As we begin our journey into 2023, we first want to say thank you to our partners and clients for successfully navigating the supply chain issues and interest rate increases in 2022!
Countertops might be the most important design element to consider for kitchens and bathrooms, as you use them in a practical sense every day and they are a key focal point in the room. Here are our top recommendations for countertop product selections in 2023:
1. Colors
Bringing natural elements into the home has been popular the last few years and this isn’t expected to end in 2023. White, earth tones, and anything that mimics the look of stone will remain very popular. If you prefer real natural stone, cultured marble, granite and quartz vanities are still long-standing traditions in bathrooms. No matter what color scheme you have, a countertop with a beautiful and realistic pattern will add a subtle, yet luxurious appeal to your kitchen or bath.
A great example of this is Formica’s 180fx Laminate in Calacatta Marble:
2. High-end Laminates
Due to updated designs and improved printing techniques, laminate countertops are being used more and more in both residential and commercial applications. Laminate now mimics the look and feel of stone, and provides the ability to create a modern look at a fraction of the cost of stone. Laminate is also excellent at resisting stains, impact and heat. In particular, the new 180fx® laminates by Formica are designed for beauty and durability, with patterns that resemble wood grains, exotic stone and granite patterns, like this example of Wide-planked Walnut:
3. Thin is In
Available in 12 stunning designs, Wilsonart® THINSCAPE Performance Tops feature on-trend European inspired “thin” profiles. The perfect complement to today’s thinner cabinet profiles, thin countertops are trending in kitchens everywhere. When paired with classic stone or woodgrain designs, THINSCAPE appeals to both contemporary and classic styles.
4. Porcelain’s New Age
Another product currently trending is engineered porcelain. Like quartz and solid surface materials, porcelain slab tops are nonporous, so they’re a safe and healthy option for food preparation. Unlike those two materials, however, porcelain can be installed outside and is both heat- and frost-tolerant for homes across the country.
5. New Edges
A decade ago, the Roman Ogee edge was popular, but now clean lines are the most sought after edging options, like in the following:
• Crescent Edge: A soft curve for Wilsonart laminate countertops mimics the bullnose granite edge. This versatile edge blends into most designs.
- IdealEdge®: This Formica line of decorative edges brings a fresh look to laminate countertops, islands, and more. What you see is a perfectly finished edge and no more brown seam lines.
- Marbella Pencil-Edge: This popular laminate edge profile features a tight 1/8” radius or pencil-line edge that blends effortlessly into the slab-like profile.
6. Solid Surface is a Solid Choice
Advanced technology and design capabilities are making what was once only imagined for solid surfaces a welcomed reality. Newly-released Solid Surface designs pair resilient performance with the elegant structures of natural materials and beautiful hues.
Artic Drift:
Carrara Emporio:
Our team is continually analyzing trends in construction, renovation and design to ensure our product offerings include the most in-demand colors, styles and materials. Regardless of whether you are looking for a trendsetting solid surface kitchen countertop, affordable natural stone bathroom vanity or low-maintenance laminate kitchen countertop, you can find what you need at L.E. Smith. This is why many of our clients choose L.E. Smith to be their single-source supplier for countertops and surfaces. Contact us to learn more!
