The options for
kitchen countertops are
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By Rachael Hanel | Submitted photos
itchen countertops are one product that can make a home truly unique. Today more than ever, consumers have an endless array of choices. Whether you go with what’s trending or opt for something different, keeping in mind the following can help winnow down the choices: trends, options, logistics and budget. What’s Hot Right Now Homeowners may opt to let latest trends in countertops guide their decisions. All-white kitchens have been trending for a while. Melinda Garry of Elegant Creations in Waseca jokingly calls it the “Pinterest kitchen.” Summer Kath, executive vice president of design at Cambria, based in Le Sueur, also sees a lot of all-white kitchens. She’s been with Cambria 19 of its 21 years and when she first started, dark countertops were the popular choice. While she doesn’t think white is going away anytime
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soon, she is seeing a shift to warmer whites, such as marble and ivory. “In 2020 we started to see the whites warm up,” Kath says. “Warm and cool together are very popular in countertops.” The cool complements the warmer tones of natural cabinetry, which is also trending in popularity. Garry says customers often opt for a two-color scheme. The kitchen island may have veining, while the rest of the countertops are a solid color. A white quartz with grey veining is their top seller at Elegant Creations. Another popular option is a splash of
• APRIL 2021 • The Free Press
Bold veining has been trending in popularity. (Photo provided by Cambria)
boldness amidst a white. For example, a marbled countertop may have some veins of navy blue. “With white cabinets, people are more accepting of bold marble design,” Kath says. Kath says she sees darker options making a comeback. In fact, Cambria’s best-seller in 2020 was Charlestown, a darker charcoal gray quartz. Matte finishes are also increasingly popular options. Kath cited a recent industry survey that indicated almost half of customers are choosing matte over glossy.
