Worktop ideas – 8 designs for a stunning kitchen

When choosing a kitchen worktop, there’s a lot to think about. What colour and material should it be? Is it scratch and stain proof? Will it chip if I drop something heavy on it?
But something you may not have considered is the design possibilities. Do you know what’s possible? We’re here to show you.
Here are 8 worktop ideas you may not have thought about that will make your worktop stylish and practical.
1. Create a waterfall worktop

There’s no need to limit worktops to sitting horizontally on top of cabinets. They can be used vertically as well. So, instead of using cabinet side panels at the end of a run, why not use the worktop instead and create a waterfall effect.
Not only does this worktop idea look sleek and elegant, but it’s practical too. Because a worktop is more robust than cabinets. It can withstand the bumps and knocks those exposed ends are prone to. Especially if you choose a hardwearing worktop material like acrylic, sintered stone, quartz or granite.
2. Integrate a breakfast bar
When you’re cooking, it’s lovely for guests or family to have somewhere to sit and chat while you’re doing it. That’s where this breakfast bar worktop idea comes in. You simply have the worktop cut bigger than the cabinets, so it extends out and allows bar stools to fit underneath.

To get this look, you’ll need a strong, solid worktop material, such as acrylic, sintered stone, quartz or granite.
3. Add a flush-mounted hob
If ultra-sleek and contemporary is the look you’re going for in your kitchen, this worktop design idea is a must. A flush-mounted hob sits in a recess in the worktop, so the work surface and hob’s surface are level. It looks stunning and is practical because grease and dirt don’t get trapped around the hob’s edges, making it easier to clean.

You can install a flush-mounted hob with any solid surface worktop material, such as natural or sintered stone or acrylic.
4. Add curves
Curved worktop edging is popular in kitchens because it softens the overall look. It’s practical too, particularly if you have kids, because curves round off sharp corners that could be a hazard. Curves in worktops can be cut to mirror curved kitchen cabinets. Or you can create unusual shapes on a breakfast bar, for example.

Choose any solid surface worktop material, such as natural or sintered stone or acrylic, to get the curves and shapes you want.
5. Add a moulded sink and drainer grooves

The sink area takes up a lot of space on a kitchen worktop. And a conventional sink and drainer combo can stand out like a sore thumb. These kitchen worktop design ideas fix that.
With an acrylic material like Corian® or Tristone™, the sink can be moulded into the worktop. And drainer grooves or a recessed drainer can be cut into the surface. This makes the whole sink area blend seamlessly into the kitchen. And it makes the area a lot easier to clean too.
You can get moulded sinks with any acrylic worktop. Or buy a separate under-mount sink and team it with acrylic or any sintered stone, quartz or granite worktop instead.
6. Add a steel-bottomed sink
This is another sink and worktop design idea, but we love it so much we couldn’t leave it out. Instead of a fully moulded sink, why not have a half moulded-half steel bottomed sink?
The image below shows an 1810 Axix sink in copper effect with matching taps. The sink forms the base, and the sides are made from the same material as the worktop. As with a fully moulded sink, the area still blends beautifully into the worktop, but that sink bottom is designed to stand out as a stunning feature.
This kitchen worktop idea can be achieved with any acrylic worktop.

This copper effect 1810 Axix sink with matching taps looks stunning against the white acrylic worktop
7. Add levels
Adding an extra piece of worktop to your kitchen, at a different level to the main worktop, is a simple worktop idea that has a big impact. Use this design technique to separate out spaces, such as the preparation and dining spaces. You could also choose a different colour or material for the extra level, one that contrasts or complements the main worktop, to make it really stand out.

To get this look, you can use any worktop material you like.
8. Add lights
Lighting can dramatically change the mood of a room. So, when thinking about what lights you want in your kitchen, as well as task lights, add some lights for ambience. This worktop idea involves having LED lights embedded around the edge of the worktop.
This worktop design idea can be achieved with any acrylic worktop.

If you need help bringing your worktop ideas to life, we’ll be happy to offer advice. Contact us through our contact form or give us a call on 0800 0614729.