Choosing the perfect worktop for your kitchen

A countertop can completely transform your kitchen design, both in terms of style and function.  From a stunning piece of hand-selected stone, based purely on its individual beauty – to a work surface that is based entirely on practicality and longevity, we have all the information and style advice to set you on your journey to the perfect worktop for your kitchen.  

What to Consider When Choosing A Kitchen Worktop 

Ideally, a choice of worktop should strike the balance perfectly between form and function. The perfect surface not only enhances the kitchen design but also supports how you use your space on a day-to-day basis. 

We’ve highlighted some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the ideal material and finish for your kitchen work surface.

Kitchen Aesthetic

Your countertops can either make a bold statement or enhance the harmony of the rest of your kitchen to create a calming effect, or of course somewhere in between! 

Backsplash in Brazilian black fusion granite

Using unique pieces of natural granite or quartzite can be exquisite.  Usually we will choose these pieces with you by visiting the stone yards, or country of origin. We have clients who have been as far as Brazil to choose the perfect statement piece to use in their kitchen!

Centrepiece island in ‘Vanaria Reale’ honed quartzite

This countertop works in harmony with the surrounding kitchen whilst being a stand-out piece of stone in its own right, creating a look that is quietly luxurious and outstanding in its overall beauty. 

But it’s not just design - texture, material, and edge profile all play a part in the final look, plus how your worktop complements cabinetry, flooring, and lighting.

Worktop profile

Playing with the thickness of the worktop can really change how the entire design and style of the worktop and kitchen appears. 

Bevelled edges can enhance a kitchen providing an elegant look, and an attractive negative space detail to the design. 

A slender worktop edge enhances the minimalist kitchen providing a neat, stylish finish to the space. 

Building in a dramatic thick worktop can achieve a monolithic look, creating a space which is architectural and timeless, as seen at this kitchen in Ealing. 

Graham Robinson, Head of Design at Halcyon says “a subtle contrast in thickness in different areas of the kitchen can create interest. For example, you could pair a stone island with a thick countertop, with a slender profile for the rest of the kitchen, this really accentuates the statement the island will make visually.” 

Price

Even within the luxury market, prices vary significantly depending on the material, sourcing and finish. 

Bespoke book-matching of tone or creating unique designs can elevate the cost, however the end effect is worth the investment. . 

Durability

Durability is so important especially in a busy kitchen. Quartz and porcelain are non-porous and low maintenance, whereas natural stone such as granite, or marble, whilst beautiful, require sealing and careful maintenance.  

Consider how heat or stain resistant you need your work surface to be, and depending on how the space is used, how easy to clean and scratch resistant it must be. 

If you have a large family that uses the kitchen frequently we would recommend a low maintenance, highly durable surface such as porcelain or ceramic. However if aesthetics is your goal and the kitchen will be carefully used, marble and natural stone may be the most beautiful option.  

Types of Worktops 

Quartz

Quartz worktops are engineered stone surfaces made from a combination of natural quartz crystals and resin binders. They come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, often mimicking natural stone which can be very beautiful and a great contender if you would like to achieve the beauty of natural stone with excellent durability.

A quartz countertop is incredibly durable, non-porous, and resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. It’s ideal for busy kitchens where low maintenance and high performance are priorities. The consistent pattern and colour options also make it a popular choice for modern designs.

It is extremely important to choose a supplier that provides excellent quality with at least   93% quartz crystals and sourced from reputable companies that uphold a high standard of machinery and safe working practices. 

One of the companies we work with to provide these worktops are CRL stone who adhere to these standards. Their quartz showroom within our Wigmore Street showroom presents a large size variety of quartz so the pattern can be seen more clearly than with a small sample. 

Ceramic or Porcelain

This modern surface, also referred to as sintered stone, is becoming increasingly popular. Aesthetically it looks like real stone due to a highly accurate and intricate printing process, and is ultra durable -  resistant to scratches, heat and stains. It’s also bacteria resistant so perfect for food preparation. 

The standard thickness is 12mm, perfect for thin, modern worktops and wall cladding.  It can also be used to create a thick, monolithic worktop to act as a statement within the space. 

Elie McClure, Designer at Halcyon says “Ceramic is a great option, it's incredibly versatile.  A clever design idea is to create a full stone effect by using the same ceramic material on the cabinetry as the worktops.  

This creates a beautiful full-stone effect that mimics the look of a natural stone island but with all the benefits of ceramic.” 

Natural stone 

The natural beauty and uniqueness of natural stone is universally appealing with no two pieces exactly the same. It offers distinctive patterns and colour variations that bring the beauty of the outside world into the home. 

Natural stone such as granite, quartzite and marble are often the most popular choice when using natural stone for a counter top.  

When choosing this material, think carefully about where it will be and how it will be used, as it isn’t as durable as other options and can be scratched and stained depending on the type of stone. 

It’s essential to speak with an expert before you decide on natural stone for your kitchen so you can make the right choice for your individual design. 

Wood

Wood adds a warmth and character to your kitchen design, working beautifully in both modern and traditional kitchens. 

Due to its natural characteristics it can show wear and tear so we recommend it be used with consideration. A wood island is a striking way to use this exquisite material as seen below: 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an excellent option that can make a style statement whilst being extremely durable. It can fit seamlessly into a modern or industrial style kitchen whilst offering extremely heat resistant and stain resistant qualities plus it’s very easy to clean.  

Corian

Corian is a solid surface made from a blend of natural minerals and resin, offering a seamless, non-porous, and highly versatile surface ideal for a busy kitchen. A strong benefit of Corian is that it offers a seamless look with no joints that also has the ability to be crafted into unique shapes and effects. 

Corian is non-porous so nothing can penetrate the surface making it hygienic and easy to clean, plus it can be repaired if damaged.  

The underside of this island has been created using fluted Corian, an excellent example of its versatility. 

Worktop Colours 

To contrast or complement, that is the question. A contrasting colour can create bold definition and visual interest whilst using similar tones will give a softer more unified look. 

Graham Robinson, Head of Design at Halcyon says “You need to choose worktops holistically with the rest of the kitchen, blending the worktops with the rest of the kitchen creates a sense of calm”. 

However, it’s all down to personal choice – adding  a unique worktop to a subtle kitchen can add character and sophistication especially if you’re using a piece of natural stone where the piece will stand out for its materiality. 

Why choose Halcyon

When it comes to choosing worktops, it’s clear that there is a lot of choice. That’s why at Halcyon our expertise in understanding your project and asking the right questions helps us narrow down the choice to what will work best for you. 

In your design consultation, one of the first things we discuss is how you will use your kitchen, what types of food you cook and what your vision for the overall aesthetic is. Each kitchen we design is unique and as always will stand the test of time. 

Book a consultation with Halcyon to learn more.

Summary 

Work surfaces play a key role in the overall design and choosing the right option is so important, from the thickness and material to the colour palette. 

The way you live will affect the choice of countertop that is right for you, as well as where you want to use the material and your priorities for your kitchen – do aesthetics lead your decision, or do you need a durable surface? 

Or do you want the best of both worlds? With modern materials there are more choices than ever before.  

Our best advice is to speak with your kitchen designer, who will be the expert on the best options for your space. 

For more kitchen design advice or to discuss your new kitchen project with our kitchen interior designers, book an appointment at one of our showrooms here.