Pierce Street Transitional Kitchen, San Francisco

In this kitchen the Carrara slab backsplash works with the space’s more traditional feel. “Carrara can go both ways,” Barsoum observes. The designer says this look is not as successful with a “busy” stone, such as granite, where the amount of veining can prove distracting.Calacatta vs. Carrara: What’s the Difference?

8. Quartz countertops. Speaking of surfaces, where you really need a hard-wearing material is on your counters, and for that reason engineered quartz has definitely solidified its spot as the top counter material (as confirmed by Houzz’s latest kitchen trends study).As a manufactured but natural stone-based material, quartz has the ability to mimic marble, slate or other stones, or create a solid-hued modern look, meaning it can truly suit any kitchen. This is probably why we’re seeing it so often, and why it won’t go away any time soon. The look may change, but the hard-wearing practicality won’t.

Meanwhile, quartz attempts to replicate those distinct characteristics, such as veining. Technology is always advancing, and engineered materials are getting harder to distinguish from the real deal. But because quartz is produced in a controlled manner on a large scale, at some point patterns emerge and repetition happens.

5. Quartz countertops. Engineered quartz was finally crowned the most popular countertop material in 2018 following a three-year decline in granite, according to Houzz research. The natural stone and resin material is incredibly durable and can visually mimic the look of more expensive and maintenance-heavy materials like marble and slate. In fact, quartz is so popular that even risings costs associated with trade tariffs haven’t dissuaded homeowners, who save elsewhere in their remodeling budgets in order to still get quartz countertops. “Prices for quartz that either was made in China or routed through China are now seeing 20 percent markups to make up the increased purchase price,” designer Carl Mattison says. “I find in my world people are relying on me, the designer, to help offset costs so they can still get what they want.”Quartz vs. Granite: The Battle of the Countertops

open shelves (just a couple of them)

the window seat table next to window in addition to island