop color that pops or stands out from the cabinetry.
Patterned Kitchen Countertops
If you like the contemporary feel of sleek, minimalist cabinets, add visual interest with patterned kitchen countertops. Some great kitchen countertop ideas for pattern include the use of striped stone materials or textures like Caesarstone’s Concetto series.
Thick Slab Kitchen Countertops
The latest trend in contemporary kitchens is the thick slab countertop effect. While most countertops are normally 2” thick, choosing a 3 – 5” thick countertop creates an anchored, stately look. Remember to adjust cabinet heights accordingly to make up for the height increase from the thicker countertops.
Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops
Timeless and inviting, wood butcher block countertops add a warm look to your kitchen. To keep the finish looking fresh and new, seal wood countertops with a durable polyurethane and use trivets and cutting boards to protect the surface from heat and marring.
Metal Kitchen Countertop Ideas
While stainless steel is a good and classic metal option, two other metals are seeing a surge in kitchen countertop popularity.
Zinc Countertops
If you’re looking for a countertop that develops a rich, blue-toned patina, zinc is a good option. Zinc reacts over time with water, oils and citrus. The reactions are what create the beautiful, rich patina that is the metal’s signature. Zinc countertops are best left in their natural, matte-finish state.
Copper Countertops
Copper creates a warm glow that softens the hard edges of a contemporary kitchen. If you’re using copper in a kitchen countertop and want to keep the sleek, polished look, select copper that has been sealed.
Concrete Kitchen Countertops
Concrete is durable, earthy and has a subtle textural feel to its pattern. The best part is that concrete can be customized with staining, textural treatments and different finishes.
Wrapped Kitchen Countertops
A trending countertop look involves wrapping your countertop material by using it on the top and sides of cabinets, as seen in the image above. A wrap creates an interesting look that draws the eye across other parts of the room. For the most visual impact, add this effect to your kitchen if your countertops are a contrasting color to the rest of the kitchen components.
Two-Tone Kitchen Countertops
For a custom, high-design look, choose two different countertop surfaces for your kitchen. This look was once exclusively used by chefs and bakers who preferred a designated, cold marble countertop in one section for rolling dough and stainless steel for the rest of the kitchen counters for clean up ease.
Take inspiration from the professional cook’s practical countertop two-tone approach to create a one-of-a-kind kitchen.
Curved and Organically Shaped Kitchen Countertops
If you’d like to break up all the straight lines in a contemporary kitchen, add a little curve to your countertop design. A curve, especially in the seating area, creates an inviting, communal place where it’s easier to sit and have a face-to-face conversation with each other.