07/10/2021
2021 - QUARTZ & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS.
OVERSIZED ISLANDS
Now that kitchens are doubling as cooking spaces as well as workstations, oversized islands are a must for 2021 if your space allows. Not only does it serve as a centralized hub of the home, but also a larger surface allows for more seating at the island. That way more kids can color or complete their homework and a significant other can finish up some emails on their laptop all while you’re busy prepping home-cooked meals. It also helps open up communication in the family by allowing everyone to comfortably spend time together in the same space.
And for some, the kitchen island may even serve as their dining table as a designated eating space or formal dining room is transformed into a much-needed playroom, impromptu home school area, or temporary office. But, if you’re not able to remodel your kitchen island or add one from scratch, then don’t worry because you can add a counter-height table or piece of furniture next to your existing island in order to instantly add more surface and seating space.
Of course, a supersized island is an excellent way to make a design statement, too. (Granite countertops are an excellent choice!) To keep things clean, continue the same countertop to the island, and with the amount of stunning natural stone patterns available. Or, you can contrast your island surface from the rest of your counters and make an even bigger impact with a waterfall edge.
STRONG SURFACES
Man-made stone like quartz continues its rise in 2021 because it’s a tough, strong surface professional chefs to novice cooks need. Your surfaces are probably seeing more action than normal as a result of more at-home meals.
Quartz also provides beautiful colors and patterns with no ongoing maintenance needed.
Neutral toned granite colors are very big at the moment, with numerous countertop specialist designers recommending neutral whites, creams, light grays, soft blues, beiges, and many other natural mid-tone colors.
The great thing about neutral toned granite countertops is that they go with basically everything so long as they fit into the color scheme. There are multiple color options for neutral-toned granite slabs, so you're spoilt for choice.
WARM TONES
It’s out with the gray and in with the beige for 2021, as designers and homeowners are saying adieu to colder hues and welcoming warmer tones like whites, beiges, oranges, natural woods, and gold accents. Not only are these colors familiar and comforting, but also they’re optimistic, which is something we could all use in a space where we spend a lot of time in.
These warmer, softer neutral color palettes are likewise pleasing to the eye. They create a serene sense that’s much needed, especially when spending so much time at home. But, if your life just isn’t right without some pops of color, then consider accenting your cooking space with greens, blues, or pinks.
White kitchens are still popular, but you can break up the all-white look with your choice of countertop.
FINISH & PATTERNS
Leathered finish is not a granite countertop finish for everyone, but it's certainly making a name for itself as a bold piece of kitchen design in 2021. Leathered granite has a textured, rough surface and no sheen or light-reflecting qualities at all, so it's usually found in open spaces and darker colors.
While a textured granite countertop might not sound all too appealing, this unique granite is great at hiding stains, etches, and signs of everyday wear and tear. This makes leathered granite great for chaotic kitchen environments, especially in darker colors that hide dirt even more.
If you've got a larger kitchen space with lots of natural light, this finish could be an excellent choice!
Unique Veining & Patterns
Distinctive veining and patterns are back for 2021, with many homeowners opting for granite countertop materials that attract attention and draw the eye, serving as the impressive focal point of the kitchen design. Look for mineral deposits, veins, color flecks, and other distinctive patterns of natural stone.
Busy designs with multiple color variations or a number of criss-crossing veins and patterns are very popular with homeowners and designers recently – the more complex the appearance of the surface, the better. Just make sure the rest of the kitchen design is toned-down enough to handle it!
Honed/Matte Finish
Looking for a granite slab that is toned down, calm, and natural-looking? Granite counters in honed finishes (aka “matte finishes”) are very popular in 2021 so far, boasting a classy low-sheen finish that reflects a small amount of light, giving a low-matte sheen similar to eggshell finish paint. In a well-designed modern kitchen, this granite style can look effortlessly chic.
We can talk about the most popular granite colors until the cows come home, but ultimately it's all about your kitchen, your home, and your own personal tastes. There's no point buying a popular granite countertop color if you dislike it or it doesn't flow with the color story of your kitchen overall.
You still need to like your countertops!
Nonetheless, for people looking to sell their home in the near future, choosing one of the most popular granite countertop colors is a good way to ensure that your home's resale value remains high. Most of the time, buyers want trendy materials that won't date the space for several years.
Whichever quart or granite counter color and type of finish you go for, we hope you find the perfect style for your home or business kitchen. Good luck!
