Whether you’re itching to give your kitchen a makeover or simply looking to up the value of your digs when bringing it to market, it all boils down to one of many major decisions — the countertops. So, what type is perfect for you? Is it a stunningly veined marble, or maybe a French butcher block? We tapped the experts, from acclaimed chef Dana Slatkin to designer duo Joyce Richards & Terrell Perfitt and our very own SBP agents, to get the lowdown on each option so you can embark on a kitchen upgrade with total confidence this year.
GRANITE
A stunning natural stone, granite is one of the hardest materials in the world, and — because no two pieces are the same — it functions as a true piece of art in your kitchen, ultimately adding value to your space. “A simple black absolute granite is one of the most cost-effective yet classic countertops out there, either with a honed or leathered finish,” said designers Joyce Richards & Terrell Perfitt. “We definitely expect to see a lot of it in 2021.” It’s highly durable, resistant to heat and scratches, and — when properly sealed — deflects any liquid or stain. As SBP Associate Partner Sewit Eshetu shared, “Any natural stone like granite can be made non-porous with the right treatments done by professionals.” So if you have a little one running amuck in the house, consider granite your guy. Just know that it’s a labor-intensive installation, so what you get is what you keep for the long-term.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Highly Affordable
Resists Chipping & Scratching
Each Piece is Unique
Stands Wear & Tear
Backsplash Courtesy of Perfitt Richards Design
SOAPSTONE
Sleek and smooth, soapstone is a magnesium-rich metamorphic rock that is essentially impenetrable, meaning anything that’s dropped on its surface, from a hot pan to whatever new recipe you’re cooking up, won’t make a mark or seep in. If you’re looking for a lovely patina with age, soapstone does not disappoint, but if you don’t want a surface that darkens with time, it’s probably not for you. All of us on the SBP team are loving the warm grey tones you can find in soapstone these days — it adds the perfect modern-yet-classic touch to any kitchen.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Low-Maintenance
Heatproof
Naturally Antimicrobial
Nonporous
MARBLE
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that marble is a porous, high-maintenance surface. But, you know what? We do it anyway because it’s one of the most beautiful, timeless stones you could integrate into your kitchen. Carrara marble is relatively inexpensive while a rarer, luxury stone like Calacatta has a bit of a higher price tag. The opportunities to elevate your kitchen with marble are endless, so we got renowned chef, author and restaurant owner Dana Slatkin to fill us in on the unique slab she integrated into her Westwood Village bistro, Violet: “I chose a gorgeous purple-veined marble called, appropriately, Violetta. Even though I was warned that it would show stains and wear and tear, I wanted that soulful, lived-in look. The countertops definitely contribute to Violet’s ambiance.” So, the moral of the story? Be prepared for mishaps, but the aesthetic is oh so worth it.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Long-Lasting
Highly Unique
Heat Resistant
Adds Value
