Whether you’re completely remodeling your kitchen or simply trying to find a way to update your look, the countertops you choose will ultimately be the deciding factor in your kitchen style. Many people only think of the popular or common countertop materials such as granite, laminate, or wood, but there are so many more options out there. If you’re bored with the regular stone countertops almost everyone chooses, opt for something unique and truly stunning. From concrete embedded with fiber optic lighting to glazed lava stone, get some design inspiration from this list of the 5 coolest and most unique kitchen countertops.

Lava

Red Corian Kitchen Countertops for your home interior
Photo Courtesy of Interior Design

Starting off our list is one of the hottest new countertop materials out there. If you’re looking for something truly unique for you kitchen, take a look at Pyrolave Lava countertops. They’re made from fired and glazed lava stone that holds up against almost anything you can do to it. Scratch resistant, heat resistant, acid and corrosive resistant...these countertops are extremely strong and durable. They’re available in a wide range of colors and can come in either a glossy or a matte finish.

Glass

Light up kitchen countertops custom fit to your specifications
Photo Courtesy of CBD Glass Studios

While glass countertops aren’t exactly a new material for countertops, they are certainly one of the most versatile and creative ways to update and customize your kitchen. Pretty much everything about glass countertops can be customized to fit your style - edge finishes, color, texture, type of glass, and even thickness. You can use LED lights to make your kitchen seem futuristic or get digitally printed glass countertops to add art and personality. Although glass is one of the easiest materials to clean, it can show fingerprints and handprints and is prone to chipping if struck hard enough.

Concrete with Fiber Optics

Amazingly cool kitchen countertop designs and models
Photo Courtesy of JM Lifestyles

Concrete countertops originally got their start as outdoor kitchen countertops but they are quickly gaining popularity for indoor kitchens as well. Like glass, they are completely customizable from edge finishes to color to size and shape. You can even have objects implanted in them or have them stamped into patterns. Even with all of these possibilities, some homeowners consider concrete too industrial. To make concrete more interesting and modern, you can get fiber optics embedded in your concrete countertops to create an interesting, illuminating kitchen.

Pennies

Some kitchen countertop ideas are more unique than others
Photo Courtesy of Ultra Clear Epoxy

If you’re looking for a truly unique countertop that can be a DIY project, opt for pennies. That’s right, pennies. While definitely a time-consuming project, a DIY penny countertop is a fairly inexpensive way to give your kitchen an updated, modern look. If you have the patience and skill, try it out. The end result may not be for everyone, but it is certainly eye-catching.

Touch Screen

Touch-screen countertops: the ultimate in modern kitchen technology
Photo Courtesy of Home Designing

Tablets and smartphones play a huge part in our daily lives, but what if your countertop could send Facebook posts, tweets, and let you look up recipes while you cook? That’s precisely what some companies are developing now - touchscreen, interactive countertops. Toncelli Kitchens has already created the Prisma kitchen island which lets you browse the web or watch videos while eating your meal. Whirlpool, however, is currently developing a touchscreen stovetop that will use induction heating to heat up pots and pans while keeping the surrounding surface area cool to the touch. Though it may be some time yet before touchscreen stovetops are in every home, we’re certainly excited for them!

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