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Open-concept kitchens are a popular design choice in new homes, placing the kitchen at the heart of the home. By selecting a statement countertop, you can make a bold design choice that redefines the style of your entire home.
Open-concept living has become a staple of modern home design. By removing traditional walls between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, this layout brings in more light, encourages connection, and makes homes feel larger and more inviting.
But with fewer built-in features to define the space, how do you create a visual anchor that holds everything together? Simple: let your countertop take the spotlight.
In traditional kitchens, walls, cabinets, or backsplashes often created focal points. But in open-concept spaces, those elements are minimized to promote flow. That’s where the countertop steps in — it becomes the central feature visible from almost every angle.
Choosing a bold, high-impact surface not only grounds the design but also gives the kitchen its own identity within the larger shared space.
A statement countertop is more than just a pretty surface. It's a design move that brings personality and visual weight to your kitchen. Here are five ways to make it happen:
Natural stones like marble, granite, and quartzite come with unique veining, rich tones, and eye-catching movement. Materials like Calacatta Gold, Blue Bahia, or Fusion Quartzite draw attention in the best way — especially when surrounded by clean, minimalist finishes.
A waterfall edge creates a clean, continuous line from the top of the island down to the floor. It’s sleek, modern, and highlights the natural flow of the stone — making the countertop feel more like a sculptural piece.
Large, open kitchens can handle oversized islands — and the bigger the island, the bigger the visual impact. Use a single, uninterrupted slab for a bold, dramatic centerpiece that’s functional and stylish.
Going beyond the standard 2cm or 3cm thickness with a laminated or 6cm edge gives the countertop a weightier, more architectural feel. It’s an easy way to give your kitchen a custom, high-end look.
Translucent materials like onyx can be backlit to create a soft glow that changes with the light in the room. It’s a showstopping detail — perfect for open layouts where ambiance and atmosphere matter.
Natural stone isn’t just beautiful — it’s distinctive. No two slabs are the same, which means your countertop won’t look like anyone else’s.
At AP Marble and Granite, we source a wide range of unique stones from around the world, including:
Whether you want a classic look or something more adventurous, we have slabs that match your taste and the scale of your space.
Your kitchen island isn’t just a design element — it’s where life happens. It’s where you make coffee in the morning, prep dinner, help with homework, and host friends and family.
A statement countertop can bring beauty and durability to all of these everyday moments. In open-concept kitchens, where everything’s on display, that matters even more.
If your countertop is going to be the star of the show, let it shine. Keep the rest of the design simple and complementary. Here's how:
If you're planning a remodel or building a new home, come visit our Michigan showroom to explore the full range of natural stones available.
We offer one of the largest inventories in the Midwest in our 40,000 showroom and have expert design support and over 20 years of experience to help you find the right material for your space.
Visit apmarblegranite.com to learn more, or stop by our Warren, MI location to browse our full slab collection in person.
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