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Set on Stone: Why These Countertops Are So Swoonworthy
Here’s what makes stone (and stone-inspired) countertops popular on any budget
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Mesmerizing swirls and veining. Striking colors. Glittering, glossy surfaces. It’s no wonder stone and stone-inspired countertops are the most popular kitchen choice. “People fall in love with the one-of-a-kind look,” says Meredith Barclay, a merchant for home-improvement retailer The Home Depot. “We call it the romancing of the stone.” Read on to explore what makes stone and stone-inspired countertops so beguiling, and pick up some design and maintenance tips.
Artistic Attributes
Stone countertops come in a mother lode of alluring colors and patterns. Think shimmering dark greens, earthy taupes, coppery browns, painterly grays and classic whites — there’s a hue for every kitchen. Craft a masterpiece using dramatic stone for your island, or try a waterfall edge to showcase the stone from all angles. This kitchen boasts waterfall-edge countertops with gray veining against a creamy white background. Inspired by Calacatta marble, the ultra-compact surface — a sturdy, low-maintenance option for marble lovers — is made from the same raw materials used to create quartz, glass and porcelain.
Pale, neutral stone countertops are a homeowner favorite, partly because they’re so easy to mix and match. In the first three quarters of 2017, nine of the 10 most popular countertops at The Home Depot featured gray or white backgrounds, Barclay says. These included Azul Platino, Crema Caramel and White Sparkle, all entry-price-point granites. Pair lighter stones with dark cabinetry for bold contrast, or create a crisp, uniform look using a complementary color palette. As for hardware, look to the metallic flecks in your stone for inspiration.
Stone countertops come in a mother lode of alluring colors and patterns. Think shimmering dark greens, earthy taupes, coppery browns, painterly grays and classic whites — there’s a hue for every kitchen. Craft a masterpiece using dramatic stone for your island, or try a waterfall edge to showcase the stone from all angles. This kitchen boasts waterfall-edge countertops with gray veining against a creamy white background. Inspired by Calacatta marble, the ultra-compact surface — a sturdy, low-maintenance option for marble lovers — is made from the same raw materials used to create quartz, glass and porcelain.
Pale, neutral stone countertops are a homeowner favorite, partly because they’re so easy to mix and match. In the first three quarters of 2017, nine of the 10 most popular countertops at The Home Depot featured gray or white backgrounds, Barclay says. These included Azul Platino, Crema Caramel and White Sparkle, all entry-price-point granites. Pair lighter stones with dark cabinetry for bold contrast, or create a crisp, uniform look using a complementary color palette. As for hardware, look to the metallic flecks in your stone for inspiration.
Connection to Nature
Nature-inspired design continues to gain ground, and countertops are no exception. Homeowners want to enjoy the soothing power of nature indoors as well as out. “They also like the idea that stone countertops are in their natural state — they are what the Earth produced,” Barclay says. The patterns and color variations of each slab are unique. Stone also pairs well with wood accents, greenery and other natural elements.
If you love the idea of natural stone but are less enthused by the upkeep, try an engineered stone. Similar in aesthetic, engineered stone stands up to heat, scratches and stains better than many softer natural stones such as onyx, marble and limestone. The countertop in the bright transitional kitchen seen here is marble-effect quartz, made of 93 percent quartz particulates mixed with resin and pigments.
Nature-inspired design continues to gain ground, and countertops are no exception. Homeowners want to enjoy the soothing power of nature indoors as well as out. “They also like the idea that stone countertops are in their natural state — they are what the Earth produced,” Barclay says. The patterns and color variations of each slab are unique. Stone also pairs well with wood accents, greenery and other natural elements.
If you love the idea of natural stone but are less enthused by the upkeep, try an engineered stone. Similar in aesthetic, engineered stone stands up to heat, scratches and stains better than many softer natural stones such as onyx, marble and limestone. The countertop in the bright transitional kitchen seen here is marble-effect quartz, made of 93 percent quartz particulates mixed with resin and pigments.
Everyday Elegance
Stone and stone-inspired countertops suit a variety of needs and budgets. “In general, natural stone withstands kitchen use and abuse,” Barclay says. Granite and quartzite, for example, are scratch-, heat- and stain-resistant. However, if you’d prefer “me time” over “seal time,” try quartz or an ultra-compact surface, which don’t require sealing like most natural stones.
Both are created to mimic the look and feel of natural stone and can handle even the most enthusiastic kitchen use. Just be mindful of heat with quartz: “It can crack if exposed to high heat for long periods,” Barclay says. If you’re on a tighter budget, choose laminate to enjoy the luxury look of stone for less. The laminate seen here was created by printing an image of real marble onto the surface and then coating it. Don’t let water sit on these stain- and impact-resistant counters, though, as it can damage the particle board used beneath.
Stone and stone-inspired countertops suit a variety of needs and budgets. “In general, natural stone withstands kitchen use and abuse,” Barclay says. Granite and quartzite, for example, are scratch-, heat- and stain-resistant. However, if you’d prefer “me time” over “seal time,” try quartz or an ultra-compact surface, which don’t require sealing like most natural stones.
Both are created to mimic the look and feel of natural stone and can handle even the most enthusiastic kitchen use. Just be mindful of heat with quartz: “It can crack if exposed to high heat for long periods,” Barclay says. If you’re on a tighter budget, choose laminate to enjoy the luxury look of stone for less. The laminate seen here was created by printing an image of real marble onto the surface and then coating it. Don’t let water sit on these stain- and impact-resistant counters, though, as it can damage the particle board used beneath.
Low Maintenance
You’re probably chuckling at this if you have a porous stone such as travertine, but many stone and stone-inspired countertops require little maintenance. Clean a countertop made of sealed natural stone, engineered stone or laminate with mild soap and water. Stay away from ammonia, alkaline detergents or vinegar, Barclay says, unless you’re cleaning ultra-compact surfaces. “You can pretty much use anything on those,” she says.
Talk to your countertop supplier about the best resealing schedule. Granite, such as the island countertop seen here, might need resealing every few years. Test areas of high use every so often with water; if the water beads, the seal is fine. If you have soft stone countertops, use sealants and cleaners made specifically for porous stone, and avoid acid and staining agents. “Marble will develop a natural patina, but it can feel imperfect on its way,” Barclay says. No matter which countertop you choose, use a cutting board — especially on laminate, which scores easily. Other materials can dull your knives.
Statement makers and performance heroes, stone and stone-inspired countertops can be kitchen design gold.
More: To learn more about stone and stone-inspired countertops, visit The Home Depot’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
You’re probably chuckling at this if you have a porous stone such as travertine, but many stone and stone-inspired countertops require little maintenance. Clean a countertop made of sealed natural stone, engineered stone or laminate with mild soap and water. Stay away from ammonia, alkaline detergents or vinegar, Barclay says, unless you’re cleaning ultra-compact surfaces. “You can pretty much use anything on those,” she says.
Talk to your countertop supplier about the best resealing schedule. Granite, such as the island countertop seen here, might need resealing every few years. Test areas of high use every so often with water; if the water beads, the seal is fine. If you have soft stone countertops, use sealants and cleaners made specifically for porous stone, and avoid acid and staining agents. “Marble will develop a natural patina, but it can feel imperfect on its way,” Barclay says. No matter which countertop you choose, use a cutting board — especially on laminate, which scores easily. Other materials can dull your knives.
Statement makers and performance heroes, stone and stone-inspired countertops can be kitchen design gold.
More: To learn more about stone and stone-inspired countertops, visit The Home Depot’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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This is absolutely GORGEOUS !!!!
Love this!