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New ideas for kitchen countertops


15 Beautiful Kitchen Countertop Ideas and Designs

Hardworking and multifunctional as they surely are, countertops also go a long way in defining a kitchen’s aesthetic. After all, these stylish surfaces take up major real estate: Industry guidelines recommend 150 linear inches of counter space, while some designers ascribe to the 3x4 rule that dictates three separate counters, at least four feet each.

Jared Kuzia

If you’re considering a renovation, you may have already researched popular materials, from affordable laminate to posh granite and marble, as well as more unusual options, such as concrete. But there are new materials worth exploring, as well as a bevy of edge profiles and other unique design concepts, so check out the ideas here to help plan the perfect countertops for your cook space.

Materials mélange

David Carmack

With a slew of countertop materials at different price points to choose from, why settle on just one? Warm wood, sleek stainless steel, even impressive marble can all work together with good design. The key is to keep other elements, such as cabinet hardware and flooring, on the quiet side so they won’t compete with the countertops.

Get an edge

Though a subtle detail, a countertop edge profile makes a strong statement. In general, squared and eased edges say sleek and clean, while rounded edges, such as bullnose, have a softer, casual appeal, and ogee (S-shaped) options are more traditional. But that’s just the beginning of the edges available.

Consider a raised marine edge, for instance—currently trending on stainless steel countertops—for a look that’s sleek yet not stark. For something ornate, a Versailles edge—two sheer vertical faces joined with a smooth curve—was inspired by French Baroque architecture, while a rough-hewn chiseled edge lends a rustic vibe.

Matte matters

Nat Rea

While highly polished stone may always have appeal, countertop trends are moving toward matte. A honed finish is smooth to the touch yet has little to no shine, which can help hide flaws and scratches but may make stains more prominent on such surfaces as marble.

A leather finish, currently in vogue on granite, imparts just a slight gloss to highlight the stone’s natural colors and contours. It’s achieved with a diamond-tipped brush and can result in a textural range from rough to smooth.

The integrated sink

Fashioned from the same material as the countertop, and often a one-piece unit, integrated sinks are available in everything from marble, granite, and quartz to stainless steel, solid surface, and concrete. You can customize an integrated sink to whatever size, depth, shape, and details strike your fancy, and the look lends cohesion to a kitchen. Plus, without the cracks and seams where a conventional sink meets the countertop, crumbs can be swept effortlessly into the bowl for easy kitchen cleanup.

Concrete cool

Few surfaces are quite as customizable as poured concrete—the color, stain, texture, even the shape can be tailored to suit. To DIY, you’ll make a mold out of melamine particleboard (if you’re happy with the dimensions of your current countertop, simply measure them for the mold) and support it with a frame of 2x4s (concrete is heavy, after all). Then mix, pour, add your unique stamp, and—when dry—sand to finish and install.

Tier it up!

Andrea Rugg

A kitchen island serves many functions, and a multilevel countertop can maximize its flexibility even further. While the industry standard for islands is 42 inches high, you may opt for a bi-level island with a lower surface for chair seating, or a 36-inch-high food-prep station (perhaps with a cooktop) on one side with a higher level for stool seating on the other. You may also wish to add a smaller, higher surface for serving or display.

Save on stone

A budget too tight for a solid slab of stone may still allow for a genuine granite or marble countertop. Since much of the cost of solid stone is in the installation, a DIY tile job could run you about a third of the price. A tile saw with a diamond blade (available to rent for about $60 a day) cuts stone tile with ease.

Using large 12x12-inch tile simplifies the project (less cutting, less grouting) and yields fewer seams—so your result will look more like a solid slab. To finish, install stone pieces around the rim or choose a wood species that complements the stone to form an edge for the countertop.

Painted improvements

If new countertops aren’t in the immediate future, you can get pretty amazing makeover results with paint and a few other simple supplies. The secret ingredients that give tired laminate a glossy new look include two shades of paint, clear glitter, poly-acrylic (instead of polyurethane, to avoid yellowing), and a pour-on sealant.

Planet-friendly options

Anthony Tieuli

Want to redo your kitchen and save the planet? Consider an eco-conscious countertop. Perhaps you’ll choose PaperStone, crafted from compressed post-consumer recycled paper, non-petroleum resin, and natural pigments. Invented for use in skate parks (so you know it’s durable), PaperStone is food-safe, moisture-proof, bacteria-resistant, and boasts the warm, smooth look and feel of soapstone.

Another earth-friendly option is GEOS Recycled Glass Surfaces, constructed from post-consumer and industrial-use glass and a proprietary binder. This strong, non-porous surface performs similarly to engineered stone, requires no sealing, won’t stain and has a fun, colorful appearance that looks flecked throughout with gems.

Waterfall wows

A countertop that continues gracefully over the edge to the floor, framing the lower cabinets or sides of an island, is called a waterfall—and like its namesake in nature, it garners oohs and ahs.

Granite, marble, and quartz are popular materials for this extended (and expensive!) edge treatment, but an ambitious DIYer can create a waterfall effect with concrete: Frame existing cabinets with particleboard (don’t forget a hole for the sink), fill the seams with wood filler, and then apply concrete to the surface as if “spreading peanut butter on toast,” according to this tutorial. Sand to your desired smoothness, and seal with polyurethane.

Chic new shapes

There’s no rule that says a kitchen island must have squared corners. Curvy contours are both welcoming and unique. Consider a horseshoe with seating along the outside or a freeform shape that takes advantage of ample space in an open-plan kitchen.

Glass act

Jared Kuzia

Topping the trendy chart these days are solid glass countertops. Available in a large selection of shapes, thicknesses, textures, edges, and colors, they can endure high heat and are mold-, stain-, and scratch-resistant. They’re easy to maintain and can support a lot of weight, but drop a heavy or sharp object and the damage could be irreparable.

Lively look

For rustic drama, nothing beats a live edge—the term for the bark side of a piece of lumber. These slabs are air-dried (sometimes for years) to avoid cracking the wood, then carefully milled so that once the bark is removed, the natural contour of the tree remains. Live edge is available in many wood species, including maple, hickory, walnut, and cherry, to lend a striking, organic look to your kitchen.

Salvage savvy

Wood doors, salvaged from a previous renovation or picked up at a swap meet for a song, can get a new life as kitchen countertops. These dynamic DIYers pulled it off with three oak doors, using their old laminate countertops as templates. Oak veneers were ironed on for the edge, and then it was sand, stain, and seal to finish the project.

Can-do copper

Few materials can compare with copper for warmth, patina, and old-world beauty. Plus, this metal has natural anti-bacterial properties that make it ideal for a kitchen counter. While copper is costly, DIYers can save big by tackling the project with expert guidance or help from other homeowners. And if that’s not challenging enough, how about creating a countertop out of your personal penny collection!

12 Unique and Cool Counter Top Ideas

Beyond the popular granite look

By

Lee Wallender

Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 06/22/22

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Revamping your kitchen can be as simple as updating your counters. With so many popular countertops to choose from, it's possible to opt for eye-catching designs that can make your space stand out. From stainless steel to concrete, wood, and more, this quick upgrade is an easy way to completely change the look of your kitchen.

Here, get inspired by 12 unique countertop ideas you can install in your kitchen, as well as the pros and cons of bringing each one into your home.

Watch Now: 3 Simple Items to Modernize Your Home

13 best kitchen countertop ideas • inTrends

A block of granite that was an obstacle in the path of the weak has become a stepping stone for the strong

Thomas Carlyle

Your kitchen worktops are your workhorses. They take the hit every day when you cook food, bring groceries home, host guests. At the same time, when someone looks into your kitchen, it is they who are first of all in sight. So, when building a kitchen or repairing, you need to pick up something that is both beautiful and durable.

Ideas for kitchen worktops will inspire you to replace old worn surfaces with something fresh. By doing this, you will see that the new space of your kitchen looks completely different. So, are you ready to get a concrete countertop? Or dreaming of a flawless, elegant stone countertop?

Quartz Countertop Ideas

If you like the look of natural stone but would like something a bit more solid, consider a quartz countertop. She has a beautiful color, thickness - like marble and granite. But unlike them, quartz will not crumble and crack. Because unlike them, quartz is an industrial product. It is not porous, and feels softer to the touch than stone.

When choosing a quartz worktop, you should pay attention to some points. You will see that it is expensive, although comparable to other natural stone coverings. And it also has seams. If you have a white quartz countertop, then the seams are visible, it is noticeable and unattractive.

Tile Kitchen Countertop Ideas

Tiles are beautiful, durable and affordable, so a tile countertop should be high on your list of ideas, right? Do not hurry. Although glazed ceramic tiles are not porous, there is a cement joint between the elements, which creates problems with cleaning and disinfection. In addition, the tile, although durable, is not very heat resistant, which leads to chips and cracks.

The advantage of countertop tiles is that they add a lot of texture to the space. And you will also have a huge choice in terms of size, shape, color. If your kitchen is outdoors, tile is a solid option that can withstand the elements.

Black Countertop Ideas

If you have white cabinets, a black countertop can provide a great contrast by creating a natural visual break in the white. This will enhance the visual appeal and depth of the kitchen. A dark countertop doesn't take away from the bright, light and airy impression of a white kitchen.

Another option is to combine a black worktop with black cabinets. It gives a dark, sophisticated look. The black color of the cabinet continues in a long flow of color on the countertop. With bold color choices and a monochrome approach, you'll have the most in your modern kitchen. Continue in the same way, in black, using a black apron, tie the lower and upper black cabinets together. This will create depth, the kitchen will appear deeper and larger than it is.

If you decide that everything will be in black, it will have to be balanced with an abundance of light. This can be achieved by laying a light wood floor and placing a lot of lamps on the ceiling.

Metal Countertop Ideas

If you love the look of commercial kitchens, you can replicate that in your kitchen space with a stainless steel countertop. Consider, however, how the steel panel will fit in with the metal splashback. There may be too much metal in your kitchen; without contrast, there may be an excess.

Stainless steel is a great idea for a countertop, it won't burn, rust or get dirty. But before you prefer metal, you need to think about something. Metal pots and pans will knock loudly and annoyingly on it. And you also have to invest in the highest quality, densest metal you can buy. A low-quality one will easily be covered with scratches and gouges, the countertop will have a sloppy look.

White countertop ideas

If you dream of a white kitchen, you need a white countertop to match your white cabinets. The good news is that when it comes to white, there are different options: natural stone, tile, quartz, and glass. Just be careful, some materials are easily soiled, every speck will be noticeable on a white countertop.

A white kitchen is not required to make a white countertop look beautiful. Black cabinets and white countertops are a stunning color combination. Cabinets in other colors can also benefit from white, which will reflect the light and give the kitchen a sense of brightness.

Granite countertop ideas

Granite comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making this natural stone a great choice for customizing your kitchen design. There are some truly unique exotic options. In addition, it is heat-resistant and does not scratch, so it is reliable enough for your kitchen.

Unfortunately, granite is a porous material and therefore needs regular sealing. Otherwise, it will absorb liquid or harmful bacteria will start in it. It will not be possible to leave raw chicken or sour foods on its surface. Another disadvantage of granite is the possible high cost. The rarer the variety, the higher the price.

Glass top ideas

If you're looking for a surface that won't age, wear or fade, then glass is the perfect choice. These stunning countertops almost glow when light hits them and bounces off the thick glass. You can emphasize this wonderful effect by installing lighting under the glass. Your countertop will literally shine when you turn on the light. If you're not ready for solid glass surfaces, try using glass as an accent piece on your kitchen island.

Glass tops are durable. Place a hot pan or pot directly on it without fear that it will warp or wrinkle, as happens with other materials. Glass is non-porous and therefore more hygienic than some stone options. But keep in mind - the glass plate needs a thick one. This usually gives the glass a greenish or aquamarine tint. If it does not excite you, then glass is probably not for you.

Blue Worktop Ideas

Let's take a look at the electric blue kitchen worktop. This bold surface will become the center of attention and decoration of your kitchen. A neat way to present these unique countertops is to make the rest of the kitchen more subdued. This aesthetic brings out the beauty of grayish blue and holds the kitchen back from an overwhelming explosion of color. Start with a light blue countertop, then add this color to white or black cabinets. Then make a light wooden floor and white walls.

Another option is to create a French village theme in the kitchen. To do this, combine elements of a farmhouse with luxury items. For the countertop, use natural sandstone to bring elegance to the design. Pair it with a butcher's block style kitchen island and rustic wood cabinets. To complete the look, stick wallpaper with a French mesh pattern, which is usually found on fabric.

Butcher's block countertop ideas

Butcher's block is not the same as a regular wooden countertop. This warm, beautiful finish is made from strips of wood glued together, resulting in a table top that is smoother and more solid than wood planks. Affordability adds to the appeal of this countertop.

The use of a butcher's block countertop has some drawbacks. Firstly, it is wooden, therefore it is sensitive to moisture. With constant wetting, the tree swells, shrinks, begins to warp, which leads to a poor fit. Another problem is that the tree is easy to scratch, chip, generally damage.

Wood is not the hardest worktop material. Many owners exacerbate the disadvantage by using the butcher block countertop as a cutting board and wearing it out ahead of time.

Gray Worktop Ideas

Gray worktops are neutral, solid, if you're undecided about what to do with your kitchen. If you happen to have a variety of colors and materials already in your kitchen, you might find it difficult to choose a color that complements it all. This color is grey.

There are several material options for the gray worktop. Natural stone, such as granite and marble, comes in gray tones. You can resort to a trendy smooth gray concrete slab. Other options include gray tiles, metal, quartz.

Marble Countertop Ideas

Just like granite, marble countertops are amazing. However, they are quite expensive. The stone is very heavy and brittle when handled, making it difficult to install. Marble gets dirty easily, and while cooking, you will have to watch what you put on the countertop.

If you really like marble, but don't pull on the price, there is hope for a less expensive option. It is possible to get a countertop that looks like a thick slab, but without much expense, with the help of a skilled stone carver. They know how to make the edge thick and the rest of the slab much thinner.

Modern kitchen countertop ideas

The modern kitchen includes a wide variety of materials, including granite, marble, quartz, natural stone, cement, metal. The tabletop is modernized by a simple, sleek design. There are sharp corners, long straight lines, a minimum of detail.

Many modern kitchens have unique features. It happens that the countertop is continued down one side of the kitchen island. Or the material of the countertop stretches in the form of a counter along the wall and up to the apron.

Wood Worktop Ideas

A wood worktop will add rustic charm to your kitchen like no other. If this is the look you're looking for, you'll appreciate their ability to age and show signs of a lived-in kitchen over time. If you decide you want a wood countertop, go for solid wood. The tabletop will be more reliable and more resistant to getting wet.

Take care of your wood, it needs to be cleaned, smoothed, moistened. With constant care, your countertop will look beautiful and last longer.

And don't use a wooden countertop as a cutting board. Knives will not suffer from cutting, but the wood will age ahead of time.

Countertops for the kitchen - 55 photos in the interior. Modern kitchen countertop design ideas

Some cabinets had separate countertops or the same dining table was used to cut food. Now that progress has brought countertops to the kitchen, cooking has become much more convenient. If you don’t know what to choose, then on the Internet you can safely look at the photo of the countertops for the kitchen.

Worktops have brought many conveniences to modern women:

If you are ordering a kitchen, then choosing the right countertop will be an important attribute.

Content

  1. Count of countertops
  2. Materials for countertops
  3. Color solutions
  4. How to take into account the material when choosing the style of premises
  5. 55 photos of beautiful countertops, not only the variety will make life easier for the hostess, and also emphasize the interior, make it bright, or vice versa - drown out the tone of the room. Also, in terms of their functionality, the countertops are durable, easy to clean and hygienic. If you do not know which countertop to choose for the kitchen, so that it looks organic in the kitchen interior, you need to take into account some of the nuances:

    • compatibility with the chosen room design;
    • kitchen worktop dimensions, thickness and shape;
    • top color.

    Materials for countertops

    The following materials can be used for the production of countertops:

    1. Chipboard. This is one of the most common and budget options. Due to its lightness and variety of colors, it can be used in any design solutions. From above, the stove is covered with a special protective film, so the countertop in the kitchen made of chipboard is not afraid of moisture, but cuts and mechanical damage are terrible. After all, when moisture gets into the damaged area, the plate will immediately swell and deform.

    2. MDF (direct competitor to chipboard). Unlike chipboard, MDF boards are more reliable and are not afraid of moisture. And if the countertop is also finished with veneer, it almost does not differ from real wood.

    3. Plastic. MDF countertops are covered with plastic on top. This gives scope for design imagination and will satisfy any requests for shapes and colors. But such countertops are “afraid” of hot.

    4. Stainless steel. A stainless steel countertop will serve its owners for a long time. However, this is an expensive material. Although the price will depend on the thickness of the sheet, the quality of the metal, the specularity.

    5. Glass or acrylic suitable for modern or futuristic designs. Although such a countertop will be impact-resistant, it will still be afraid of mechanical impacts

    6. Artificial stone will be a price alternative to glass. External beauty and durability have made artificial kitchen countertops popular. The main popular solutions are marble countertops.

    7. Natural stone is used in the manufacture of countertops mainly for exclusive orders. Such products will be almost eternal and do not require special care. When ordering a countertop made of marble, granite or sandstone, you need to take into account the thickness of the future countertop. After all, a thin canvas is prone to stakes and cracks.

    Color options

    If you have already decided on the material for the countertop, then it's time to choose a color for it. After all, the colors of countertops for the kitchen should not violate the ensemble of the room and be perceived as a whole with the kitchen.

    If the kitchen cabinets are in dark colors, then a light or white countertop will look good. When the kitchen is executed in light colors, then a dark countertop or even black one looks nice. Also, white or shaded surfaces are well combined with colored kitchens.

    It is also important to consider the color and material of the backsplash. For example, an interesting idea is when an apron and a tabletop are made of the same color and materials, but different in texture. Also in more classic interiors, you can beat the contrasting color scheme of the table top and backsplash.

    How to consider the material when choosing the style of the room

    In order for kitchen furniture to harmonize with the countertop, it is first necessary that the material of the countertop matches the intended style.

    Learn more