Kitchen Countertop Trends 2012
The counter tops in a kitchen are a huge part of the overall look and function of the space and so homeowners who are not quite happy with their kitchens and decide to remodel or renovate usually include new countertops as a part of such a project.
These days there are more options available when it comes to kitchen counter tops than possibly ever before. Here are a few of the top kitchen countertop trends for 2012:
Zinc Countertops:
Stainless steel kitchen countertops have been a staple in restaurant kitchens for decades and for very good reason. These counters are durable, easy to clean and naturally lend themselves to the heavy duty prep that goes on in any commercial kitchen.
Over the last few years some homeowners have decided to add stainless steel countertops to their kitchens for much the same reasons. The only problem is that the look can be a little cold and sterile in a residential kitchen, which is why a few other metals are gaining in popularity because they have a little more aesthetic appeal while still offering all the durability you would expect from metal.
One of the “hottest of these choices is zinc. When it is new a zinc countertop has a delicate silver white appearance that will match almost any decor. As it ages though it develops a gorgeous blue gray patina, making it even more attractive. And the fact that zinc can be easily welded means that homeowners can avoid adding “lines” to their counters as a zinc sink can be welded right into a counter slab, creating one sleek and efficient whole.
Recycled Glass Countertops:
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A great many homeowners are becoming more concerned about trying to reduce the carbon footprint that their home leaves behind and are looking for ways to “green” their surroundings. One way to make a big impact is to choose recycled glass as a countertop material.
Although it is not an inexpensive option, recycled glass does make a very attractive, unusual and surprisingly durable countertop choice. Because it is created from many different sources of glass no two pieces are ever really the same either - making it an excellent choice for those who want something rather unique for their home.
Bamboo
In keeping with the eco friendly theme another great green counter top choice that is very hot right now is bamboo. Although thought of as a wood - and it has as greater durability as wood - bamboo is actually a grass, and therefore a very renewable resource.
Bamboo countertops come in many different hues - everything from the lightest of yellow whites to shades so dark they resemble mahogany. You can also choose from a number of different textures, including woven bamboo which has a reputation for being the strongest and most durable form of the grass of all.
The Return of Laminates
While the world went crazy for high end kitchen countertop options like granite and marble laminates fell out of fashion. With budgets tighter and with new laminate technologies as a very popular residential choice it is making a comeback in a big way.
There are a number of reasons that laminate is a great choice for the busy family kitchen. Its a relatively inexpensive choice, comes in more colors and textures than you could imagine possible and is very durable, all big pluses if you are looking for new countertops for a busy kitchen that sees a lot of daily wear and tear.