Granite because of the hundreds of colours and patterns to choose from, make it a unique and a beautiful substance that is never dated or trendy. Although somewhat expensive, it pays for itself by increasing your property value. Granite countertops are easy to clean, sanitary and will not harbour bacteria. Granite is resistant to scratching, you can cut on it, put hot pots on it without burning the surface and since it is cool to the touch it is perfect for rolling out pastry dough. Another good choice in this category is marble or slate but they lack some of the durability of granite.


Solid Surface Material

Made of acrylics and composite materials, this man made product often mimics stone and comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns. Since it has solid colour all the way through, it can be sanded down to remove stains, scratches and burns. As with stone and wood it is possible to get decorative edging. Pricing is similar to stone.

Lumicor, a new member of the family is made from clear resins and is blended with decorative materials such as metallics, botanicals and many other interesting accents.


Plastic Laminate

This is the least expensive countertop material. This thin, durable surface is mounted on a plywood base comes in many colours, textures and patterns. It chips and scratches so look for the best grade of plastic laminate which will hold up longer. It is relatively easy to install but has limited edge treatments. Easy clean up but will scorch if you rest a hot pot on the surface.

Stainless Steel

This material requires a lot of maintenance if you want your counters to be shiny and streak free. It is prone to dents and scratches and may be vulnerable to corrosion. It has a high tech modern look but can look quite sophisticated as well. It is favoured in restaurants for its practical durability and capacity to take high heat from pots and pans straight from the cook top and is impervious to water. On the negative side it can be noisy to work on. Works well when mixed with other surface materials.


Wood

Wood may be unusual for counters but when done properly it makes a striking addition to the kitchen. It can be an excellent choice when used in a small area such as an island or prep. centre. If burned, stained or scratched it can be sanded down but requires regular thorough cleaning.


Tile

If your budget is tight and you love the look of real stone, it is possible to use granite or marble tiles and by butting the tiles closely together you will achieve the look of solid granite/marble. Tiles in general can be a beautiful option because of the diversity of size, patterns, unique hand painted designs or composition such as glass. Be careful of some rustic tiles which can create a bumpy uneven surface. Minimize grout lines and use a sealer since grout lines tend to discolour in time and trap bacteria and grime. Tile can be used with outstanding results on counters, back-splashes and walls for a truly custom look.


Concrete

Concrete is becoming a rapidly acceptable counter material. If your goal is to install a cutting edge material in your kitchen or bathroom concrete is it. You may want to consider if this is the right choice if you plan on selling your property down the road. This is not a cheap alternative to other options. Although it is a cheap material, the labour involved to form, hone, stain, finish and seal the end product, drives up the cost. Thanks to new staining techniques, concrete can be saturated with colour all the way through and can be preformed to any shape and finished to any texture. Set stone or ceramic tile into the surface for a decorative effect. A concrete countertop must be sealed and it may crack, so installation must be done by a professional.


Glass

Integrated glass sinks and countertops are becoming popular in bathrooms these days and are also gaining acceptance in kitchens. Glass counters create that edgy contemporary modern look so popular today. Tempered glass is practical, durable, heat resistant and fairly stain proof. Amazing dramatic effects can be achieved with patterns in the glass which can be back lit. This is also an eco friendly product since the glass used is recycled.


Finishing Touch – The Backsplash

A four-inch backsplash is common leaving room to add another interesting texture above if desired. If you can afford it, I recommend covering the entire wall area from the top of the countertop to the bottom of your upper cabinets and behind the cook top.

The pictures provided are samples of Kelly Hoppen’s work. She really gets it right when it comes to these principles.

Elizabeth Howell-Jones has worked as an Interior Designer in Toronto Canada and here in Grand Cayman for the past three years. Her clients are international and local. She can be reached at Woods Furniture & Design (345) 949-5933 or elizabeth@woods.com.ky

Elizabeth Howell-Jone