Beyond the Kitchen: Surprising Places to Use Countertop Materials

Durability and style, the two top qualifications we seek in kitchen countertops, also prove useful in other rooms of the home. Creative homeowners and designers realized traditional countertop materials need not remain confined solely to kitchens. Hearty surfaces engineered for heavy daily use, easy cleaning and resilience against spills work wonderfully as bathroom vanities, laundry folding stations, hobby tables, office desks and more.

Bathroom Vanities

For bathrooms in need of a modern update, quartz and solid surface countertops offer high-quality areas in which to get ready for the day. High humidity doesn’t affect water-resistant materials such as quartz, granite, and Corian, meaning the mold and warping that commonly damage untreated wooden vanities are prevented. As well as this, hair dyes or self-tanning lotions do not stain non-porous surfaces.

Use the length of wider vanities to allow two people to simultaneously groom, applying makeup and styling hair side by side. Under-mount sinks maximize counter space further while showcasing dazzling countertop materials front and center. For small baths needing storage solutions, base vanity cabinets offer welcome concealed space. Go ahead; bring that gorgeous granite or eco-chic concrete right into the bathroom.

Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms

Mudrooms and laundry rooms tend to collect not just dirty boots and piles of unfolded clothes, but also grime, dust and scratches on poorly protected surfaces. Yet these hardworking spaces deserve easy-clean, robust counters too. The experts at Bedrock Quartz say that quartz, stainless steel and granite countertops withstand years of abuse from heavy laundry baskets slammed down after each wash.

Use generous slabs of water-resistant quartz or granite to fold laundry, then stash sorted piles neatly in base cabinets below. Built-in hampers with cushioned bottoms prevent dents from heavy loads. In mudrooms, concrete or tiles with radiant heating prevent damage from frozen, muddy boots in winter. Durable surfaces in laundries and mudrooms stand tough through every season.

Kids’ Rooms and Play Spaces

Counter-height play tables fitted with childproofed quartz or lightly textured concrete surfaces make perfect washable craft stations for young kids’ rooms. Rounded corners prevent painful cracks to little heads, while durable counters handle glue, paint and glitter spills galore. Set towels nearby for easy wipe-ups after each masterpiece session, followed by disinfecting cleaner to kill germs.

In teens’ rooms, concrete counters outfitted with charging stations display ever-changing rotating displays of gadgets and memorabilia. Quartz floating shelves mounted to walls safely hold prized trophies, framed photos and trendy décor that inevitably change each year. The right price point and durability make quality counters perfect for growing kids’ changing spaces.

Home Offices

Bring executive appeal into home offices with commercial-grade stainless steel, marble slab, or quartz desks. Glossy finishes reflect light beautifully while making small study nooks feel more expansive. Neutral white or black quartz counters with brushed metal drawer pulls give off a refined yet creative vibe. Built-in outlets allow plugging in laptops and desk lamps easily.

For artistic personalities, concrete counters stained vibrant colors resemble art studio worktables but remain professional enough for client meetings. Durable knee-hole spans allow comfortable seating at a stylish granite desk. Rather than flimsy particleboard home office pieces, install serious counters meant to handle years of paperwork, computer projects and remote video calls in style.

Conclusion

Too often we limit luxury countertop materials solely to kitchen installation. However, contemporary options like engineered quartz, concrete, granite, and solid surface offer far more versatility at more affordable prices than in decades past. Take design cues from transitional kitchen and bath trends that thoughtfully integrate quality counters throughout the home. With handy built-ins customized to your needs, understated countertops transform dead space into functional areas that upgrade your entire living experience.