Now Trending: Everything's coming up quartz

Stone remains as popular as ever in home design, but we’re seeing new palettes and finishes in vogue — specifically, in quartz. We explored all things quartz with Nick Belling from Caesarstone, a leading quartz countertop supplier recently featured at Alcove Wicker Park.

Quartz product is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals mixed with resin, polymers and pigments. Unlike natural stones like marble, granite and soapstone, quartz countertops are categorized as a man-made product.

So, what makes quartz an enticing option for designers, developers and home buyers? It’s nonporous, making quartz countertops durable and hygienic. “More and more people are opting for quartz product versus a natural stone because of the pandemic and concerns about cleanliness,” explains Belling. “Natural stone is more porous than quartz, which means bacteria is more easily absorbed.”

Rated a 7 by the Mohs hardness scale, quartz stands up to high heat, stains and scratches. Quartz countertops are also low maintenance — a splash of warm soapy water will suffice for everyday cleaning. In addition to these practical benefits, quartz countertops are visually striking and available in a wide range of colors and finishes to suit any style.

Let’s take a look at what’s trending in quartz with Caesarstone.

Warm & Dark

“Whites and grays have been in for quite some time, and I don’t think they’re going out any time soon,” says Belling, “but we’re seeing more interest in warmer and darker colors.” In fact, Black Tempal, a charcoal surface with subtle white movement, is one of Caesarstone’s best sellers right now — it’s so popular that they had to ramp up production to meet demand. “It’s very exciting to see people gravitate toward warmer and darker colors when we’ve been living in a white and gray world,” remarks Belling. “People are also moving away from all-white kitchens, pairing warm and dark cabinets and countertops for a more ‘homey’ feeling.”

Texture

While polished surfaces aren’t quite a thing of the past, Belling says that buyers are increasingly interested in incorporating texture into their home. “They want the concrete look and feel without actually pouring hundreds of pounds of concrete into their kitchens and bathrooms.” Of Caesarstone’s five available countertop finishes, Belling says that concrete, rough and natural textures are more popular than their polished and honed options.

Seamless Design

Counter-to-ceiling backsplashes, even floor-to-ceiling showers — buyers are getting creative to achieve a seamless and groutless look. “People are moving away from tile backsplashes and instead running the quartz countertop up the wall. It not only looks sleek, it’s also easier to clean and maintain,” says Belling. “They’re extending this to the bathroom, too, keeping their showers seamless and groutless.”

Waterfall countertops are also increasing in popularity. Designed to flow seamlessly from the countertop to the floor, waterfall countertops are a unique and contemporary design option that create an artistic focal point in the kitchen.

Natural Influences

Available in a palette of warm, gray monochromes in natural and honed finishes, Caesarstone’s newest collection, Pebbles, takes inspiration from the movement of water and wind on stone. Launched in early 2022, this on-trend collection brings the outside in to create nurturing, calming interior spaces.