Kitchen worktops can really transform the look of a kitchen, and there’s a seemingly endless choice of different styles and materials available. We’ve put together a gallery of some of our favourite kitchen worktops, to help inform and inspire you...
How can different worktop styles and materials affect the look of a kitchen?
As well as their practical role, kitchen worktops play an important aesthetic and decorative role, adding character and setting the tone of the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a traditional feel or a more contemporary vibe, your choice of worktop style and material can have a significant impact on how your kitchen looks and feels.
What are the most popular kitchen worktop materials?
Kitchen worktops are available in a range of different materials, from solid wood to quartz, and natural stone to concrete. Some of the most popular choices of kitchen worktop materials include:
- Solid wood - solid wood and butcher’s block worktops are naturally beautiful, and will add warmth and texture to a kitchen
- Quartz - quartz worktops are durable and versatile, and come in a variety of colours, styles and finishes
- Natural stone - stone worktops such as marble, granite and limestone have a naturally luxurious quality and bring a high-end feel to a kitchen
- Corian - Corian and other solid surface worktops are made from a blend of resins, pigments and mineral particles, and they have a lovely lustre
- Concrete - sleek and hard-wearing, concrete worktops come in a variety of colours and finishes, and add a modern feel to a kitchen
- Stainless steel - stainless steel worktops bring a smart industrial edge to a kitchen.
Kitchen worktops also come in a variety of different styles, from waterfall worktops to splashback worktops, and with the right kitchen worktop you can make a real style statement…
Kitchen worktops: a gallery of styles and materials
From country kitchen warmth to Scandi-style minimalism, here are some examples of different kitchen worktop styles and materials from the Naked Kitchens portfolio to inspire you…
Add warmth and character with a solid wood worktop
Wood is a naturally beautiful material, and it has a timelessness which means it works in any style of kitchen. From the lighter tones of ash and beech, though warmer cherry, iroko, maple and oak, to rich mahogany and walnut, a wooden worktop will add texture and character to a kitchen. In the Raynham kitchen above, the solid oak worktops add warmth and create a homely traditional farmhouse feel.
In the Oyster Catcher kitchen, above, the Iroko wooden worktop with its warm honey tones perfectly balances the deep, rich black of the cabinets and adds a sense of depth and elegance.
Create a country-style kitchen with a butcher’s block worktop
A butcher’s block worktop is a great choice for a country-style kitchen. The Cley kitchen, above, features a beautiful oak end-grain butcher’s block worktop, which is both practical and beautiful and adds texture and interest to the space.
Meanwhile, the Georgian Hall kitchen, above, features a sumptuous walnut island worktop with stunning butcher block ends. It’s a country kitchen look but with a wow factor.
Choose a fresh modern look with a quartz worktop
Quartz is a hugely versatile material which comes in a range of different styles and finishes, and it’s a popular choice for contemporary kitchen worktops. The Dulwich kitchen, above, features a Shaker style design with a fresh contemporary twist, courtesy of the cabinets in soft green topped with beautiful marble effect quartz worktops, while the extended island worktop accommodates a row of under-counter seating.
Go for luxury with a marble worktop
WIth its beautiful natural veining and luxurious, almost glowing quality, marble is a fabulous material for creating kitchen worktops. The Highgate kitchen, above, combines sleek white marble worktops with a show-stopping kitchen island worktop made from a single slab of dark marble, which together with the dark walnut cabinetry creates a smart, minimalist Japandi feel.
Create a modern minimalist look with concrete worktops
Concrete is an extremely durable and versatile material, and it’s available in a range of different colours and textures. Concrete worktops have a smooth, contemporary look and add a distinctly modern edge to a kitchen.
In the Glaven kitchen, above, brushed limed-grain oak and white cabinetry is combined with sleek Caesarstone worktops, creating a modern space with clean, minimalist lines.
Make a statement with a waterfall worktop
A waterfall worktop is where the kitchen worktop flows down over the edge of a kitchen cabinet, island or peninsula and cascades all the way to the floor. Waterfall worktops are a fabulous feature in a kitchen, offering a contemporary feel and adding a real wow factor. In the Henley kitchen, above, the kitchen island with its white marble waterfall worktop creates a stunning centrepiece.
Meanwhile, the Southwold kitchen, above, offers an unusual twist on the waterfall worktop. Here, the quartz worktop flows over the edge of the island and down into a breakfast bar, creating a striking focal point in this light, modern Scandi-inspired space.
Add a touch of drama with a splashback worktop
A splashback worktop is where the kitchen splashback flows down onto the worktops, creating a stunning visual effect. In the Anmer kitchen, above, the marbled splashback cascades seamlessly onto the worktop, creating a lovely contrast against the warm timber of the cabinet and shelving, and adding a real sense of drama.
View more examples of our bespoke worktops.
At Naked Kitchens, we can create beautiful bespoke kitchen worktops that are perfectly matched to your kitchen and your lifestyle. Get started on creating your dream kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best material for a kitchen worktop?
The best material for a kitchen worktop depends on a number of factors. If you’re a keen cook, it’s best to opt for a material that’s durable, stain resistant and low maintenance, such as quartz; while if you enjoy entertaining, a striking material such as marble or granite will create a great focal point.
Which style of kitchen worktop should I choose?
Kitchen worktops are available in a variety of different styles, and the most appropriate style of worktop for your kitchen will depend on the kind of look and feel you want to achieve. In a contemporary kitchen, waterfall and splashback worktops are a popular choice for adding the wow factor and making a style statement.
See also:
Cleaning and caring for kitchen worktop surfaces - tips for all types of material
Waterfall islands and beyond - 5 ideas for beautiful, flowing kitchen worktops
Kitchen islands - a guide to different styles and ways to use them
Kitchen zones – an alternative to the kitchen work triangle
Choosing colours for your kitchen – an expert guide