Learn about kitchen countertop ideas that will make your home feel fresh and modern. This guide shares materials, colours, and styles that are on trend.
If you’re updating your kitchen, the countertops are one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Countertops serve a functional purpose, but they also have a significant impact on the overall style.
What should you consider when choosing countertops?
Durability, colour, and cost are the most obvious factors in your decision. But what about climate considerations, maintenance, and how your choice affects resale value? These are all important, too.
If you’re updating the kitchen of your Ontario home and it includes new countertops, here’s what to know about the various options.
Quartz: Ontario’s Popular Modern Choice
Spend any time shopping for new kitchen counters in the Ontario area, and you’ll quickly realize that quartz is king. In general, this is because it looks great and meets homeowners’ functional needs.
Quartz is non-porous, which means it’s easy to maintain and withstands the region’s shifting temperatures and humidity. Quartz also has a clean, modern look that looks great in a variety of home styles, but is especially well-suited for modern spaces due to its consistent patterns and neutral tones.
If you’re looking for something that offers practical luxury and that doesn’t involve a lot of risk in terms of style for modern homes, quartz is the go-to choice.
Porcelain: A New Take on an Old Favourite
While many modern homeowners have turned away from porcelain in favour of quartz, modern takes on porcelain have brought it back into favour in modern design.
Porcelain offers a sleek appearance that blends well with modern cabinetry. It’s often the preferred choice for waterfall islands. It’s also a great option in terms of functionality, thanks to its high heat resistance. Porcelain has become increasingly popular for its cutting-edge, designer look.
Natural Stone: A Modern Twist with Timeless Character
While natural stone might not be the first thing you think of for a modern design, many Ontario homeowners are incorporating it into their kitchen design. With new leathered and honed finishes that have a more contemporary style than traditional polished modern stone, it’s an excellent option for designs that focus on modern minimalism.
If you’re looking for something a little unexpected but still well-suited to modern design, consider fresh takes on natural materials such as soapstone, granite, and marble.
Trends in Countertop Design
As you consider the material you’d like for your countertop, it also helps to look at how countertops are being designed and styled in today’s homes. Several design-focused trends are shaping modern kitchens, from bold structural choices to eco-conscious options and updated colour palettes.
Waterfall Edges
Waterfall edges work well for people who want a sleek design that looks great in open-concept layouts with a modern vibe. If your island is the focal point in your kitchen, or you want it to be, a waterfall countertop is a spectacular choice.
Sustainable Materials
More and more these days, homeowners want to create a modern, stylish look that’s also eco-conscious. They’re choosing sustainable materials that are locally sourced, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. Quartz is often the top choice for this, but recycled glass is also growing in popularity.
Colours
When choosing a colour for your countertop, it’s best to opt for a timeless colour that will look as stylish in 10 years as it does today. Often, this means choosing a neutral colour palette.
But keep in mind: neutral doesn’t mean boring. Soft whites, taupes, and warm grays are all popular choices, but if you want to spice things up, you can make your countertop more interesting by choosing a matte finish or two-tone design.
Practical Considerations
In addition to the style choices you’re making, you’ll also want to consider the function of your countertops, including features such as:
- Stain, heat, and scratch resistance
- Ease of cleaning
- Longevity
- Resale value
- Child and/or pet-friendliness
- Maintenance
Choosing the Right Countertop for Your Ontario Home
Is a kitchen redesign on your horizon? Countertops will play a big role in the outcome and can add value and style to your modern home. If you’d like guidance on choosing the best countertop for your kitchen or you’re ready to invest in something that offers clean design, durability, and long-term value, we can help. Visit us to discuss your options.
