When it comes to the kitchen surfaces that you use while chopping your veggies, buttering your toast, and stacking your dirty dishes to cue them up for the washer, you might not think that you have very many options. But just because ceramic tile and slabs of natural stone (marble, granite, etc.) have dominated the countertop scene for the last few decades doesn’t mean you have to succumb to the trends if you don’t like them. And you might be surprised to learn that there are actually a wide variety of potential materials to consider when it comes to your counters. Here are just a few that could make your kitchen makeover a revelation (or a revolution, if you happen to be a trendsetter).

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Stainless steel.

If you’re willing to get stainless steel appliances, why not countertops? This material will give your kitchen a sleek, modern look and it has an awful lot of benefits. For one thing, it doesn’t really stain, and if you accidentally set a hot pot on it you won’t have to worry about scarring the surface with (although you probably don’t want to touch it for a few minutes after you move the pan).

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Rustic wood.

The farmhouse kitchen had something of a resurgence recently by way of giant kitchen sinks with no dividers (like small tubs ensconced in your countertop) and antique-finish hardware made to look like it came straight from 1930 (manufacturers have really nailed that dark patina). But if you like this look, why not take it a step further by installing a wooden countertop? While the original look would have called for nude wood, you’ll probably want to use some kind of matte lacquer to stave off food stains (wood is pretty porous). And you’ll certainly have to be careful about placing hot items on it without a trivet in place. But the fact that you can use the entire counter as a cutting board kind of makes up for it.

Formica.

Believe it or not, this retro look is coming back in a big way when it comes to kitchen customization. The saturated colors and metallic sparkle that made this plastic laminate so popular back when your parents (or grandparents) were kids has been recently rediscovered by a new generation of homeowners who are looking to put a personal stamp on their interior spaces. And thanks to the melamine resin used in Formica, this counter surface will resist heat, staining, and abrasion.

Composites.

You’ve no doubt heard of materials like Coriander and Silestone, and these composites can provide you with a wide range of color options as well as durability and ease of use that you simply can’t get from natural stone.

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Eco options.

Both concrete and recycled glass can make for a killer kitchen countertop. Concrete, for example, may be poured as is if you like the ultra-minimalist look. But it can also be stained and treated to look like all manner of other surfaces, including natural stone, wood, and even leather. As for recycled glass, it is crushed and molded (sometimes with concrete) to create a one-of-a-kind surface that positively glitters (and you can choose the color of glass). And if you decide you want the look of granite or marble tile, simply seek out reclaimed materials that don’t call for further mining.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Today, Lisa showcases her highlights of what she saw at this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry show which I couldn’t attend, as I was in NYC for the Sandra Lee event. So I was excited to hear that Lisa wanted to share some of her great finds with my readers!

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A couple of weeks ago while attending the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) I nearly tripped over myself as my body was cruising the aisles and my eyes felt the magnetic pull of a new product at the Formica booth.  As a designer my search for innovative, new and cool was complete but unexpected, in a booth about laminate countertops.

Solid granite or stone countertops are not inexpensive and can be too costly for many homes and downright inappropriate for others.  However, with the new Ideal Edge from Formica the look is now available at a fraction of the cost.

Ideal Edge eliminates the dreaded brown line so often the key identifier of a laminate countertop.  Plus, contractors can finally achieve an attractive finished edge on all sides.  By using either the Ogee or Bullnose edge, laminate has just been elevated to a whole new level.

But wait there’s more…

Homeowners have often balked when contractors use a mitered corner. So Formica also introduced 5 new colors to their 180FX line of laminates, available only through contractors, (seen in the first pic and below) which mimic the visual graining and life of a full granite slab.  Yep, this means they come in sizes up to 5’ x 12’.

Dolce Vita 180FX Bullnose

Visually one can’t tell the difference unless you are up close and personal and looking for it.  These new options bring laminate into the current century and allow homeowners options beyond what was once unaffordable.

Blanca Luna 180FX Bullnose

Silver Travertine with Ogee edge

Formica has provided stylish and upscale options for the homeowner on a limited budget looking to update their kitchen or bath for their own use or resale.  Now one can do a respectable remodel at a fraction of the cost.

This new Formica gives granite a run for its money without running away with yours!

Other than the first and third image, all images are courtesy of Formica Corporation.

Lisa M. Smith is an interior designer, color maven and artist shares the design world with you. Interiors involve textures and layers, so does her blog – The Decor Girl.  Join her there where she talks about color, interiors, architecture, art, cars, fashion, travel and what ever else seems interesting at the moment. You can follow Lisa on Twitter – @TheDecorGirl

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.