8
Jun
Interior Designers Dallas

Kitchen Countertops at a Glance: Your Top 5 High-End Options

Stephanie Kratz
|
June 8, 2021

More than 80 percent of homeowners in one survey said that their kitchens topped the list of rooms in their home that they want to or are already planning to remodel.

Whether it's because we use our kitchens so much or because popular style choices change so frequently, we love to redo the hearth of our homes.

But remodeling a kitchen is much more complicated than re-designing your bedroom or living room. Not only do you need to choose paint, furniture, and decor, but you'll also need to deal with more complicated design choices, like appliances, backsplashes, and flooring that can stand up to the demands of a busy kitchen.

One big decision you'll need to make is the type of countertop you want. This decision will affect the look of your kitchen and your ability to use your counters while you cook.

If you're thinking about giving your space an overhaul, keep reading to learn the top 5 high-end kitchen countertops that you need to consider.

1. Granite or Marble

One of the most popular countertop choices for high-end kitchens is natural stone. You simply can't beat the luxurious look and feel of a marble or granite countertop.

If you think that natural stone is the right choice for your kitchen, you have several decisions to make. First, you need to choose the type of stone.

Marble is perhaps the most luxurious of your natural stone options. Available in beautiful colors and stunning patterns, it can be used to create a dramatic look or a clean finish in your kitchen.

Unfortunately, marble is not designed for kitchens that see a lot of heavy use. If you cook often, use your kitchen for other work, or have children, you will need to be prepared for plenty of maintenance and upkeep if you want to keep your counters looking great.

Granite is another gorgeous natural stone option. Also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, it still lends a touch of luxury. Granite is more durable than marble, making it ideal for high-traffic kitchens, though it does require some maintenance to keep moisture from soaking into your slab.

2. Stainless Steel

Industrial-chic kitchens are not only perfect for modern homes but also let your guests know that you're serious about your food. Inspired by professional kitchens, stainless steel countertops are popular among cooking enthusiasts.

Countertops made of stainless steel are very durable. They're also incredibly easy to clean and sanitize, and require no maintenance to keep them looking great.

Stainless steel isn't for every homeowner. They require a very specific look in the rest of your kitchen. If you don't love the industrial or retro look, these shiny surfaces can be overly harsh.

3. Lava Stone

If you want a stunning countertop that doubles as a conversation piece, lava stone is a great choice.

A relatively new option, lava stone slabs are hand-extracted from quarries found exclusively in France. Once cut, they are glazed with enamel and fired in a kiln to seal them. You can choose from a shiny, glamorous finish, or an ultra-smooth crackled matte look for a more modern look.

This unique, modern countertop option is incredibly durable, with high-end options advertising a life-span of more than 50 years.

It comes as no surprise that these countertops are able to withstand very high temperatures. These countertops are also resistant to scratches and stains and require very little maintenance to keep them looking great.

Because they are such a new option with a high price point, lava stone countertops remain very exclusive. If you want a countertop that will wow your guests and leaves them guessing what its made of, this is a great choice.

4. Wood or Butcher Block

When you want to create a warm and cozy space in your kitchen, you might find natural stone too modern for your space. Wood or butcher block countertops are a great alternative.

Available in a range of colors, styles, and finishes, these counters add a natural touch to your space. It brings to mind kitchen windows with herbs growing upwards in the light, white cabinets, and oversized farmhouse-inspired dining tables.

Butcher block countertops are also a popular choice among amateur chefs who get a lot of use out of their kitchens.

If you're passionate about sustainable living, you can also opt for countertops made from reclaimed wood. Artisan craftsmen can turn everything from old, solid wood doors to the slats of ancient barns into stunning, eco-friendly countertops.

Wooden countertops also have one surprising benefit that many homeowners don't know about; they're extremely hygienic. Wood or butcher block counters are naturally sanitary, with built-in protection against bacteria.

If you have small children or you enjoy making complex dishes that require lots of side work and ingredients that you spread throughout your kitchen, this can be a great feature.

5. Soapstone

Another great natural stone option for luxury kitchens is soapstone. Popular in historic homes, this countertop option is resurfacing.

One of the reasons that soapstone is so popular is that it can be used as a sink material as well. This allows you to create a seamless look between your countertop and sink.

While it is available in different styles, soapstone is typically dark gray in color, with less color and pattern variation than granite or marble. The surface of soapstone will actually darken over time, lending to the antique look.

Choosing the Best Kitchen Countertops

Choosing the best kitchen countertops for your home takes a bit of work. From granite and marble to butcher block, any of these countertop options will look beautiful in your home. But that doesn't mean that any of these options is the right choice for you.

You'll need to consider both your own personal style and how you plan to use your kitchen. Then you need to choose a countertop that blends the two together in a happy medium.

If you want help choosing your countertops and designing a cohesive, beautiful, luxurious kitchen style, check out our turn-key service and solutions to see how Stephanie can help you design a kitchen that you'll love.

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