Countertop Trends to Watch in 2023

When it comes to kitchen design, countertops play a crucial role not just in terms of functionality but also in setting the aesthetic tone. 2023 is ushering in exciting new countertop trends that reflect a blend of modernity, sustainability, and timeless style. It is hard to go wrong by relying on a good granite company, though.

2023 Countertop Trends

This article will highlight some of these trends that you should keep an eye on this year.

Sustainable Countertop Materials

Increasing environmental awareness has boosted the popularity of sustainable countertop materials in 2023. Recycled glass and reclaimed wood countertops are gaining traction for their eco-friendly nature and unique aesthetics. These materials are not only attractive but also durable, offering a combination of beauty and practicality. Using these countertops contributes to waste reduction and gives your kitchen a distinctive, environmentally friendly look.

Quartz Continues Its Reign

Quartz countertops continue to be a favorite in 2023, owing to their durability, low maintenance, and vast color options. Unlike natural stone, quartz is non-porous, meaning it resists staining much better and doesn’t require regular sealing. The diversity in pattern and color also allows homeowners to achieve just about any look, from sleek modern to traditional.

Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain, a material well-loved for bathroom fixtures and tile, is making its way into the kitchen as a countertop material. Porcelain slabs are resistant to heat, scratches, cracks, and UV rays, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. They also come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic natural stone or wood.

Bold Veining and Patterns

Bold veining and dramatic patterns are a top trend in 2023. More homeowners are moving away from the subtle patterns of the past and embracing countertops with big, bold veining. The result is a statement piece that draws the eye and adds an element of luxury to the kitchen. Marbles, quartz, and even some granites are all available in styles that feature bold, beautiful veins.

Textured Finishes

Gone are the days when polished, glossy finishes were the only options. In 2023, we’re seeing a surge in popularity of textured finishes like honed, leathered, and flamed. These finishes add a tactile dimension to your countertops, bringing in a sense of warmth and naturalness that balances well with modern, high-tech kitchen appliances.

Colorful Countertops

While white and neutral countertops are still popular, there’s an emerging trend of colorful countertops in 2023. Think deep greens, blues, or even reds. For those who prefer a subtler pop of color, quartz manufacturers offer a wide array of options. This trend is perfect for those looking to bring a unique and personal touch to their kitchen design. Usually, colorful countertops include quartz countertops NC and other engineered options.

Integrated Sinks

The integrated sink trend involves constructing the sink out of the same material as the countertop, creating a seamless, modern look. It’s a design detail that’s both stylish and practical. The absence of seams not only looks sleek but also eliminates crevices where dirt and grime can build up, making cleaning easier.

Compact Surfaces

Compact surfaces are gaining popularity in 2023 due to their outstanding durability and resistance to heat, scratches, and stains. These are engineered products made from a combination of quartz, porcelain, and glass. Brands like Dekton and Neolith are leading the way, offering a wide variety of designs from natural stone lookalikes to bold, unique patterns.

Mixing and Matching Countertop Materials

The trend of mixing and matching countertop materials in the same kitchen is on the rise in 2023. This can involve pairing a sturdy quartz island countertop with a wooden butcher block section, or combining a marble baking station with a colorful recycled glass bar top. The result is a kitchen with added visual interest and tailored functionality.

Concrete Countertops

While concrete countertops have been around for a while, they are seeing renewed interest in 2023. Their industrial-chic aesthetic, combined with the ability to be cast in any shape and tinted any color, makes them a flexible option for modern kitchens. Plus, new sealing techniques are making concrete countertops more practical and lower-maintenance than ever.

Metal Countertops

Metal countertops, particularly stainless steel and copper, are also trending in 2023. Stainless steel offers a professional, commercial-kitchen look, along with excellent heat resistance and easy clean-up. Copper, on the other hand, brings warmth and a beautiful patina that develops over time. Both options add a unique touch to any kitchen design.

Waterfall Countertops

The waterfall countertop trend involves extending the countertop material down the sides of the kitchen island to the floor, creating a continuous flow that resembles a waterfall. This look is favored for its clean, modern lines and ability to showcase the beauty of the countertop material. In 2023, expect to see more kitchens featuring this dramatic design detail.

Nano Technology Countertops

Nano technology countertops have become a trend in 2023 due to their scratch resistance, antibacterial properties, and ease of cleaning. These features make them an ideal choice for households that prioritize hygiene and low-maintenance surfaces.

Raw Wood Edge Countertops

Raw wood edge countertops, also known as live edge countertops, are becoming more popular for their unique, organic appeal. They add a natural, rustic touch to kitchens and can be crafted from a variety of wood species.

High-Tech Digital Countertops

High-tech digital countertops, featuring built-in touch controls and other smart features, are an emerging trend in 2023. These innovative surfaces can include options like wireless charging pads, integrated digital scales, or even touch-controlled stovetops, offering a futuristic kitchen experience.

Matte Finishes

While glossy countertops have had their day, matte finishes are stepping into the spotlight in 2023. They offer a smooth, contemporary look that pairs beautifully with a wide range of kitchen styles. Plus, they hide smudges, fingerprints, and other marks more effectively than their high-gloss counterparts.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is making a comeback in 2023. It’s a natural stone that offers a soft, silky feel and a rich, deep color. It’s also non-porous, meaning it’s resistant to stains and bacteria. Over time, soapstone develops a patina that can add to its charm, making each countertop uniquely appealing.

Terrazzo Countertops

Terrazzo, a composite material that incorporates chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, and other materials, is seeing a resurgence in popularity. Its speckled appearance can add a colorful and playful touch to kitchens, while its durable and easy-to-maintain nature makes it a practical choice.

Backlit Countertops

For those looking to make a real statement, backlit countertops are becoming a trend in 2023. These countertops feature a light source placed beneath a semi-transparent material, causing the entire surface to glow. This dramatic effect can add a unique design element to any kitchen.

Conclusion

2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for countertop trends, with a renewed focus on sustainability, style, and innovative materials. Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen remodel or just considering a countertop upgrade, these trends offer fresh inspiration for a stylish and functional kitchen. Remember, the best countertop for your kitchen is one that fits your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance capacity. You can always buy granite countertops Durham NC if you are confused, because these are timeless.

 

Are Granite coutnertops better than Quartz?

Literally no other design element sparks up a heated debate as much as quartz and granite countertops do. Both materials are incredibly popular and have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. While some people will go in favor of granite, others will prefer quartz countertops. And to be fair, there really is no definite way of saying which one is better. In truth, both of these have their own pros and cons. So, they may be suitable in one case but unsuitable in other cases.

In case you have been looking to buy a new countertop, chances are that you would have noticed that these two countertops are immensely popular. And the truth is that we cannot shun one completely in favor of the other.

So, which countertop is better?

Well, before deciding which countertop is better for you, it is important for you to know the difference between them both. After that, you can decide which one is more suitable for you. However, before we go into the details of these countertops, let us figure out what is quartz and granite.

What is granite?

Simply put, granite is a 100% percent natural stone, as a result of which it is quite hard. It is mined all over the world from quarries. Then, it is cut into small sizes, and polished. This results in a very fine and grainy texture, which is incredibly pleasing to the eye. Since it is a natural stone, it adds a lot of warmth into the kitchen and makes the environment look very cozy.

What is quartz?

In comparison to granite, quartz is a little different in the sense that it is not 100% natural. While pure quartz itself is natural, the quartz countertops are made with 95% quartz and 5% of a polymer resin. This adds in to the strength of the material, and makes it suitable to be used as a countertop.

Appearance

When it comes to the appearance, granite comes in various patterns that depend on the way it is formed. Furthermore, it may also come in different colors. In case you want a countertop that stands out in your kitchen, then granite should be your primary choice.

In comparison, the main reason why people buy quartz countertops is that they are really good in the appearance. They come a wide variety of colors and textures, which makes them suitable for those who want to customize their kitchen.

Price

In terms of the price, average cost of buying and installing granite in household or restaurant kitchen can be in between $2000 and $4000. This is a huge investment, and should not be taken lightly.

In comparison, the cost of installing quartz can be in between $1500 and $3000. Hence, they are slightly cheaper in comparison to granite, which is another reason why a big number of people prefer to buy quartz countertops.

Environment friendly

Granite is mined from quarries which uses up a lot of energy. In comparison, quartz countertops are mostly engineered and do not come directly from mines. In this regard, they are far more environmentally friendly as compared to granite. This also cuts the distance of transportation down, while in the case of granite, the slabs are transported over lengthy distances.

Ending note

Both granite and quartz countertops Durham NC, are extremely popular and beneficial. However, both of them have a number of differences that you must consider. The major differences are mentioned above. Now that you know these, you can talk to a countertop installer and get your quotes. Though, do conduct some research on these countertops in order to learn more about them before you buy.