Backsplash; Countertops

NOTE: Cambria launched Super Jumbo slabs that measure 136 by 80 inches (that’s 76 square feet!), shown here behind its other large slabs on offer. The extra-large — or Super Jumbo, rather — slabs reduce seams and allow for more continuous pattern display, uninterrupted by multiple slabs pieced together

Q

And here’s Caesarstone’s Ocean Blue quartzite in a custom bookmatched profile. 2023 NOTE: NOT "bookmatched" style but added here for reference to color and "veining."

Q

Caesarstone shared this image of a large custom bookmatched slab of Taj Mahal quartzite from its new natural stone collection. 2023 --NOTE: Colors and "veining" seem to look more natural and "warm."???

Q

And here’s the Belcaro Nubo Verde marble in the new pleated design. You can see the overlapping-like profile that recalls exterior shingles or siding. Also notice the trendy colored veining featuring moss, hunter and emerald greens. 2023

Q

Here’s a closer look at the Belcaro Lilac fluted marble tile. 2023

Q

Meanwhile, it was hard to walk 20 feet at KBIS without encountering a fluted surface. Ann Sacks’ new Belcaro line of marble tile comes in a pleated profile and a fluted look, the latter of which is shown here in Lilac.--NOTE: NOT this particular color or application.

Q

Here’s a closer look at the custom rough texture Cambria showcased for its new Harlow style on the previously shown range hood. 2023

Q

At KBIS, Cambria showed off its aforementioned new Harlow marble-look quartz style in a custom fluted design, used for the island backing seen here. The range hood cladding features a custom rough-texture application. (See next photo.) 2023

Q

4. Rough and Raised Textures Smooth finishes, either polished or matte, seem to dominate countertop and other surface materials, but rougher finishes with raised textures and markings are on the rise. Caesarstone offers an Ultra Rough finish on several new porcelain styles, including White Ciment, shown here, which features raised mottling similar to raw concrete. 2023

Q

Meanwhile, Cambria’s new Alloy collection features shimmery metal-look fissures. Berkshire Steel is shown here. 2023

Q

3. Colored Veining Grays, tans and golds are common shades of veining in many marble-look surfaces. But some manufacturers are branching out. Compac debuted its Ice of Genesis collection, which includes the Ice Max Green shown here, with a topography of green rivers and tributaries that nods to Arctic glaciers and frozen lakes. 2023

Q

A closer look at Caesarstone’s new porcelain Striata. 2023

Q

Caesarstone’s new porcelain collection features several styles with dramatic veining. Here, the appropriately named Striata style energizes a kitchen with bold striations.

Q

Here’s a closer look at Cambria’s new Harlow style.

Q

Cambria’s new Harlow style of quartz is a bit tamer. But its large, undulating brushstrokes of veining still bring a heavy dose of drama. 2023

Q

“Elegant brown granite island and counter top with leathered finish.” Phinney Design Group

Q

"Brick wall"/backsplash

Q

Island counter top looks white with greys and blacks. Is this Quartz or granite? "Veining" looks too "varied" to be Quartz????

Q

Article w 2023 tile trends

Q

2023 Trend FYI

Q

2023 Trend FYI

Q

2023 trend FYI

Q

Wood tones—Island and wood tone backsplash with white = not so stark

Q

Thicker; beige/grey countertop island with nice wood tones that match counter

Q

Kitchen island idea: artistic wood countertop. “The homeowners wanted an eating area on the island but didn’t want a typical island look,” Esmond says. “They loved waterfall counters, so making the wood island countertop with waterfall sides was the natural direction. “However, because they wanted to limit the use of wood and didn’t like the patterns and grains of wood, we had to select an exotic, dense wood that would not have heavy graining patterns. Wenge is a hard wood with tight, minimal vertical grains. The natural color of wenge is dark red-brown, like an espresso color. Using stain on wenge would only accentuate the movement of the grains. “And because wood is live and bloats with water contact, to protect the wood and keep it low-maintenance we opted to first tone down the color of the wood to prevent the appearance of the grains, then applied an epoxy coating on the wood to protect it from damage before buffing out the shine and applying the finish coat. This makes the wood countertop nearly bulletproof for an area that would have to handle an everyday beating.” Other special features. Neolith porcelain slab countertops and full-height wall cladding. “We used full slab...

Q