Worktops don’t have to be boring. Although they’re one of the most practical elements of kitchen design, they also take up a lot of surface area, so both style and functionality should be considered.
In today’s blog, we’re taking a look at some of the most popular types of worktop for 2015, telling you what’s to love about the material and its features. Read on to find out more…
1. Glass
For a super stylish, upmarket look, why not opt for glass? It’s the perfect material for that modern, contemporary look and offers a whole host of design possibilities.
Its benefits include its hardwearing nature, stylish vibe and easy-wipe surface. It’s also acid, oil and water resistant – so great for the messy or adventurous cook!
2. Granite
One of the popular choices of worktops in kitchens today, granite looks good and is a real classic. It can complement almost any kitchen style, making it an attractive option for most homeowners.
It’s hardwearing, waterproof, stain resistant and relatively heatproof – plus it has the added bonus of being virtually maintenance-free.
3. Corian
Corian worktops are chosen by many KDC customers because of their low maintenance and flexibility to suit most colour schemes and themes. Whether bright hues or neutral tones are your thing you’ll be able to find a Corian worktop to suit.
Corian can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent and is stain and water-resistant too.
What’s more, as it is a solid surface material, scratches can also be sanded out.
4. Stainless steel
For a real chef’s kitchen, why not opt for the professional surface, stainless steel. It’s usually an expensive option, but when designed with a seamless finish it looks and feels incredible to work from.
While it can withstand most stains and heat it will lose its shine over time, so consider using baby oil to keep it looking its best.
1. Marble
While marble looks great and is incredibly hygienic it can stain and scratch. It may look great in showrooms, but in reality it’s not as durable as other materials. Also, as it’s not as strong as other materials, like granite, it doesn’t respond well to chemical cleaning agents either.
2. Ceramic tiles
If you’re after the retro look, you may think about resurrecting the trend of ceramic tiles – they’re tough, resistant to stains, water and heat and almost scratch proof.
However, ceramic tiles do gather grime easily and can be extremely difficult to clean. The maintenance to require their upkeep often overtakes the benefits of the ceramic tile.
If you’d like to give your worktops a designer makeover, get in contact with the Kitchen Design Centre team. You can explore some of our favourite worktops at our kitchen showrooms, or take a look at some we’ve recently been using in our client case studies. Once you’ve gained some inspiration, we can start to work with you to create your dream designer kitchen.
TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY IN OUR LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM
In our Liverpool showroom, we’ve masterfully blended the best of traditional and modern design elements to create a unique, timeless kitchen display. This space is a perfect mix of classic elegance with contemporary functionality, and the focal point is the stunning L-shaped island, which serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Its clever design seamlessly links into a media wall and presentation area, incorporating the essence of modern open-plan living.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated mix of Concept130 Roma Graphite shaker cabinets paired with Montreal light fine oak handleless units and taupe trim handles. This combination offers a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, perfect if you appreciate the classics but want something a little more updated.
Standout appliances:
Neff 30cm Wine Fridge
Neff 80cm Induction Hob
Neff Single Oven
Neff Tall Integrated Fridge
Neff Dishwasher
MODERN MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST IN OUR URMSTON SHOWROOM
Our Urmston showroom display showcases a bold, modern kitchen design that effortlessly blends both form and function. The handleless units create a streamlined, uninterrupted flow throughout the space, perfectly complemented by the ultra-matt black finish on the worktops. This pairs beautifully with the elegant black ribbed-veneered door for the focal wall.
This minimalist design approach offers a chic, contemporary vibe, ideal if you love the clean, clutter-free aesthetic. To enhance this look, we’ve used warm accent colours that break up the monochrome palette, adding a sense of inviting depth and warmth to the overall space. The subtle, extravagant marble panels add a touch of quiet luxury, their natural veining providing visual interest and texture against the sleek black surfaces, especially when lit by warm LED lighting. This fusion of modern materials and timeless elements, such as marble, creates a display that is both stylish and practical!
Standout appliances:
Neff N90 Ovens with premium 6.8” touch screen display and Twist Pad Flex control
Neff Flex Induction Hob
Silgranit Blanco Sink
Quooker Tap
THE BARROWFORD SHOWROOM’S HARMONIOUS AND ELEGANT DISPLAY
In Barrowford, we’ve embraced a calming, earthy palette that combines functionality with elegance. The display features Hampton Ash wood doors painted in a Natural Umber shade, mixed with Scala Olive green flat doors, and completed with a mix of antique brass handles. The warm, neutral tones of the Natural Umber give this kitchen a wonderfully cosy feel, making it a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.
One of the key features of this display is the 30mm Vanilla Noir quartz worktop, which stands out with its dark, characterful design. The designer bench seating includes pullout storage to maximise space without sacrificing style. The bifold worktop unit and sliding doors on the island showcase smart storage solutions. Finally, the open shelves add a touch of rustic charm!
Standout appliances:
Neff Collection Oven
Neff XL Fridge Freezer
Quooker Classic Fusion Tap
Double Bowl Tartufo Sink
THE BLACKBURN SHOWROOM’S SLEEK AND MODERN MASTERPIECE
Our new Blackburn display is a testament to a modern, streamlined design. It features a bold black and oak colour scheme, seamlessly blending practicality and contemporary aesthetics. The tall units are clad in a Black Velvet Oak, adding depth and contrast to the sleek black wall units. The Toronto base units and matching worktops are finished in Natural Vintage Oak for a beautiful and cohesive end result.
One of the standout elements of this display is the quirky curved breakfast bar, a unique feature that blends functionality with style. Raised planters behind the bar add a touch of greenery; perfect if you love bringing natural elements into your kitchen.
Standout appliances:
Neff 60cm CombiZone Black Induction Hob
Integrated Design Hood
Neff Fully-integrated dishwasher
Neff Integrated Frost Free Under Counter Freezer
More from the team’s annual trip to Germany to the headquarters of Hacker Rodinghausen showroom.
Staff from all of our showrooms attended to view the new exciting ranges of kitchens and colours that are available from now. They were given a full factory tour & took part in product workshops. It was an intensive 2 x day trip however they had a fabulous time.
Head to our stories for more details or head over to our website to book your free design appointment
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