In luxury homes, long gone are the days of boring kitchen countertop ideas and basic laminate surfaces. Now, it's all about embracing natural stones, textures, and raw designs that can transform a space into the heart of the home.
For me, the kitchen countertop is more than just durability; it's about the way it feels in a home, and in my opinion, it can make or break the overall look of your kitchen. With so many kitchen countertop materials out there, it's important to find the perfect one for your space, and how you execute that is key.
Which is why having these kitchen countertop ideas is a must. Don't worry, we've put together a list that will undoubtedly inspire you.
1. Opt for Natural Stones
Natural stone is a timeless and elegant kitchen countertop idea, and Californian interior designer Cathie Hong seems to agree. "We love using colored marbles, quartzites, and even granites," she says. "Granite has been looked down on as a dated material for some time, but I think it's having a comeback, and for good reason. There are some really unique granites with interesting patterns and tones, and it's a very durable material."
If you’re choosing marble, Anthi Grapsa advocates pieces with beautiful veining and color to help disguise inevitable staining. "It can look like a work of art in your kitchen, especially if used on both the worktop and splashback," says the London-based architect. The designer also suggests using quartz if you prefer a more robust and low-maintenance alternative for your modern kitchen.
2. Consider a Reclaimed Material
For an eco-friendly kitchen countertop idea with guaranteed character, consider a reclaimed material. Aside from looking seamless in a kitchen, it's sustainable, too.
"In addition to the obvious environmental benefits, choosing a reclaimed kitchen worktop brings with it the story and patina from its previous life. This always adds extra depth and visual richness to the final design of the project," says Anthi Grapsa, who favours old-school laboratory worktops made from iroko wood.
"Iroko is a hardwood, so it’s very robust. The lab tops also have a plethora of graffiti and engravings, which adds to their character." Anthi’s go-to sources for reclaimed materials include The Architectural Forum, UK Architectural Heritage, and Retrouvius.
3. Understand Your Material and Plan Around It
If you’re selecting a reclaimed material for your countertop, be sure to have a detailed plan of your kitchen to hand. Planning is key to knowing how much of a counter overhang you need, as well as the type of material you use.
"Reclaimed wood varies in width and length, so it’s beneficial to have an exact design for your kitchen. Knowing, for example, where the sink is located minimises waste as most iroko lab tops come with sink holes," says Anthi Grapsa. She advises asking a joiner to help with exact measurements and requirements of sizes for this kitchen worktop idea, so you can choose the pieces wisely from a reclamation yard.
"It’s important to always think about the future reuse of the material," she adds. "Reclaimed worktops are also an excellent option if you’re updating an existing kitchen, as everything is in place, so you can plan properly, resulting in minimal material waste."
4. Choose a Concrete Worktop
For a textural and versatile kitchen countertop idea that sits well with all manner of materials and colors, consider a concrete worktop — a material that's also considered to be an inexpensive countertop option.
London architecture studio Bradley Van Der Straeten asked Mortise Concrete to create a bespoke countertop for a pink-toned kitchen in a recent project, which was matched to a color sample provided by the clients. And let's just say, they created a sleek, seamless, and elegant space.
"A concrete worktop is usually thicker than other worktops, such as marble, for example, as this prevents it from cracking under pressure. It’s a nice way to create something more solid, particularly when combined with a waterfall island edge for a monolithic look," says Bradley Van Der Straeten’s Vladimir Krastev. "There’s also a degree of inconsistency in colour and texture that occurs when working with concrete, which is what gives it its charm."
"Concrete is a fairly recent addition to the list of popular worktop materials, thanks to the rise of the industrial look." says Richard Davonport of Davonport Kitchen & Homes. "However, it is very porous, so it stains easily, and unlike most other materials, it can also chip."
To keep this material in the best condition, Richard says you should aim to treat it twice a year and warns that you should "be very careful putting things down near the edges." He continues: "Concrete is of course, also very heavy so careful consideration of how to support the surfaces is needed. The price point can vary hugely from commercial suppliers of bespoke worktops through to a more DIY approach."
5. Go for a Slender Countertop
Slender countertops are a kitchen trend that we've seen increasingly over recent years. It creates an elevated and streamlined aesthetic that certainly looks great in contemporary kitchens.
But that does not mean chunky kitchen countertop ideas are out, according to Cathie Hong. "It absolutely depends on the overall look," she says. "For modern kitchens, we often select a thin countertop with a simple polished edge, but when we're looking for more drama, we'll exaggerate the front with a mitred edge of 15 centimetres, or sometimes more."
6. Make Two into One
If you want to make a statement in your kitchen, why not opt to extend the countertop surface to the backsplash? It's sleek, elegant, and will certainly turn heads. Cathie Hong’s design (above) creates the illusion of a bigger space, while also drawing in a practical solution with its open shelving detailing.
"I didn't want to overcomplicate this kitchen with too many different materials, and I also wanted the terrazzo to be visible from far away," she says. She deliberately chose a kitchen worktop idea with a large-scale shard pattern to emphasise the effect.
Cathie Hong continues: "I think every project calls for something different. In this particular project, the terrazzo felt like the star of the kitchen, so it felt right to highlight it. However, we also love accent tiles and the character they bring to kitchens, particularly when combined with a simpler countertop."
7. Go Classic With a Wooden or Butcherblock Countertop
A popular choice for many, butcher block or wooden countertops add a rustic and farm-like feel to a space. But remember, wood countertops are hard to maintain and require a little extra attention.
Kam Bharadwa from German kitchen brand Kutchenhaus tells us: "If you’re looking for a natural look and feel to your kitchen, maybe you want something more traditional. A wooden worktop will provide you with a gorgeous rustic feel to your home."
"They give a real homely feel to your kitchen – something that the more modern kitchen styles and designs can lack," continues Kam. "With age, wood changes color very subtly. You can apply different oils to change the color yourself, which can work wonders if your wooden worktop needs that little boost."
As for maintenance, Kam tells us: "To keep them looking new, it is recommended to oil them regularly, around every 6 months, for the life of the worktop. The oil will keep your worktops water-resistant, hygienic, and it’s also a great way to stop stains or watermarks forming."
8. Bring in Natural Texture With Granite
Granite is another popular kitchen countertop idea. It's known as one of the most durable materials and can be found in many hues. The material is known for its coarse-grained effect and can certainly elevate a space with its unique appearance.
"It’s very tough and hardwearing. Its own unique patterns are what makes it so different. No two pieces are ever the same!" says Kam Bharadwa. "The unrivaled finish to a granite worktop is what makes it slightly more expensive in the current market. They have extremely high heat resistance being a natural stone, however, we would always recommend using some form of protection. They are also very highly scratch-resistant."
The disadvantage? Well, this material can be a little sensitive and can stain with certain liquids, and become dull quite quickly if you use the wrong cleaning products. "Always check which detergents are best to use to clean your granite worktop, but we would recommend a damp cloth and a very mild detergent," explains Kam. "The watch-outs are citrus and acidic foods and liquids that may be solvent-based. As they usually come sealed when installed, it is recommended they are resealed every year as this is a porous material."
9. Embrace An Industrial Space With Stainless Steel
Usually found in professional and working kitchens, stainless worktops are seeping out of our favorite restaurants and into our homes. Super durable, heat resistant, and easy to keep clean it's hardly a surprise they are growing in popularity in modern homes.
"Stainless steel is most commonly used for metal worktops, and fits well with modern and industrial decor schemes. There are many good reasons why it is used in professional kitchens, such as its durability, strength, water, heat and acid resistance. Although it gets scratched over time, this doesn’t affect its antibacterial nature, and is fine if you don’t mind ending up with a ‘worn’ look. If you want a pristine finish to last though, think about something more hardwearing," says Richard Davonport.
10. Upgrade Your Edge/Profile Details
Countertop edges are certainly a big part of those kitchen countertop ideas. This year, we're seeing a rise in embracing different textures, shapes, and materials when it comes to edges.
Reuben Ward, Lead Designer, Blakes London tells us: "Countertops aren’t solely about the material you choose to make a statement in your kitchen, the edge or profile detail can also significantly elevate the overall design. The most common option is a simple pencil edge, which subtly softens the sharp 90 degree angle, while a more traditional bullnose edge offers a rounded finish that typically comes at a higher cost due to the hand-finishing required."
"There is a growing appreciation for more bespoke profiles that bring added depth and interest to a design. Stacked countertops, for instance, reveal layers of stone along the edge — a striking effect, especially with triple or quadruple stacks. When using natural stone, offsetting the layers can further accentuate this detail. A subtler version of this look can be achieved with a triple bullnose edge. Raw edges also offer a distinctive aesthetic, particularly effective with concrete, where they enhance the material’s raw, industrial appeal."
11. Go Beyond the Standard Countertop Surface Finishes
When choosing your kitchen countertop, think outside the box and choose surfaces that are bright, elegant, and a little bit different. I'm quite fond of this specific surface in this kitchen by BLAKES London. Its chic wave design creates a luxurious aesthetic that is hard to miss.
"If you are using a natural stone, the finish of the surface can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the countertop," Reuben tells us. "Polished finishes enhance the natural paternation of the stone and do a great job of bouncing light around a room which can be helpful in darker spaces."
Reuben continues: "Honed finishes are popular for their more subtle and matt look. Perhaps the most unusual finish that is becoming more en-vogue is a leathered finish. Leathering a stone provides a matt finish with an undulation to the stone that gives the surface a more textured and tactile finish. The degree of leathering can be adjusted to determine how dramatic the effect!"
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FAQs
What Is the Most Durable Kitchen Countertop?
Quartz is known to be the most durable material. It's stain- and scratch-resistant, as well as easy to clean, and can really well fight off heat damage.
However, the downside of this material is that it can be quite pricey, depending on the type you choose and how much will be needed for the layout and design of your kitchen.
What's the Cheapest Material for Kitchen Countertops?
If you are designing a kitchen on a budget or want to save to spend elsewhere, the cheapest material for kitchen countertops is laminate.
Laminate is known to be the cheapest material for kitchen countertops. It's an affordable option, but not as durable as other materials on the market. "You will sometimes see laminate worktops spoken about in a low-budget, cost-effective kitchen, but if you get the style and design right, then your kitchen will look incredible. They are a cheaper alternative to stone, but still very striking and can make your kitchen look stunning," says Kam Bharadwa.
Kam continues: "Laminate worktops are low maintenance. However, they must be treated with care as sometimes they can be damaged by water ingress because they have a chipboard substrate. We would also recommend hot pans are never put directly onto the surface, as this will damage the worktop."
How Can I Update My Kitchen Countertop Without Replacing It?
There's lost you can do to update your kitchen worktops without replacing them. From painting to covering them with contact paper and even staining them with a wood finish (depending on your worktop material, of course).
If you are sailing through your kitchen renovation journey, it's important to make note of what to avoid so you don't have any kitchen renovation regrets.
