Kitchen Countertops: A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Materials

Kitchen Countertops: A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Materials

by | Nov 27, 2024 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, KITCHEN, LIVING AREA, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT, STYLE TIPS

When choosing a kitchen countertop, we are often faced with a tough decision. The materials for kitchen countertops available on the market offer a vast range of possibilities, each with unique characteristics. From solid wood, laminates, and HPL to stainless steel, quartz, granite, marble, and the latest ceramic materials, the options are nearly endless. In this article, we will focus on two highly popular categories: marble, natural stones, and quartz, alongside ceramic materials, exploring their features, advantages, and limitations.

Natural Materials: Marble and Stones

Marble

Marble is undoubtedly one of the most elegant and prestigious materials for a kitchen countertop. Its beauty lies in the uniqueness of each slab: no two are alike, thanks to the veins, striations, and unique transparencies that add depth and a three-dimensional quality to the surface. These details often result from natural elements crystallized over thousands of years. A perfect example is Panda White marble, with its golden veins standing out against a dark background, ideal for bringing brightness to a modern kitchen design.

entrance furniture
details panda white marble

Marble slabs are typically available in thicknesses of 1.2, 2, or 3 cm. Their use can involve arrangements in “book-matched” patterns, creating a mirrored effect that is particularly striking when used on walls. Alternatively, the veins can be aligned to follow the functional surface of the countertop, emphasizing the material’s natural beauty.

elegant apartment Milan

The cutting process must be carefully planned to ensure that openings for sinks or cooktops do not compromise the most striking parts of the slab.

In recent years, dark or heavily veined marble has gained significant popularity. A notable example is polished Negresco marble, which pairs beautifully with metallic kitchens, creating an effect of unparalleled elegance.

kitchen

Natural Stones

In addition to marble, other natural stones like travertine and lava stone can also be used for kitchen countertops. Travertine, a beige sedimentary limestone, has been renowned since Roman times for its distinctive striated appearance. Lava stone, such as Basaltina, offers deep gray tones and a textured, tactile surface that adds character to the kitchen design.

Both materials are naturally porous but can be treated with transparent fillers to enhance resistance against oils and flours, which might otherwise seep into the material’s natural crevices. This treatment preserves their beauty while improving their practicality for everyday kitchen use.

modern kitchen front
kitchen details

Maintenance of Natural Materials

Marble and natural stones require careful maintenance. Their porosity makes them vulnerable to staining from acidic substances such as tomato, lemon, or wine. To preserve their beauty, it is essential to use neutral cleaning products and regularly treat the surface with appropriate sealants or protective treatments.

lateral wasabi kitchen

A Place to Admire Them in Person

Marmomac, held annually in Verona (considered the second home of marble after Carrara), is the premier event for marble and natural stone enthusiasts. This exhibition showcases unique slabs from around the world, offering a chance to explore the diversity and beauty of these materials. Below is an example of Travertine and green Amazonite.

amazzonite
travertine

Ceramic Materials and Quartz Agglomerates: Innovation and Practicality

Quartz Agglomerates

Quartz agglomerates are among the most versatile and sought-after options for kitchen countertops. Composed of approximately 95% natural quartz and 5% resins, this material combines the aesthetics of natural stones with the performance of technical materials. Its surface is completely smooth and non-porous, making these countertops particularly hygienic and resistant to liquid absorption and staining.

Thanks to quartz’s high hardness, these surfaces offer exceptional resistance to abrasion and scratches, making them ideal for everyday kitchen use. In recent years, quartz agglomerates have regained popularity due to their dynamic finishes, such as the “terrazzo finish,” which mimics the effect of small stones embedded in a neutral base for a fresh, contemporary look. Below are some examples from Stone Italiana’s collection.

terrazzo stone

Maintenance of Quartz Agglomerates

Despite their excellent performance, quartz agglomerates can be sensitive to high temperatures. Direct contact with hot pots or pans just off the stove may cause stains or cracks due to resin overheating. To protect the surface, it’s advisable to use trivets or other precautions.

Maintaining quartz countertops is straightforward, requiring only neutral cleaning products. Their non-porous surface makes cleaning easy and prevents bacterial buildup, ensuring a highly hygienic kitchen environment.

stone nero brillant
stone nero brillant

Ceramic Materials

Ceramic materials represent a modern and highly functional solution for kitchen countertops. Made from a blend of mineral powders, glass, ceramics, and quartz, these materials are compacted and baked at high temperatures, ensuring exceptional durability.

These materials are available in neutral textures or with finishes that mimic marble, wood, concrete, and even oxidized metal. Continuous research has led to highly realistic effects, such as marble veins or metal oxidation, making these products highly sought after for elegant and contemporary kitchens.

Dekton from the Cosentino group, is one of the most appreciated ceramic materials, not only for its aesthetics but also for the brand’s eco-sustainability efforts, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. Other brands like Neolith and Atlas offer top-quality solutions, while Lapitec, a compound made entirely of mineral stones and free from silicones, stands out for its innovation with Lapitec Chef, an induction cooktop integrated directly beneath the countertop.

One technical aspect to consider is the veining: in ceramic materials, the veins are not continuous through the entire thickness but are limited to the top surface. To address this, 45° joints are often used to create visual continuity along the edges.

The only ceramic material currently offering a true-through vein effect is Silestone, an agglomerate of quartz and crystalline silica.

elegant kitchen in Calacatta
details top

Maintenance of Ceramic Materials

Ceramic materials are virtually indestructible. These materials are characterized by high resistance to scratches and stains, thanks to their low porosity and the absence of resins. They are highly resistant to thermal shock and, most notably, to heat, making them capable of withstanding contact with pots and pans just removed from the stove. Additionally, they are antibacterial, preventing the formation of germs and microbes. They are also extremely resistant to chemical agents and UV rays, which can often cause color alterations in materials over time.

lapitec kitchen

Where to Discover Ceramic Materials

Cersaie in Bologna, held annually in September, is the international exhibition for ceramic tiles and architecture. It is the perfect place to discover the latest trends and most innovative solutions in the sector. Below, you can see a ceramic version of the popular marble from last year, created by Atlas. The texture definition is highly realistic, but the main difference is noticeable in the transparency. On the left, an original Patagonia slab by Antolini, backlit to emphasize its beauty, while on the right, Atlas’ reproduction, Gala Marvel, captures the high-resolution photograph of a Patagonia slab with remarkable detail.

patagonia antolini
patagonia atlas

Conclusion

The choice between natural materials and ceramic materials depends on personal needs and the desired style for the kitchen. Marble and natural stones offer a unique and timeless charm, thanks to their authenticity and irreplaceable beauty, but they require more careful maintenance in daily use. Ceramic materials, on the other hand, represent a modern and highly functional solution, offering durability and practicality without sacrificing elegance. With their realistic finishes and a wide range of textures available, they fit into any context, from contemporary designs to more traditional ones.

Light and Shadow: The Magic of a Multifunctional Anthracite Gray Kitchen

Light and Shadow: The Magic of a Multifunctional Anthracite Gray Kitchen

by | Jun 21, 2024 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, KITCHEN, LIVING AREA, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT

In a modern apartment just a stone’s throw from Bergamo, nestled at the edge of a quiet, green forest, we have designed an anthracite gray kitchen, crafted to be not only aesthetically refined but also extremely multifunctional.

anthracite gray kitchen

Kitchen Design

During the design phase, we considered the room’s square layout and the family’s habits. This led us to choose a corner kitchen, leaving the central space free for an extendable table, perfectly illuminated by a centrally positioned designer chandelier.

On the left side, the kitchen structure begins with a series of tall columns housing the pantry and ovens. From here, a long worktop extends to embrace the corner. One part of the countertop is equipped with high wall units, while the other part leaves space for a window overlooking the garden. Completing the opposite side, a large free-standing refrigerator is framed by a unit with a side pull-out.

anthracite gray kitchen front
kitchen details
sink details
wall units details

Multifunctional Additions

One of the most interesting aspects of the design is the retractable spice rack. By utilizing additional depth, we managed to integrate a pull-out system placed behind the initial columns. This element, which opens laterally to the induction hob, features compartments for spices, small accessories, and a paper towel holder, making everything within reach during food preparation.

Other useful components include trash can drawers, a foldable door in the cabinets, and a column with a front extraction system that allows access from both sides. These features enhance practicality and efficiency, making it a true multifunctional hub.

spice rack open and close
spice rack details
extraction system details

Materials and Finishes

Considering the very bright environment, we chose to dare with anthracite gray, a dark and striking color that contrasts with the predominant white. The oak veneer wall units complement the honey-toned wood-effect porcelain stoneware, bringing a touch of nature into the home.

The worktop is made of Lapitec, a high-performance ceramic material with a slightly speckled, rough texture. It harmoniously blends, almost merging, with the anthracite color of the kitchen and the sink in the same shade of granite.

At the back of the kitchen, a glossy white Lacobel panel, in the same shade as the wall, creates a clear contrast between the gray countertop and the wood of the cabinets.

We present two more examples of anthracite kitchens: the first is a corner kitchen with a cooking island, while the second features a C-shaped layout ending in a central peninsula.

timelapse open and close

Coordination in the Space

The TV cabinet, facing the kitchen, has also been designed and built in the same anthracite gray, completing the space in a discreet and harmonious manner. Comprising drawers and doors with internal shelves, it offers ample space for storing elements and accessories related to the living area and kitchen. Next to the television, wall elements in white, gray, and anthracite alternate, creating a play of shapes and symmetries that enrich the overall aesthetic of the space.

TV cabinet anthracite gray
details tv cabinet
details shelves
details cubes
detail front of the cabinet

Conclusions

There is no need to fear using dark colors, especially in bright environments or where white is predominant. In this project, anthracite gray was the perfect choice to balance the abundance of light tones, infusing the space with a decisive and refined elegance. This kitchen, combined with the living area, demonstrates how functionality and aesthetics can merge into perfect harmony.

Modern White Kitchen: The Elegance of Urban Minimalism

Modern White Kitchen: The Elegance of Urban Minimalism

by | Oct 5, 2023 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, KITCHEN, LIVING AREA, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT

In the heart of an urban setting, where modernity meets practicality, a kitchen has emerged that embodies the essence of contemporary design. This modern and white kitchen stretches across two sides, captivating the imagination with its timeless elegance and impeccable functionality.

total white kitchen

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

The kitchen has been conceived to optimize space and address the challenges posed by an out-of-square old wall. Based on the project of Arch.Haidy Nicotera, on one side, columns of varying depths have been created, providing space for refrigerators, ovens, and spacious shelves. These columns also feature doors that conceal practical pantries and a small storage area, contributing to maintaining order and cleanliness in the environment. These columns have been harmoniously enclosed by a suspended ceiling that completes the modern and minimalist look.

column overture

On the opposite side, the kitchen takes on a lighter feel, with a base that follows the wall’s profile and tapers with an oblique cut to reach the French doors. Here, the oblique silhouette of the kitchen becomes a prominent aesthetic detail. The lower cabinet door, in particular, follows the countertop’s design with clean lines and offers internal shelving for small useful items. The wall cabinets, on the other hand, remain linear, with internal shelves and upward-opening, high-performance aventos. They are also backlit, adding a touch of light and style to the environment.

kitchen overture

MATERIALS AND COLORS

The choice was immediately directed towards a “Total White” palette. All components, from the furniture to the work surfaces, are crafted in matte white lacquered MDF, creating a clean and luminous effect. The Krion countertop, also in an optical white, blends seamlessly with the rest of the environment. The only exception, where a hint of color remains, is found in the rear of the kitchen, where a slightly veined gray tile adds a contrasting touch to the surrounding light colors.

top details
details door
aventos detail

The kitchen’s shell, like most of our creations, is made of melamine-faced chipboard. This material embodies functionality and durability, being resistant to both scratches and aggressive detergents.

shaped door
internal shelves
dustbin drawer

Here are two more all-white kitchens, a delicate corner kitchen, and a modern kitchen with a peninsula and a snack bar for guests.

FLOW AND FUNCTIONALITY

At the heart of this modern white kitchen, as planned, a central round table will be positioned to accommodate 6 to 8 diners and become the focal point of the space. Contrary to what one might think, this central element does not disrupt the workflow in the kitchen; it instead perfectly blends conviviality and comfort.

Indeed, thanks to meticulous planning of internal flows, cooking from one side of the kitchen to the other is seamless and convenient. The spaces have been carefully designed to maximize efficiency and practicality, ensuring that everything is within reach.

Furthermore, to add a touch of elegance to the space, a central chandelier will be installed, providing soft and focused illumination over the table.

project kitchen

CONCLUSION

This modern white kitchen is an extraordinary example of how the elegance of urban minimalism combines with intelligent solutions for space and materials management. It is a place where aesthetic beauty harmonizes with practicality. With its palette of light colors and well-thought-out design details, it is ready to inspire new projects.

lateral white kitchen

Cozy and Versatile Oak Kitchen: A Symphony of Design and Functionality

Cozy and Versatile Oak Kitchen: A Symphony of Design and Functionality

by | Aug 9, 2023 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, KITCHEN, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT

Nestled within a verdant enclave away from the urban hustle, a welcoming and versatile kitchen comes to life in a perfect harmony of Oak, subtle gray, and thermotreated larch.

entrance functional kitchen

The Context and Colors

Inside a modern villa complex, the lush ambiance of tree-lined gardens and green hedges envelops this small oasis, located just steps away from the vibrant heart of Brescia. Here, nature takes center stage, with the greenery of the outdoor surroundings defining this tranquil haven.

As you step into the apartment, you’re immersed in a unique environment where design and nature blend seamlessly. The kitchen, with its well-defined rectangular layout, immediately captures attention with its Alpine green-toned flooring. This soft yet decisive hue establishes a visual and sensory connection with the green of the outdoor spaces.

Balancing the green, the walls are adorned with a delicate tortora gray. This shade is also chosen for the kitchen’s bases and columns, creating a visual continuity that embraces both the functional and aesthetic elements of the space.

Adding a touch of warmth, wood has been thoughtfully incorporated to provide a natural and welcoming feel. Natural Oak graces the overhead cabinets, kickboards, and side panels of the columns. It extends to the kitchen’s terminal and open shelving, as well as the side riser of the countertop.

Within this context, the kitchen becomes a symphonic composition of colors, materials, and shapes that combine to create a sense of balance and beauty.

front kitchen in oak

CHOICE OF MATERIALS

The softness and delicacy of Oak and lacquered MDF come to life in the front panels and vertical sides, enveloping the space in a cozy embrace. These noble materials not only provide a sense of warmth but also elegance.

A clever design choice resides in the internals of the cabinets and base units. Here, practicality and durability are paramount, leading to the selection of a textured laminate with a fabric-like effect. This material, in addition to offering high resistance to scratches and aggressive detergents, seamlessly blends with the external tortora hue, creating a visual equilibrium that extends from exterior to interior.

inside wall units
inside back of the kitchen

At the heart of functionality lies the countertop, crafted from white Krion, an advanced polymeric solid surface. Majestic in its simplicity, it proves virtually indestructible. Its resistance to impacts and chemicals surpasses that of natural stone, while its smooth and homogeneous surface is exceptionally easy to clean. Minimal maintenance and the ease of repairs transform the countertop into a long-term investment, in perfect alignment with the project’s sustainable approach.

To make the dining table the focal point of the kitchen, a different wood has been chosen – thermotreated larch. Its regular flame patterns and slightly darker tones infuse character and depth into the table, adding movement to its ample surface. This unique treatment endows the wood with natural beauty enriched by more pronounced shades, breaking its linearity and infusing it with a dynamic aura.

In another project, a thermotreated larch table graces a contemporary loft space.

Krion top
table in tehrmotreated larch

The Cozy and Versatile Kitchen

Space optimization is the defining feature of this kitchen, where every inch has been maximized to ensure functionality without compromising the overall design.

opening versatile kitchen

A prime example is the expanded depth of the kitchen, allowing for a rear kitchen area. Clad in Lacobel (back-painted glass), this space features five sliding doors. It emerges as a precious zone, with dedicated internal shelves providing storage for spices, small appliances, and essential food preparation tools.

The same added depth is found in the drawers of the base units, achieved through non-standard guides, resulting in expanded capacity for plates and pots. The lateral columns housing ovens and the refrigerator follow suit, offering even more usable space.

spice rack lacobel oak
deep taupe drawers

A practical addition to the niche is the equipped extension on the left side. This not only provides additional shelving for food storage but also hosts the dining table at rest.

This table is truly multifunctional, adapting to various needs. For daily use, it remains nested within the base. However, when the occasion calls for accommodating more diners, the table can be moved to the center, becoming the convivial heart of the kitchen.

Here’s another example of a retractable table.

central table kitchen

Completing the kitchen’s layout is an office module situated beside the entrance to the kitchen. With wooden central sections accommodating books and personal items, it strikes a harmonious balance between function and style. Swing doors offer additional storage spaces, thus rounding off the functional aspect of the entire room.

mobile office versatile
details wood
shelves detail
internal LED

CONCLUSION

In summary, this kitchen emerges as a harmonious symphony of intelligent design, exquisite materials, and functional solutions. Every corner has been crafted to maximize efficiency and comfort, without compromising aesthetics. The amalgamation of practical and versatile solutions renders the kitchen cozy and fitting for everyday life.

Guide to Materials in Interior Design: From Solid Wood to Laminate and Melamine-Faced Panels

Guide to Materials in Interior Design: From Solid Wood to Laminate and Melamine-Faced Panels

by | Jul 10, 2023 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, PRIVATE APARTMENT, STYLE TIPS

When entering the world of furniture, one comes across many technical terms related to wood that can be difficult to interpret. With this article, we hope to dispel any doubts and help you discover how this material has evolved in this specific industry.

SOLID WOOD

Many people still believe that furniture is mainly made of solid wood, meaning actual pieces of logs with the required thickness and specific wood type. However, this perception is no longer entirely accurate.
In recent years, the use of solid wood in furniture has decreased due to its heaviness and its extreme sensitivity to moisture, temperature variations, and direct exposure to sunlight, which in some cases can cause the wood to warp.
Solid wood is still used for special woodworking techniques, such as curved or round shapes, where veneering becomes difficult or for specific requests.
Additionally, apart from technical limitations, there is an economic limit that discourages the use of panels made entirely of wood.
Lately, the trend has been to use solid wood with its outer bark and tree shaping, treating only the surface.

Sliced wooden table with bark
Sliced wooden table with bark
Sliced wooden table with bark

In this mountain apartment, the dining table was made by combining two solid wood slabs with bark.

VENEERED WOOD

Solid wood has been replaced for about thirty years with much lighter panels made of wood fiber, which surpass it in quality and durability and are subsequently veneered, meaning glued and pressed, with thin sheets of wood (down to a minimum of 2 tenths of a millimeter).
These are called veneers and are obtained through the rotary horizontal cutting of logs. You can choose the wood type, grain, or backing, but only the outer part represents the true essence of the wood. Inside the panels, there is a sandwich of wood particleboard.
Among the most common materials are high-quality chipboard (generally made of poplar), MDF (medium-density fiberboard), fire-resistant or waterproof MDF (for humid environments or specific regulations in the hotel industry), and plywood (made by overlaying multiple layers of wood).
This makes the structure lighter and stronger and, from a technical standpoint, it does not overload internal elements such as hinges, lift-up doors, or sliding mechanisms, allowing for greater size variety.
The term “veneer” is often improperly used to indicate any non-precious wood covering, but it is not the case.

heat-treated oak veneered wood
heat-treated oak veneer detail bookcase
heat-treated oak veneer detail bookcase

Here, the entire furnishing is made of thermally treated oak veneer.

There are types of veneers that are not obtained by reducing a precious wood log into sheets but through the gluing of various sheets of colored wood (usually non-precious) to recreate a fake log, simulating the rings, grains, and patterns, and subsequently cutting it into sheets.
This type of veneer is called engineered veneer, and like veneers and solid wood, it can undergo tonal variations due to sunlight. However, this natural phenomenon is significantly reduced since the woods used in production are specially selected.
Engineered veneer also allows for creating imaginative wood essences or, more commonly, recreating exotic, rare, or protected woods using less precious woods from plantations or certified forests.
A famous Italian company that produces engineered veneer is Alpi Wood and here a sample of their production.

alpi wood

MDF

The materials present in veneered panels can also be used individually. The most well-known and versatile material, ideal for creating matte, satin, semi-gloss, and glossy lacquered furnishings, is MDF, which stands for Medium Density Fiberboard.
This material, without undulations that could compromise the final result of the object, guarantees a smooth and uniform surface.
The raw material used for MDF includes various types of wood, mainly softwood, which are shredded and subsequently dried or mixed with water (similar to the paper production process).
The result is lightweight and compact wood panels in various thicknesses, thanks to the process that exploits the thermoplastic characteristics of the naturally present lignin in wood.

kitchen in matt and glossy lacquered MDF
lacquered mdf shaping
inclinations lacquered MDF

A kitchen in glossy and matt lacquered MDF

shaped and lacquered MDF detail
shaping glossy lacquered doors

Some particular processes in matt and glossy lacquered MDF.

LAMINATE AND PLASTIC BILAMINATE

Starting from plywood, chipboard, or MDF panels, they can be covered with laminate sheets instead of real wood. Plastic laminate is a sheet obtained by pressing various layers of paper impregnated with plastic resins (phenolic or melamine).
It is a highly wear-resistant material, resistant to aggressive solvents, acids, ammonia, and abrasion.
This makes it highly appreciated for creating worktops in kitchens, bathrooms, floors, parquets, and desks.
It is an economical alternative to natural stones and steel.

Mountains one bedroom apartment
plywood and laminate

Here is an example of a kitchen with exposed plywood covered in plastic laminate.

The term bilaminate refers to a panel coated on both sides with a very thin laminate.
This is an ideal solution for kitchen structures and internal shelves that come into contact with substances and liquids and therefore need to be easily cleaned.
If durability is required, bilaminate can also be used for external kitchen doors, cabinets, and furniture.
It is not possible to create special workings such as handle grooves or shaping, but if linear panels are expected, the wide range of colors and finishes of laminates can satisfy every taste.

Among the most famous companies that specialize in phenolic and melamine laminates, we find One World, Abet e Polyrey.

green and wood kitchen
detail of green door hollow handles
gas hob detail

Here a kitchen completely made with a sage color bilaminate and HPL (20mm plastic laminate) worktop.

Selvino Shop
detail textured finishing

Here a shop in bilaminate with textile finishes

MELAMINE-FACED PANEL

Melamine-faced panels refer to a particular type of material derived from wood veneering, but with a substantial difference: veneered wood has a thickness of only 0.5-1 mm, while melamine-faced panels have a thickness of 0.2-0.6 mm, obtained through digital printing of melamine or phenolic papers that replicate the essences, colors, and textures of different materials.
This allows for obtaining highly resistant, practical, and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Melamine-faced panels are widely used in modern and contemporary furniture for their versatility, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Among the many available textures, many wood-effect ones have a truly realistic appearance.

Attic bathroom

Here, for example, a bathroom (where real wood is not recommended due to the type of humid environment) in plastic laminate with a Rosenheim oak effect.

CONCLUSION

In modern furniture, solid wood is increasingly less used and replaced by lighter, durable, and versatile materials such as laminate, MDF, plywood, and melamine-faced panels. These materials offer a wide range of colors, finishes, and textures that allow for creating customized and high-quality aesthetic solutions to meet every need and furnishing style. In addition to aesthetic considerations, it is important to also evaluate the technical characteristics of the materials used, such as resistance to moisture, temperature variations, and sunlight, in order to ensure optimal durability and functionality over time.