Natural Countertops 

 When it comes tos, tile has been replaced by natural stone , solid surfaces and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Tile is Out

"Homeowners are moving away froms, which are difficult to maintain, in favor of natural, solid surfaces and environmentally friendly 'green's," says Margaret Began, owner and showroom manager of Stoneworks Ltd. in Bedford, Ohio.

Like a Rock

Granite is still the biggest thing out there, notes Margaret, but less common materials like marble , limestone and soapstone are becoming more popular countertop choices. "For years we've been instructed to avoid these particular materials because they were said to stain, scratch and etch," explains Margaret. "But they are much more durable than we have been led to believe." Greatly improved sealers and a routine maintenance schedule are all it takes to turn these elegant natural heirlooms into rough-and-readys.

Contemporary Quartz

For homeowners looking to jazz up their moderns with bright, bold countertops, Margaret recommends quartz. "Quartz may not be as durable as granite ," she says, "but it comes in colors not typically seen in natural stone, like lime green and electric blue." And for those who may not appreciate stone's natural pigment variation, quartz offers consistent color from top to bottom and side to side.

Texture Twist

"We're seeing a new trend in natural stone countertops that combines different textures," says Lindsay Davis, designer for DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Naples, Fla. To get this exciting look, designers use stone with two different finishes, one sandblasted to a matte finish, the other polished to a smooth gloss. Lindsay says that a typical application might be to use one finish for an island or raised snack bar area and the other for the rest of the kitchen countertops.