Kitchen countertops: choose the right material for your project
When planning a kitchen project, one of the most important elements to consider is the kitchen countertop.
The choice of countertop material influences both the durability and the style of the kitchen. Therefore, it is essential to choose the material that best suits daily use and the desired decoration concept of the client.
In this article, learn how to choose the right material for your kitchen countertops, discover the types of natural stones, and get tips on how to combine these materials in various decoration styles.
How to choose the right material for a countertop?
When choosing the material for kitchen countertops, factors such as resistance, aesthetics, and maintenance should be taken into account. To help architects and interior designers make the most assertive decision, see below four practical tips that will assist you in this process.
1. Evaluate durability and resistance
Kitchen countertops are widely used and are exposed to cuts, impacts, heat, and stains. Therefore, it is essential that the chosen material is resistant.
Stronger materials, such as some natural stones, ensure greater longevity, resisting daily wear and tear. Prioritize materials that are not easily damaged by impacts or high temperatures.
2. Consider aesthetics and the style of the environment
The countertop material should align with the desired style for the kitchen. If the goal is to create a modern and clean environment, materials with smooth finishes and neutral tones may be more appropriate.
For a cozier and more welcoming kitchen, for example, textures and rustic finishes may be the ideal choice. It is essential that the countertop complements the rest of the room's decor, such as cabinets, floors, and other elements.
3. Choose materials that are easy to maintain and clean
Each material has distinct maintenance requirements. Some may be easier to clean, while others require special care to avoid stains and wear.
It is important to consider how much time the client is willing to dedicate to cleaning and maintaining the countertop in good condition. Choose materials that are practical and easy to clean, such as quartzite, for example.
4. Combine colors and textures
The choice of colors and patterns for countertops can transform the environment. Lighter tones help create a sense of spaciousness, while darker colors add elegance.
To match the existing color palette, observe how the chosen material relates to the other elements of the kitchen, such as walls and furniture. Additionally, consider the finish of the countertop; for example, a smoother material can provide a more modern and sophisticated look.
What are the types of kitchen countertops?
When choosing the material for a kitchen countertop, it is important to consider the characteristics of each type of natural stone. Check out the most popular types of kitchen countertops made with the materials offered by Decolores.
Quartzite countertop
Quartzite is a highly resistant metamorphic stone formed from sandstone. This material is very durable, does not stain easily, and has a sophisticated appearance.
In the Decolores catalog, the classic Mont Blanc and the Mystic Blue and Naica — patterns from the new Poesia Collection — stand out.
- Mont Blanc — with a white tone and delicate light veins, Mont Blanc is an excellent option for minimalist kitchens. Its beauty and versatility allow for combinations with various decoration styles.
- Mystic Blue — with deep blue nuances, Mystic Blue evokes a sense of tranquility and sophistication. Ideal for projects seeking a contemporary and bold touch.
- Naica — with golden veins and light tones, Naica brings lightness to the environment. Its appearance and durability make it a standout choice for kitchens that combine practicality and tradition.
Granite countertop
Granite is one of the most used natural stones in kitchen countertops due to its resistance and low maintenance.
Formed from the cooling of magma, granite is characterized by its durability and color variation. Among the best patterns are Makalu and Silver Grey.
- Makalu — with black tones and subtle veins, Makalu is a refined choice for minimalist and luxurious kitchens. Its resistance and ease of maintenance make it a practical option.
- Silver Grey — with dark gray nuances and white veins, Silver Grey is versatile for various environments. This granite pattern is excellent for those seeking a timeless kitchen.
Dolomitic marble countertop
Dolomitic marble is a variation of traditional marbles, generating pink and golden tones due to the presence of iron oxides. In the Decolores Poesia Collection, the patterns Aurora Gold and Telesto arrive, ideal for kitchen countertops.
- Aurora Gold — with golden veins and cream tones, Aurora Gold is a luxury option for those seeking a luxurious aesthetic reminiscent of gold.
- Telesto — with its soft gray and white veins, Telesto offers a balance between sophistication and robustness. Ideal for kitchen projects that require lasting beauty.
How to decorate a kitchen countertop? Check out the main style trends
Kitchen countertops are central pieces in the decoration of the environment. Some decoration styles are trending and can be perfectly combined with natural stones.
Japandi style
The fusion between Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian elegance has been gaining popularity. Quartzite countertops, such as Mont Blanc and Naica, are perfect for this clean style, which values simplicity, the use of natural materials, and light tones combined with earthy tones.
Comfy style
This style has been increasingly used, focusing on coziness and comfort. It pairs well with light natural stones combined with wood and straw objects, creating a welcoming environment without sacrificing sophistication.
Exotic style
For those seeking a bold aesthetic that mixes colors and textures, quartzite countertops, such as Fusion Fascination, are ideal for giving a unique and vibrant touch to the kitchen through its blue, green, and black tones.
Industrial style
Kitchens with an industrial style call for rustic materials combined with metals. Invest in neutral tones, which can be an excellent option to harmonize with other elements such as steel and concrete.
To facilitate your choice, we invite you to access our real projects that bet on the natural stones of Decolores for kitchen countertops.
By seeing how these stones stand out in different contexts, you can find inspiration for your own project.
Additionally, take the opportunity to test the possibilities. Test different combinations of quartzites, granites, and marbles on your kitchen countertops using our room simulator!
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Uncertainties when selecting materials are quite common. Here, you'll discover how to choose the perfect natural stone for your project! The solutions available in the market are diverse, and the ideas to be implemented are plentiful. Amidst this, a common question arises: how to choose the ideal natural stone for a project? We'll address this question. After all, they are essential for the design and decoration of many spaces. Follow along and learn all about the topic! Types of natural stones To make excellent choices, having knowledge of the main types of existing stones makes all the difference. By understanding details about the varieties, you can select pieces that truly contribute to the creation of modern and innovative environments. Among the most well-known stones are: Marble Derived from the exposure of limestone to high temperatures and moderate pressure, marble is a versatile material recognized for its sophistication. It can be used in floors, countertops, furniture, and many other applications. Due to its availability in various colors and textures, this stone contributes to the creation of beautiful compositions in sculptures and interior and exterior designs in general. Its composition includes the minerals calcite, aragonite, and dolomite. With low resistance to scratches, marble also stands out for dynamic and horizontal veins, which add style and refinement to many projects. Granite Comprised of three minerals (feldspar, mica, and quartz), granite is an ornamental rock known for its high hardness. It has medium scratch resistance and is easy to install. Its formation occurs through the cooling of magma inside the Earth. This item resembles a mosaic of minerals, with different types and sizes. It has a wide range of uses, commonly employed in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, among other spaces. Another important aspect is its extensive variety of colors, a distinction ensured thanks to various extraction processes. Quartzite Experts point out that quartzite combines the beauty of marble with the durability of granite, bringing together the best of both worlds. Its formation originates from the metamorphic process of sandstone. It is often found in Brazil, especially in Goiás, and possesses characteristics like impermeability, ease of cleaning, and flexibility. This allows for applications in both indoor and outdoor areas. Delicate yet extremely resilient, quartzite offers a range of advantages in its favor! From blues to grays, from greens to darker shades: options for various projects abound. How to choose natural stone for a project? The answer is below. Paying attention to points like the ones we highlight is crucial for making informed choices: Assess the project's needs and requirements This makes a significant difference in executing work that aligns with your goals, avoiding unnecessary expenses or overruns. Determine the use and location of the natural stone If you plan to use the stone in a kitchen or gourmet space, for example, it's important to focus on options that can be easily cleaned and are more durable when exposed to other elements. Consider factors like durability, resistance, and maintenance. Durable and resistant materials will undoubtedly require less effort and investment in maintenance, making this topic very important for your evaluation. Pay attention to style and aesthetics Explore different patterns, check out color options and applications, and choose the best option according to your environment's aesthetics. Don't forget about sustainability Taking care of the environment is a responsibility for all of us, so consider purchasing products that align with this goal, preserving natural resources and connecting with nature in the best way possible. Seek the expertise of those who understand the subject Consultation with professionals specializing in natural stones can make a significant difference in ensuring your projects are developed with excellence and quality. How about relying on us? For over two decades, we have been known for offering the best in ornamental stones for decoration and design. Explore our projects and discover how we can assist you with your projects. Follow us on Instagram by clicking here.
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Being more resistant, with a low absorption capacity, and a wide range of colors and patterns, this natural stone became the ideal choice to compose designs of residential leisure areas. Cladded in Da Vinci quartzite from Decolores, the pool area became an environment with a marked personality overflowing with an inviting elegance. Photo: Studio Line. One of the advantages of being Brazilian is that you can enjoy one of the liveliest and most famous summers in the world. At this time of year, high temperatures combine with family vacation energy and a dive in the pool. So, for those who can have a leisure area at home, the ideal is to create a cozy and safe environment to gather friends and family, and which also provides the best sense of privacy and comfort for sunny days. Natural stones are a good option because they are more resistant, versatile and have low absorption capacity. It is the case of quartzite that, besides being extremely durable and relatively new to the market, has revolutionized the sector bringing a diversity of colors and patterns. This makes it possible to delineate a space full of personality and which can talk with the aesthetic narrative imposed to other points of interior design. Being a noble material, quartzite adds long-lasting quality to a timeless versatility which can be used on flooring, walls and/or countertops. The Da Vinci quartzite from Decolores is a stone which is ideal to the swimming pool because it is a crystalline quartzite, a special quartzite typology meaning that because of its geological formation it is more resistant than other types of quartzite. Thus, its durability in the swimming pool will last ‘forever’. What’s more, the green in this material is trending this year, so, it is not only a durable quartzite, but also modern. Plus, its colors are natural and do not fade with time, therefore its beauty will remain for many generations. Inside the pool, the finish choices are more related to personal taste than to functionality, and even the polished finish can be used as the highlight is on the stone natural coloring. On the other hand, for the edge of the pool and the deck, which are areas which are areas of transit, it is mandatory to use pieces whose finish have a non-slip effect such as the levigated, flamed and anticato. In these areas around the pool, polished finishes should never be used, because when in contact with water, the surface becomes slippery and can lead to serious occurrences. Besides that, it is essential to choose light hues for the thermal comfort of the design as they will absorb less heat. Decolores, a company, which in less than 20 years became known in the business for being a reference point in quartzite processing, has in its product portfolio a variety of stone styles as the Da Vinci pattern. Such pattern, for example, contains ancient minerals that have transformed over the geological time and currently present exotic colors as the green from the fuchsite, a chromium-rich mineral. ABOUT DECOLORES In a little over 20 years Decolores grew as a business that carries innovation, technology, care and contemporaneity in its DNA, being responsible for bringing a more poetic and plural look to the power of natural stones in architecture and interior design. The company, among other things, became known in the business for being a reference point in quartzite processing, a more resistant stone which ended up bringing innovation to the sector thanks to its large diversity of colors and patterns. Due to its modern and cutting edge processing the company is considered a pioneer in quartzite processing both in Brazil and in the world. Its industrial park is located in a 74 thousand sqm area in the city of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, in Espírito Santo and has a branch in the municipality of Serra in the same state. The company is considered one of the largest natural stone processing zones in the country. Decolores www.decolores.com.br @decoloresoficial PRESS CONTACT Denise Delalamo Comunicação Customer Service: Ana Sant’Anna Contact: (11) 98536-7627 E-mail: [email protected] Customer Service: Gabriela Bardusco E-mail: [email protected]
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