If the kitchen is the epicenter of the home, then countertops are the epicenter of the kitchen. It’s where almost every kitchen activity begins and ends. Because countertops are one of the first things you see when you enter a kitchen, they naturally serve as a focal point.
And the good news is that choice of color, shape and material is virtually unlimited, enabling you and your designer not only to make countertops the functional workhorse of your new kitchen but the ultimate expression of your design and personality.
In the Upper Valley, we are finding that our clients want to invest in high-quality, high-performing, statement-making countertops. Not only because a high-quality countertop makes it easier to prepare meals, but they are also used to cook, eat, entertain, do homework, charge electronics, read, relax and spend quality family time together.
Material Trends
Quartz has become the fastest growing surfacing material that we specify for our clients, and our experience matches nationwide trends. According to a recent survey of more than 220 kitchen and bath designers and showrooms, more than 86 percent of survey respondents believe quartz’ popularity will continue to increase. Tile is at the opposite end of the spectrum. The survey found less than 2 percent of kitchen designers expect tile use to grow in the kitchen (the bathroom is an entirely different story, however). Designers also report there is less interest in laminate, solid surface material, metal and glass.
Granite, marble, soapstone and concrete remain popular countertop materials. Natural stone, once the market leader, is no longer king of the hill. More than 33 percent of designers report that their customers are shying away from natural stone in favor of other materials (mostly quartz).
Color Trends
White remains the dominant color pallet in kitchens and in kitchen countertops. More than 92 percent of survey respondents reported that their customers are drawn toward white, off-white and cream countertops. Gray is the second most popular countertop color with 76.4 percent of those polled indicating that gray trends high with their clients. Other upward trending countertop colors include (in order of popularity): earth shades/taupe/brown, black, metallic, blue, green and red/terracotta.
Mixing and matching surface materials is another current popular trend. Nearly 60 percent of showrooms and designers report that they frequently mix two or more countertop materials in their client projects.
An investment in countertops that are beautiful, durable and easy to clean is invaluable. If you are interested in discussing countertop materials, colors and functionality for your new kitchen or bath, please call us at 603-448-9700, visit our showroom at 105 Hanover Street, Lebanon, NH or obtain a copy of our guide to countertop selection.
