Counters can be productive and beautiful

What do you envision atop your kitchen counters? Perhaps your vision includes the sight of bountiful foods along with master chef preparation, presentation or buffet service. Alternatively, you might have no illusions about mimicking a TV chef and would rather use your counters to dish up the best food from local restaurants a few days a week.

Other expectations for your counters might include the kids’ homework or a home management area.

How you will use your kitchen is the most important factor when making countertop decisions. Next, know that your counters set the stage for the entire kitchen. The way that they accent other elements in the kitchen

and adjacent living spaces is what creates the wow factor.

Now ask your builder and their design team to show you a variety of materials so you can find not only what matches your tastes and style, but your way of living.

Granite is elegant

Granite, the timeless classic, appeals to people’s varied styles, tastes and color preferences. And even with the growing popularity of other natural or solid surface materials, granite is not going out of style.

A natural quarried stone, granite can be found in a wide variety of colors and natural patterns. Some natural patterns appear finite and speckled, offering a smooth, unified look. Other granite slabs offer boldness or surprise asymmetry with impact.

Most granite is polished before display and then sealed before installation. Polishing and sealing protect the stone and create evenness and shine. Unpolished, or honed, granite by contrast, is not ideal for counters; its roughness is better suited for high-traffic floor areas in colors such as black or darkgray.

Because polished granite is still porous, be sure to keep some sealant on hand to treat the counters every 12 months. If you have the time, monthly or quarterly sealing is wise; you can’t over-seal natural stone.

Soapstone offers a modern vibe

Soapstone, another natural quarried stone, looks best in more contemporary kitchens that have clean lines and solid light or very dark-colored cabinetry. It’s also a nice choice for modern but rustic kitchens with bold contrasting cabinet or appliance hardware.

It may sound contradictory, but soapstone is both durable and soft. Because it is nonporous, soapstone resists stains and bacteria beautifully.

It’s a good idea to use cutting boards atop soapstone when prepping food with sharp knives or to bring out trivets or potholders for use under hot or heavy pans. But herein lies a terrific kitchen decorating opportunity.

Consider asking your builder or the design center if you can purchase any scraps of granite or quartz that may coordinate with your soapstone countertops. These can be crafted into cutting boards or trivets while also serving as lovely accent pieces.

The three primary color varieties of soapstone — grays, blues and greens — invite cabinet colors in warm complementary colors, such as red- and brown-toned woods. White cabinetry also can make a soapstone counter pop.

Quartz is cool

Quartz’s popularity in recent years can be traced to its durability and the way that it can mimic the look of marble. This choice, therefore, brings both sensibility and elegance to a kitchen.

As one of the materials in the category of engineered stones, quartz is made with quartz crystals held together by a resin binding agent. It can be made in a variety of color combinations, some of which might incorporate glass or granite particles for variety.

One of quartz’s other benefits is its abundance on Earth. While it’s not yet considered a renewable resource, it can be mined in many places around the world. Its durability means it lasts longer, and its natural elements make it recyclable. Be sure to keep quartz’s long lifespan in mind when deciding on colors.

Speaking of ecofriendliness, some builders may have access to eco-friendly countertops. These options might be made from recycled glass in many colors, mixed to mimic granite. Keep in mind that some eco-friendly counters may not be as durable as solid stone or other solid surfaces.

Watch this space for upcoming information on other natural, manufactured or intricate textured laminate patterns to use in kitchens, bathrooms and other built-in surfaces.