LET THE COUNTER DEFINE THE LOOK
One of the most neglected area (which also happens to be the most used), in the kitchen is the countertop. From bearing witness to chopping and blending, mixing and grinding, a countertop is used for just about everything. Here are a few trends to follow to spruce it up.
ON TREND, QUARTZ
"From the initial and age-old preferences of marble and granite, homeowners are now looking at innovative materials like quartz surfaces for kitchen countertops. Unlike marble or granite, quartz is an engineered stone that can be rendered in many colours and textures while giving the same amount of tenacity and endurance of conventional marble or granite," says Wolf. The material is very durable with low maintenance. The best part? It is nonporous, meaning it’s highly stain resistant, making it safe from oils, liquid, and most home cleaning products
THE THICKER, THE BETTER
Globally, countertops are getting thicker. From 1.25 inches to now 2.25 inches thick. What this does is emphasise your countertop and make it the focal point of your kitchen. Of course, do bear in mind the thicker the countertop the more expensive it is. Also, remember not to over do it, else the kitchen can end up looking ghastly.
STILL STEELING THE SPOTLIGHT
Though stainless steel countertops have been in the market for quite some time now, they have slowly and steadily become a popular choice. "A stainless kitchen looks futuristic as is completely in sync with modern day houses. The new trend is to combine it with other materials such as wood or marble," says Deepikka Jindal, Creative Director and MD JSL Lifestyle.
USE COLOUR TO HIGHLIGHT IT
Stylish, sleek and sophisticated, grey colour schemes are scoring high on kitchen countertop popularity charts. They are neutral and go with just about anything. The scheme is a breath of fresh air in sunny and humid cites. But where it gets very cold and cloudy, grey tones can appear clinical. In such a scenario, team it with colourful accents to perk it up. PRICE `2,000 onwards