Friday, December 05, 2014

By John Voket I have reported occasionally on projects involving new kitchen and countertop installations - mostly talking about granite or similar stone materials. So it was refreshing to see the recent blog from Ben Keough reporting from EuroCucina 2014.

Keough noted that for years, granite has been the go-to material for high-end countertops, and despite its expense, weight, and ubiquity, it still remains the countertop of choice.

But at EuroCucina 2014 - the international kitchen furniture exhibition - Keough says there was a huge variety of granite alternatives on display, from stainless steel to tempered glass, from ceramic to wood. Among the new materials he is expecting to see slowly overtaking granite are:

Tempered Glass - German design house Leicht showed off a lovely tempered glass countertop in a number of its model kitchens. Keough says the thick, translucent material is tough and has a pleasant tactility, while still remaining easy to clean. According to company reps, it’s also available in a huge variety of colors.

Ceramics - Leicht also made use of ceramic counters, which one representative described as the “closest thing you can get to indestructible.” The material is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and cool but not cold to the touch. And the dark gray finish Keough saw paired beautifully with the wooden surround.

Nanotech Materials - The most unusual alternative countertop Keough saw at EuroCucina came from Italian designer Arrital, courtesy of Arpa Industriale. Referred to as a “nanotech matte material,” the Fenix NTM countertop is anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, self-healing, and soft to the touch.

Wood - Keough saw solid wood and wood-finished countertops everywhere at the show, often contrasting with or overlaid on a stone or synthetic material. Everything from mahogany and ebony to light pine and bamboo was used, and often paired with matching cabinetry to create a minimalist yet warm look. In some cases, wood was even paired with granite, though that was less common.

Tile - When it comes to countertop finishes, Keough says tile is pretty old school. It’s a style that’s generally beholden to a certain era or area. But he notes that at least one designer at EuroCucina is aiming to bring them back. Minacciolo’s Minà multi-function island employs a beautiful mosaic tile top with subtle hues of red and orange.

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