One of the biggest 2018 countertop trends is mixing materials. Image: North Fork Builders of Montana, Inc.

Mix and match

In the past, kitchens have typically looked very homogenous. Homeowners would only pick one material for the cabinets and another for the countertops. These days, however, personal tastes are a bit less static. There’s a movement toward mixing and matching and your counters are no exception. One of the top 2018 countertop trends is embracing mixed materials.

When you’re going for a mixed look, the most important thing to do is to make sure that there is plenty of contrast. That said, there are multiple ways to achieve this goal. You can mix materials – such as using stone and wood – or choose light and dark shades of the same material.

You should also consider placement. Kitchen islands, in particular, work well with this trend. Since the countertops on the island are naturally separated from the rest, think about making it the focal point of the room and going bold with your aesthetic choices.

Make everything look cohesive with an integrated sink. Image: Davenport Building Solutions

Integrated sinks

If you’re a fan of clean, minimalist looks, you may want to consider using an integrated – sometimes called integral – sink in your kitchen. The difference comes in how these sinks are installed. Unlike undermount versions where the sink is a separate piece that attaches under the countertop, integrated versions come as one big piece.

The advantage of an integrated sink is that there are no seams or overlapping pieces where the sink and the countertop connect. It’s more aesthetically pleasing, as well as more sanitary since grime won’t be able to build up between the juncture where both pieces meet. That said, the downside of this look is its lack of versatility. Since the sink is built into the countertops, there’s less of an opportunity to switch things around if your tastes change.

Go big and bold with patterns. Image: Omicron Granite & Tile

Bold patterns on stone

The last trend we have for you incorporates both old and new tastes. Here, instead of using an entirely new material, we’re revisiting our old standards: quartz and granite. However, rather than following the traditional rule of keeping your stone as inconspicuous as possible, it’s time to think outside the box. 2018 countertop trends are all about going big and bold – and stone countertops are no exception. Make sure the pattern in your stone stands out.

In particular, heavy veining and bold colors are popular. But, keep in mind, whether you’re using granite or quartz, every stone is unique. You’ll want to choose something that speaks to you personally. Again, this is an opportunity to create a focal point for your kitchen. As you pick out your stone, make sure that it’s a pattern that will catch eyes.