It’s been said, “There are two ways of being creative: One can sing and dance, or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish.” The latter part of this sentiment rings true when referring to kitchen and bath designers, who are charged with creating inspiring spaces every day. To accomplish this task, they search for new materials and methods that allow their clients to cook, entertain, unwind or handle everyday workloads. The finished spaces are often buttressed by eye-catching, durable countertops that act as a focal point for the room.

Serena L. Lehn, CKD, of Annapolis, MD-based Kitchen Encounters, explains: “People want solutions that add interest. As designers, we want to create something beautiful, but we must also make sure it’s practical and works with the overall design.”

Consumers are broadening their sensibilities with the hope of having a one-of-a-kind layout – a movement designers can capitalize on by providing a greater choice of textures, colors and shapes, notes Anna Marie Fanelli of Floor & Décor.

“Today’s client will try different materials to get a stylish look for their kitchen, bath or even outdoor kitchen. The countertop is significant, and deserves consideration in the entire planning process,” reports Fanelli, who is designer and co-owner of the Tenafly, NJ-based tile, stone and plumbing studio.

While Fanelli notes that granite remains “the staple selection,” clients are looking at more unconventional materials as well as showing interest in clean, contemporary, minimalist layouts.

Jan Niebler of Jan Niebler Interiors in Jefferson, WI notes the importance of having options when selecting a surface.

“You always want a top with good performance. It should coordinate with the color scheme, and offer the possibility of accommodating an undermount sink,” she says.

Having design flexibility, however, does not mean forcing the issue, says Tim Derrington, architect with Webber & Studio, based in Austin, TX. “It’s only with a functional understanding [of the countertop] that an intentional solution can emerge. Therefore, the ‘creative’ reveals itself when a design is distilled,” he says.

“It’s similar to kids looking at clouds. If you have an image in your mind and try to find a matching cloud, you’ll never see it, but if you let the shapes reveal themselves, you’ll see things you could have never imagined,” Derrington explains.

It’s not advisable to put form before function with countertops, agrees Fanelli.