Kitchen Countertop Blunders That Age Your Space: Avoid These Options (Choose These Alternatives Instead)
Transforming Your Kitchen Countertop into a Timeless Masterpiece:
Ya'll know, your kitchen countertop is the star of the show. A shiny marble or a sleek steel surface can set the whole room's vibe, dancing with other design elements or taking them on head-to-head. But with trends turning on a dime, it's easy to get swept up in a stunning, attention-grabbing design, only for it to lose its charm in a couple months.
F Retro, we ain't aiming for a dated kitchen when redesigning our homes. And, this is even more true when it comes to costlier, labor-intensive decisions. A high-quality kitchen countertop can take a big chunk out of your remodel's wallet, especially when you're going for a luxurious, natural stone counter. So, there goes the hour-long scroll time through kitchen countertop ideas.
Luckily, our experts got your back, helping you avoid the trend traps and steer towards styles that will remain chic and classic for several years.
1. Tasteful Contrasts
Who doesn't love a bold statement piece? Yet, these are the ones that can rapidly lose their appeal and be relegated to the outdated kitchen trends realm.
"The in vogue overly graphic veining and bold color contrasts are making a splash now," says interior designer Nina Takesh, "but I got a strong feeling they'll fade faster than anticipated."
More dramatic, eye-catching veining is a rising trend, appreciated for its punchy contrast and intricate design. But this 'punchiness' is what can quickly become too much and leave you wishing for a more subdued finish.
"To create a kitchen that will shine for years to come, focus on using natural materials in soft, tonal shades that blend smoothly with the space instead of overwhelming it," Nina recommends.
2. Smart Budgeting
Embarking on a full kitchen remodel isn't a cheap endeavor, and costs can start stacking up faster than you can blink an eye. So, it's no surprise that cutting corners wherever possible can be tempting.
However, your kitchen counter isn't the place to experiment. "I'd recommend allocating a good chunk of your budget to the worktop," says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL kitchens, "A well-chosen worktop can elevate the look of any kitchen, big or small, regardless of the cost."
Standout features that'll see daily wear and tear are always the best places to pour some extra cash. "A worn-out worktop is the dead giveaway of a cheap kitchen, likely featuring a laminated chipboard or something similar that doesn't hold up under wear and tear," says Helen.
Instead, opt for natural materials like marble, copper, stone, or wood. "Natural products age with grace, adding beauty and patina as they go. A solid wood worktop is not ragingly popular at the moment, but it offers a great material that can look stylish yet less expensive than stone, marble, granite, or quartz," claims Helen.
3. Steer Clear of the Tiles
We're all about embracing trendy tile designs, but your kitchen counter may not be the smartest place to test out a modern tile style. "Wood and grout surrounding a tile surface can both stain easily, so I'd recommend avoiding using them as a kitchen surface, considering the likelihood of spillages," Jason Cherrington of Lapicida suggests.
When choosing a kitchen island, prioritize functionality and usage over style. While a tiled countertop may look fantastic at first, it quickly turns into a story of stained grout once you're frequently dealing with tea and coffee spills.
Instead, Jason recommends "choosing natural stone - there are so many stunning natural stones to select from. Marble is a timeless surface, available in a variety of color variations to suit any kitchen style and color scheme."
4. Classic Designs Go the Distance
"Countertops can become outdated when they rely too heavily on trends," warns Nina.
In a world where social media sets the standards, it's easy to get swayed by the latest trends and try to replicate them in our own homes. But remember, a home is a permanent fixture, unlike social media posts.
"Whether it's heavily speckled granite, stark white quartz with excessive veining, or reflective finishes that catch too much light. These materials can overpower the space rather than enhancing it," Nina continues.
These statement-making designs can quickly become outdated, leaving you wondering why you didn't consider more enduring design options.
"I encourage clients to embrace materials that offer depth and warmth. Travertine, limestone, or even fluted stone details add texture and a sense of craftsmanship that feels both current and timeless," says Nina.
Brooklyn-based design duo The Brownstone Boys concur, stating "When it comes to countertops, materials with heavy speckling, overly polished finishes, or bold patterns that were once trendy can make a kitchen feel outdated. Instead, we encourage clients to choose materials with timeless appeal - think natural stones like marble or soapstone with subtle veining, or honed finishes that add warmth and texture. These options feel classic yet fresh."
5. Say No to Plastic Laminate
"If possible, avoid plastic laminate countertops and opt for a more durable surface for lasting appeal," Jason recommends. Plastic laminate, a resin-soaked, cured paper, is a popular inexpensive countertop option thanks to its affordable price and ability to mimic other materials.
However, laminate surfaces aren't the toughest choice on the block and are prone to scratches and heat damage.
Jason suggests porcelain for a long-lasting choice that won't break the bank. "Porcelain is a fabulous hardwearing and cost-effective alternative that can closely resemble natural stone. It also offers the bonus of being exceptionally hardwearing and simple to clean, making it perfect for kitchen countertop application."
So, don't think choosing a timeless countertop design means settling for boring. There are plenty of unique ways to add a personal touch while keeping your countertop evergreen. Our favorite? A decorative countertop edge or jumping in on the chunky countertop trend.
- To ensure a kitchen that stands the test of time, interior designer Nina Takesh recommends focusing on using natural materials in soft, tonal shades for countertops, rather than relying on overly graphic veining and bold color contrasts that might quickly lose their appeal.
- When considering a full kitchen remodel, creative director of deVOL kitchens, Helen Parker, suggests allocating a sizable budget to the worktop, as a well-chosen worktop can significantly elevate the look of any kitchen, regardless of its size.
- According to Jason Cherrington of Lapicida, while trendy tile designs are appealing, they might not be ideal for kitchen countertops due to the susceptibility of wood and grout surrounding a tile surface to staining, especially with frequent spillages.
- Nina Takesh warns against countertops relying too heavily on trends, as they can become outdated quickly. Instead, she encourages materials with depth and warmth, such as travertine, limestone, or fluted stone details, which add texture and a sense of craftsmanship that appeals to both current and timeless aesthetics.
- Jason Cherrington recommends avoiding plastic laminate countertops in favor of more durable surfaces, such as porcelain, which offers a hardwearing and cost-effective alternative that can resemble natural stone and is easy to clean, making it suitable for kitchen countertop application.
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