Countertops

If you’re setting up your kitchen for the first time, or you want to make over your space, your countertop accessories are an important consideration. 

While your countertops are the bones of your kitchen’s appeal and functionality, countertop accessories can also make a huge difference in how your kitchen looks and feels. 

To make the most of your stone countertops, consider adding accessories that enhance both their utility and aesthetic appeal. Here are ten must-have countertop accessories that can make a significant difference in your kitchen.

1. Knife Block or Magnetic Knife Strip

Organizing your knives with a knife block or magnetic knife strip is a smart choice. These tools keep your knives within easy reach and maintain their sharpness. Select a sleek, modern design that complements your stone countertops, adding a professional and polished look to your kitchen.

2. Cutting Board

No kitchen is complete without a reliable cutting board. Opt for a wooden or bamboo board that pairs well with the natural beauty of stone countertops. Consider choosing a board with grooves to catch juices, making cleanup easier and protecting your countertop. This simple addition is both functional and visually appealing.

3. Utensil Holder

Keep your cooking essentials close at hand with a stylish utensil holder. This accessory reduces countertop clutter and adds a decorative touch to your kitchen. Choose a design that aligns with the color and texture of your countertops, whether that’s a classic ceramic holder or a modern stainless steel option.

4. Trivets

Trivets are an essential accessory for protecting your stone countertops from heat damage. With a variety of materials available, such cast iron, ceramic, or stone, you can find trivets that serve a practical purpose while enhancing the overall design of your kitchen. Place them on your countertop to add an extra layer of style while keeping your surfaces safe. You can even get them made from remnants of your countertop slab for a perfect match!

5. Bread Box

Add a touch of nostalgia and practicality to your kitchen with a bread box. It keeps your bread fresh and frees up cabinet space, all while adding character to your kitchen. Whether you prefer a sleek stainless steel box or a rustic wooden design, a bread box can seamlessly blend with your stone countertops and other kitchen elements.

6. Soap Dispenser

A countertop or built-in soap dispenser is a small detail that makes a big impact. It keeps your sink area tidy and organized, freeing your countertop from unsightly single-use plastic soap bottles. Choose a dispenser that matches your kitchen’s design, whether it’s a modern brushed nickel, a charming ceramic, or sleek glass soap dispenser.

7. Spice Rack

For the home chef, a well-organized spice rack is a kitchen essential. It keeps your spices within easy reach and adds a decorative element to your countertop. Whether you opt for a countertop model or a wall-mounted option, ensure it complements the finish of your stone countertops for a harmonious look.

8. Canisters and Storage Jars

Clear glass or ceramic canisters are perfect for storing dry goods like flour, sugar, and coffee beans. They keep your ingredients fresh while adding an elegant touch to your kitchen. Choose canisters with airtight seals that match the aesthetic of your countertops, turning everyday items into part of your kitchen’s decor.

9. Paper Towel Holder

A functional yet stylish paper towel holder is a kitchen necessity. By choosing a design that complements your countertops—whether it’s sleek stainless steel or rustic wood—you can keep your paper towels easily accessible while enhancing the overall look of your kitchen. This accessory adds practicality without sacrificing style.

10. Fruit Bowl

A decorative fruit bowl brings a splash of color and freshness to your kitchen. Select a bowl that complements your stone countertops, be it a modern glass design or a classic ceramic piece. It serves as a beautiful centerpiece while encouraging healthy eating by keeping fresh fruit in plain sight.

Ready To Renovate?

Here at Olympia Stone, we love helping homeowners create the kitchen of their dreams. And that starts with the countertops! After all, you can have all the best accessories, but without great countertops, you won’t be able to use them to their full potential. 

We specialize in custom stone countertops that elevate any kitchen design. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you create a kitchen that’s as practical as it is stylish.

When you think of a stone countertop, do you think of a smooth, perfectly shiny finish? That’s a polished finish, and it’s just one of the many great choices you have available for your countertops. 

Choosing the right countertop finish can dramatically alter the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom. From sleek and modern to rustic and textured, the finish you select plays a significant role in the overall design of your space. 

Let’s take a look at ten different countertop finishes that can add the perfect finishing touch to your space. 

1. Polished Finish

The polished finish is one of the most popular choices for countertops. This finish gives the stone a glossy, mirror-like surface. Polished countertops are smooth to the touch and easy to clean, making them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms alike.

2. Honed Finish

A honed finish offers a matte, satin-like appearance that is smooth but not glossy. This finish is ideal for those who prefer a more understated, soft look. Honed countertops have a slightly muted color compared to polished surfaces, giving them a subtle, sophisticated charm. They are also less prone to showing scratches and smudges, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

3. Leathered Finish

The leathered finish has become increasingly popular for its unique texture and appearance. This finish adds a slight sheen to the stone without the high gloss of a polished finish, resulting in a rich, tactile surface. Leathered countertops have a subtle texture that brings out the natural beauty of the stone, particularly in granite and quartzite. 

4. Brushed Finish

A brushed finish offers a textured surface that is slightly rough to the touch. This finish gives the stone an aged, weathered look, which can add warmth and rustic appeal to your space. Brushed countertops are particularly striking in natural stones like travertine and soapstone, where the texture enhances the stone’s organic qualities. 

5. Flamed Finish

The flamed finish is created by exposing the stone to extreme heat, which causes the surface to burst and form a rough texture. The flamed finish is ideal for outdoor kitchens or areas where durability and grip are essential. Its rugged appearance also adds a bold, dramatic element to the design.

6. Sandblasted Finish

A sandblasted finish involves blasting the stone with a high-pressure stream of sand to create a textured surface. This finish softens the color of the stone and produces a slightly rough, matte appearance. The texture also makes the surface less prone to showing fingerprints and smudges, making it a practical option for busy households.

7. Satin Finish

A satin finish strikes a balance between polished and honed finishes. It offers a low-gloss sheen that is smooth to the touch but not overly reflective. This finish enhances the natural beauty of the stone while providing a durable surface that is easy to maintain.

8. Antiqued Finish

The antiqued finish is designed to give the stone an aged, weathered look, reminiscent of old-world charm. This finish involves a combination of brushing and sometimes tumbling to create a surface that feels worn and rustic. Antiqued countertops are perfect for adding character and warmth to your kitchen or bathroom, especially in spaces that embrace a vintage or farmhouse aesthetic.

9. Etched Finish

An etched finish is achieved by treating the stone with acid to create a subtly textured, matte surface. This finish softens the stone’s color and enhances its natural patterns, resulting in a sophisticated, elegant look. Etched countertops are particularly popular in marble, where the finish adds a luxurious, timeless appeal. 

10. Waterjet Finish

The waterjet finish uses high-pressure water to create a smooth yet slightly textured surface. This finish gives the stone a unique, tactile quality that is both visually appealing and functional. The subtle texture makes the surface more resistant to scratches and wear, ensuring long-lasting beauty.

Elevate Your Space with Olympia Stone

Choosing the right countertop finish can transform your kitchen or bathroom into a space that reflects your style and meets your needs. Whether you prefer the high gloss of a polished finish or the rustic charm of a brushed surface, each finish offers a unique way to enhance your stone countertops. 

If you’re ready to start a new countertop project, reach out to us at Olympia Stone for a free quote and discover how our stunning countertop finishes can transform your home!

Marble countertops have long been admired for their timeless elegance and sophisticated beauty. Here at Olympia Stone, we love helping our customers find the perfect marble countertop for their kitchen or bathroom. 

Finding the perfect countertop isn’t just about color and pattern; the finish of your marble countertop can significantly impact its overall look and feel. Different finishes offer unique textures and appearances, catering to various design preferences and functional needs. 

Take a look at these seven unique marble countertop finishes to consider for your next project.

1. Polished Finish

A polished finish is the most common and traditional choice for marble countertops. This finish involves grinding the marble surface to achieve a high gloss and reflective sheen.

The result is a smooth, mirror-like surface that enhances the marble’s natural colors and veining. Polished marble countertops are not only visually stunning but also resistant to staining and moisture. However, they can be more susceptible to scratches and etching from acidic substances, so regular maintenance and care are essential.

2. Honed Finish

For a more understated and matte look, consider a honed finish. This finish is achieved by sanding the marble surface to create a smooth, non-reflective finish. Honed marble countertops have a soft, velvety texture that offers a more relaxed and casual aesthetic compared to polished marble.

They are less prone to showing scratches and etching, making them a practical choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens. However, honed finishes can be more susceptible to staining, so proper sealing and regular upkeep are important.

3. Leathered Finish

A leathered finish is an increasingly popular option that combines the best of both polished and honed finishes. This finish involves treating the marble surface with diamond-tipped brushes, creating a textured, tactile surface with a subtle sheen.

Leathered marble countertops offer a unique, rustic look that adds depth and character to any space. They are also more resistant to fingerprints, water spots, and scratches, making them a relatively low-maintenance option. The leathered finish is ideal for those seeking a distinctive and durable surface.

4. Brushed Finish

Similar to the leathered finish, a brushed finish is achieved by brushing the marble surface with abrasive pads. This process creates a slightly textured surface that retains some of the marble’s natural luster while offering a more weathered and aged appearance.

Brushed marble countertops provide a unique, antique look that can enhance the charm of traditional or rustic kitchen designs. This finish is also practical, as it helps to hide minor scratches and imperfections.

5. Satin Finish

A satin finish, also known as an eggshell finish, offers a soft sheen that falls between polished and honed finishes. This finish is achieved by lightly polishing the marble surface to create a subtle, smooth texture with a low-level shine.

Satin marble countertops provide a sophisticated and elegant look that is less glossy than polished marble but more reflective than honed marble. This finish is ideal for those seeking a balanced, refined appearance that works well in both contemporary and classic kitchen designs.

6. Flamed Finish

A flamed finish is created by exposing the marble surface to high temperatures, causing the crystals in the stone to burst and creating a rough, textured surface. This finish is typically used for exterior applications but can be a bold choice for indoor countertops, especially in modern and industrial-style kitchens.

Flamed marble countertops offer a unique, rugged look with excellent slip resistance and durability. However, they may require more maintenance to keep clean and prevent staining.

7. Waterfall Edge

While not a finish in the traditional sense, a waterfall edge is a design feature that can dramatically enhance the appearance of your marble countertops. This edge profile involves extending the marble surface vertically down the sides of the cabinets, creating a continuous flow that resembles a waterfall.

The waterfall edge adds a touch of modern luxury and sophistication to any kitchen, making the marble a focal point in the design. It also protects the cabinet sides from spills and wear, adding both beauty and functionality to your space.

Enhancing Your Space with Unique Marble Finishes

Choosing the right finish for your marble countertops can significantly enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your space. Whether you prefer the high gloss of polished marble or the rustic charm of a leathered finish, there is a perfect option to suit your design vision.

Olympia Stone offers an extensive selection of premium marble and expert guidance. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the ideal finish to complement your style and needs. Contact us today for a free quote for your marble countertop project!