Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen in 2019? 

According to this years design survey of the mighty Houzz (the house remodeling design website ) which monitors thousands of home trends all year, Houzz are seeing an increase in Quartz which has taken the lead as this years kitchen countertop favourite.

According to Houzz, the more versatile, low-maintenance material quartz is the new winner this year. 

The survey went not on to state that 44 per cent of their survey participants were choosing engineered quartz for their kitchen countertops, compared to 34 per cent who had decided upon granite. 

Now, yes, 34 per cent is still a large percentage but Houzz reported this year was the lowest in granite selection after a steady 3 year decline (down from 45 percent in 2016).

If we look at cost comparison between granite and engineered quartz, the prices are relatively similar. Instead, durability is often the deciding factor between the two. While granite is typically cut from slabs of pure stone, engineered quartz is a composite of ground quartz and resin, making it a slightly stronger material.

Quartz Allows Mixed Materials

The stone patterns and colour selections within the world of Quartz has come a long way in terms of variety and colour choice

Quartz countertops now look even more realistic than ever, can offer that look of natural stone and with just that little extra element of durability. 

"Home owners shouldn’t shy away from mixing materials. Using quartz in busy areas of the kitchen like around the sink is perfect which can be offset with stone on the island”, says Karen Lavin of McMonagles Marbe & Granite.

Quartz in the Kitchen and Bathroom

With a minimalist style sweeping the design world, the clean look of Quartz is winning in both residential and commercial kitchen spaces.

The clean look and less porous structure is bringing quartz into many homes, cafes and restaurants looking for a sanitary, safe and beautiful look for their countertops and kitchens in general, whether for family or customers. 

Yes, the natural look of Granite cannot not be beaten, but perhaps a compromise of quartz in the kitchen and bathroom with granite being used for unique tables or fireplaces is the perfect combination.

Patterns of Style versus Patterns of Nature

It seems millennials buying their first home like the cleaner and more predictable look of quartz. The patterns are more delicate allowing the style of their kitchens to shine through. 

Granite countertops are stronger in style and are more inclined to become the centrepiece of a kitchen rather than blend in.