Kitchen countertops are a great way to add character and color to your kitchen as an extension of the cabinets. Today, there is a wide variety of colors available, from standard white or gray granite to more exotic materials such as quartz stone, soapstone, copper, glass-ceramic, resin, wood, and cork.
There are several things you should know before opting for one specific type of material over another: the intended use for this surface (such as whether it will be used for preparing food or just for decoration), durability (depending on how much wear and tear it will receive) and budget limitations. But perhaps most importantly, what you think may be your preferred color now may not even still seem appealing in 3 years' time! Therefore, before you decide what material to choose for your new kitchen countertop, here is an overview of the most popular kitchen countertop colors.
Granite
Granite is by far the most popular of all materials, and its popularity isn't expected to decline any time soon. The look of this material is very natural, and it comes in a wide range of colors - from white to pink to gray to black. One of the most popular types of granite is green granite. It is easily customizable, allowing for a wide range of designs and patterns to meet your specifications. Granite is very durable and can be more resistant to heat than marble.
On the downside, stone such as granite can be quite expensive, and choosing one of its darker colors means it will also be more difficult to clean due to staining from grease, etc. Also, not all stones are equally resistant to scratches. Unlike diamonds, they might even crack under pressure! So you need to consider the type of use your countertop will receive and choose an appropriate material accordingly.
Marble
Marble has long been associated with elegance; it's no wonder that this beautiful material is used in many high-end luxury buildings such as Buckingham Palace or the Vatican City. Marble has also been used since ancient times for its healing properties; some people believe that this material brings health benefits such as relief of stress or fatigue when placed under your feet while working in the kitchen! However, it is important to note that this material is porous and therefore more susceptible to stains, heat damage, etc. It's recommended to seal the marble regularly with a special varnish to keep it clean and prevent any staining.
Granite vs. marble - which countertop is best?
On paper, at least, granite seems like a clear winner because of its wider range of colors and weather resistance (although marble can be sealed very effectively). But if you are looking for something that will truly stand out and give your kitchen an elegant look, marble is the way to go. However, you should keep in mind that this material definitely needs more care than granite - which can be a pro or a con depending on what you are looking for!
So, what color trends can we expect to see in kitchen countertops for 2022?
In the past, white has always been a very popular choice for kitchen countertops, mainly due to the fact that it's so easy to clean. In 2020 and beyond, as stainless steel appliances become even more popular, as well as black being a trending color for kitchens, you will start seeing a lot of gray being used as an alternative to white. Granite or marble with gray veins is going to be a trend during this period because of its stylish look and higher durability compared to pure marble.
Bold Colors: Blue
It is anticipated that bold blue tones will also be popular options for kitchen countertops in 2020 and beyond. The color blue is associated with trustworthiness, confidence, and high-quality products. Blue has historically been used to inspire relationships, especially in business environments. Therefore, this color was chosen by many companies, including Samsung or American Express.
Neutral Colors: Green
Green is a color that people associate with naturalness and healthiness, making it a very popular option for many industries such as food or home décor. In fact, when you think of the term "green," what color typically pops into your head? Chances are it's some variation of this color! In 2020, green will start becoming a popular tone for kitchen countertops.
If you're hoping to see more stone materials being used for kitchen countertops in 2022, then there's no question - granite will be right on top. But if you have a little more flexibility regarding the material and want to choose something trendy yet timeless for your new countertop, maybe consider going with marble instead!
No matter what material you choose for your kitchen countertops, it's important to consider how often you will use them. Granite is definitely the more durable material with high heat resistance and stain-resistant properties. Still, marble can be sealed regularly with a special varnish in order to keep it clean. No matter what color or type of stone you are hoping to install, make sure to do plenty of research before having your new countertops installed!