In Top Form

Perhaps nowhere is it more important to blend style and function than when designing kitchen countertops and islands.

These are the sentiments of Troy Adams, CKD of Los Angeles-based Troy Adams Design, who offers: “When you’re approaching [countertop and island design], you have to be very careful to strike a balance between the aesthetic value and the function of it – without making it look overdone.”

To accomplish this is very straightforward, according to Mike Stockett, sales manager for South Charleston, WV-based Warden’s Kitchen Gallery. “The crucial step to planning a nice island application is listening to the clients to see what they want. It is vital to pay close attention to spacing around the island for proper clearances of appliances, traffic flow, etc.,” he says.

According to Matt Hegemier, kitchen designer for Webster, TX-based Bay Area Kitchens, it is equally important to stay on top of design and material trends.

“The prominence of the open concept in architecture drives designers to get their clients to step outside their comfort zone and incorporate a large number of options possible now with new choices in materials,” he says.

He adds that natural materials such as granite and quartz remain hot choices, as are products with stain-resistant properties, though at the higher end, exotic materials are often seen in mix-and-match combinations.

Adams agrees, but notes that regardless of the material or materials chosen, comfort is key.

“People aren’t going out as much, so they are considering remodeling their space rather than buying new properties, and they want a comfortable environment to stay in,” he notes.

A Perfect Fit

Finding the right countertop material is critical to the success of the overall kitchen design.

Dan Thompson, president of DDK Kitchen Design Group in Glenview, IL explains: “In our higher-end kitchens, we’re seeing tremendous demand for exotic granites. These buyers want to differentiate their kitchens by selecting stones not found at the big-box stores. Ultimately, our customers are looking for that ‘wow’ factor. [Finding the right] countertop material plays a large role in creating that vibe.”

Thompson adds: “We’re also selling ‘brushed’ finishes. Consumers have expressed being tired of the polished finishes they have seen for so long. So we will combine brushed and polished stones for the perimeter and island counters within the same room.”

Adams notes: “Earth tones are very prominent. There almost seems to be a little splash of color in each kitchen we do, like a jewel. I am seeing that as a big trend: stainless steel and metals mixed with wood, as well as earth tones with small splashes of color.”

“People are getting away from the traditional granite countertop. We’re seeing that granite countertops are not being used as much. We are starting to see different types of materials, like Lavastone, to create an earthy feel, while still performing very well from a maintenance standpoint,” he states.

Thompson offers: “Materials are also being brought in from all parts of the world. Slabs from India and China are filling importers’ warehouses. These materials are being chosen because of their unique patterns, color variations and movement within the slabs.”

Of course it's not just the material choices that make a countertop pop. Equally critical is the placement, which determines both function and aesthetic appeal.

For instance, Hegemier explains: “What we will do is do away with the 42"-high countertop/bar, which breaks up a countertop into two different heights. Then, we will replace it with an extended 36"-high counter, which allows the space to be used for buffet-style spreads or increasing the working areas of the kitchen, while still keeping the seating in the kitchen.”

He adds that this approach also opens up the room and adds the possibility of creating an island that looks like furniture “and not just a box.”

Green Sheen