Countertops in a home serve many functions. They can have the role of a statement piece, a place to store items, a work prep area, a place to do homework, and much more. When thinking of the material used, it is good to think about what functions your countertop will have. You want to make sure that your countertops are sturdy enough for the task at hand. Most people, when thinking about countertops, consider one material to use throughout. We’re going to explore the idea of using two or more materials to create the countertop of your dreams. In previous blog posts, we discussed many types of countertop material available. You can review that here and here.
When thinking of mixing materials, the function and affordability of each material should be considered. You can install a smaller piece of more expensive countertop material to be the focal point and surround it with a less expensive material. Additionally, you can choose to put down a smaller piece of countertop that you will do work on, and surround it with a more decorative piece. There are many options to choose from. You can also put down the same material in different colors or use a smaller piece of higher maintenance material surrounded by an easier to maintain piece. This way you get the look you want without adding too much extra work.
Comfort is another area to think about. While having stainless steel countertops offers a fresh, clean look, that might be too cold on those frosty mornings to rest your arms on while eating a meal. The prep area can be stainless steel while the eating area can be wood or another material. The main focus is to think of the activities that will be happening around your kitchen to determine what is the best material to use in the area.
You can choose to color coordinate the materials or make a bold statement and use several different colored materials throughout. It is basically up to the look you are going for and the amount of traffic/use the area will receive. Also, the budget you have chosen. Take some time to match things up and see how they fit together. Think about the use and maintenance of the pieces you are considering for the area. Get inspiration from family and friends; ask them what they have done. Then set out to create the countertop you desire.
