Designer Tips for Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertop

Taking your pick among many options for kitchen countertop material can be tough. According to interior designer Catherine Cena-Yambao of Catherine Cena Interiors, it’s best to know your priority and how the specific surface will be used. Read on for useful tips: 

If your priority is aesthetics, choose marble.

Marble is a beautiful white natural stone with gray streaks that are perfect for kitchens which aren’t heavily used.  You can even extend the marble to the floor for a cohesive cooking corner. If you enjoy cooking, it’s best to avoid marble altogether as it can be susceptible to scratches and scuffs.

If your priority is sturdiness, choose granite.

Granite is a better option for industrial kitchens or even home kitchens where meals are cooked on a daily basis. Granite is easier to clean and resistant to heat and scratches.

If your priority is stain resistance, choose corian or rockstone.

Synthetic surfaces like corian and rockstone are non-porous (meaning, they don’t absorb liquid and dirt as much) making them almost maintenance-free. Having countertops that don’t require special cleaning can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. 

This snippet originally appeared in the June 2016 issue of Real Living Magazine. Main photo by The Small Slice.