It’s an understatement to say 2020 was an abnormal year, but we all adapted and learned to love our homes (indoors and outdoors) in new ways. There was new value placed on time spent together and many of us will continue focusing on family in the home. This means that remodels are high on the to-do list and the kitchen, being the hub of the home, is top priority.
Front and center in the kitchen are countertops. They take on a lot of responsibility, from setting the tone of the space to all of their functional duties. Countertops are crucial to kitchen design and everyone wants to have great counters. So, what are this year’s trends when it comes to those all-important kitchen workhorses? Our A&S team looked at what’s been the top sellers and we’ve got the answers, straight from the showroom floor.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz tops the list and that’s not a surprise. It’s not that other counters are a bad choice (they definitely are not), it’s just that quartz has garnered the buzz (again) lately.
Quartz can be more affordable than other options, which makes it more practical for the budget conscious. Add to that very easy to clean and virtually no upkeep and you get a countertop that’s gentle on the budget, easy to care for, with rave-worthy looks.
Quartz covers a lot of ground. This manufactured countertop uses quartz crystals and a resin binder, meaning a lot of options—colors, patterns, styles—that can all be used in an attractive mix-and-match fashion.
So, what are we seeing here? Lots of light hues and a more uniform pattern preference than we’ve seen in the past.
This trend seems natural to us as we’re noticing a fun color movement cropping up in kitchen cabinetry (more on that in a future post) and having a nicely neutral countertop that’s light-colored is the perfect companion. We might be getting a little ahead of ourselves here, but we think the colored cabinet trend will hop over to counters. We’ll keep you posted, but colored countertops might pick up steam in the future.
We have a lot of options from our most popular brand partners—Daltile One Quartz, Silestone, Caesarstone, Corian Quartz, and Cambria. So, please stop into our showroom if you’d like to get a look at slabs in person and see what the fuss is about.
Honed Finishes
Shiny counter finishes became the norm over the years, which is why we’re excited to see a change with more honed or matte finish countertops being ordered. They’re still not as popular as the high-polish finish, but there’s certainly an uptick that’s likely to continue and grow.
What we like about the honed trend is the softer and even a bit more natural look. This creates a homey atmosphere—more relaxed and casual while still having the luxe appeal of a high-end countertop.
One of the great things about honed finishes is they are available for quartz, marble, and granite counters, so homeowners have flexibility in their material options. There’s also flexibility in appearance, as you can go from completely matte to something with a bit more reflection.
Honed counters are more subtle with color and texture being less pronounced, which means they’re fantastic at hiding scratches, providing a bit more longevity.
Waterfall Islands and Countertops
The waterfall island has been building its presence for a few years and is really hitting its stride in 2021. It’s a statement piece that instantly imbues any kitchen with a sense of elegance and abundance. While the look was touted as unique when it was introduced, it’s becoming more prevalent and popular for its luxurious attitude.
The waterfall effect—with the counter material spilling over the sides and down to the floor—is a fantastic way to extend the luxe nature of the material further into the room and pull more elements of the room together in a cohesive way. This is a very modern look with a clean vibe that’s highly desirable. The finished product has a sculptural element that makes it a statement piece or a functional work of art.
Outdoor Countertops
An outdoor kitchen is a huge and growing trend. As al fresco dining became a safer option in 2020, its popularity has exploded. So much so that people are very interested in creating a quality dining experience in their own backyards. Forget about picnic tables and portable grills. Today’s outdoor kitchen is going high-end and sporting some pretty fabulous countertops.
The most common products for outdoor counters that wouldn’t require sealing are: Dekton, Neolith, Porcelain (Atlas Plan, Laminam), and Caesarstone—maker of currently the only outdoor-rated quartz in the market. Additionally, any natural stone, concrete, or tile can also be utilized. It’s important to note these aren’t maintenance-free and will require some sealing to protect from the elements. There may be other considerations, depending on your climate, to factor in.
Even if there is a little additional elbow grease and protection necessary, the result of having an elevated outdoor dining space is worth it. This is a trend that’s simply going to grow and grow and we might see high-end outdoor kitchens become almost as important as indoor ones.
Come Check Out Your New Countertop!
At our A&S Lorton showroom, we have plenty of countertop options available, from the hottest trends to the tried-and-true classics. We bring counters together with cabinets and tile in interesting ways and we’re set up so you can explore your own mix-and-match ideas. Our staff is always willing to help or just give you a tour of what’s happening in our showroom.
