Why Orange County Interior Designers Love These 6 Countertops

When it comes to renovating your kitchen or bathroom, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right countertop material. Your choice will not only affect the aesthetic appeal of the space but also its functionality, durability, and ease of maintenance. With so many options on the market, how do you know which material is the best fit for your home? Today, I’m excited to share why I and many of my fellow Orange County interior designers adore these six countertops, highlighting their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Let’s dive in and discover what makes these materials so fabulous!

1. Quartzite Countertops

Oh, how we adore quartzite! It is more durable than marble but still give a gorgeous organic look making it the perfect combination of beauty and strength. Every slab of quartzite is unique, boasting stunning veining and colors that can make any space feel luxurious and sophisticated. This natural stone is an absolute showstopper.

Kitchen designed by Vieve Interiors

Why We Love It: Quartzite is tougher than it looks. It’s harder than marble, making it super durable and resistant to scratches and heat, which makes it perfect for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Plus, its natural beauty means no two countertops are alike – perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind look in your home! That it is why it’s our most common choice for kitchens.

2. Granite Countertops

Granite has been a beloved choice for years, and for good reason. It’s timeless, elegant, and incredibly versatile. We’ve used granite in everything from modern kitchens to traditional bathrooms, and it never disappoints.

Laundry room designed by Dwellings Design Group

Why We Love It: Granite is incredibly durable, able to withstand the hustle and bustle of a busy household. It’s also resistant to heat and scratches, making it a practical choice for kitchens. With so many colors and patterns available, you’re sure to find one that fits your style perfectly.

3. Marble Countertops

Marble – the epitome of luxury and classic beauty. There’s something about its elegant veining and smooth surface that exudes sophistication. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of timeless beauty to their home.

Why We Love It: Marble is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any space. It's naturally cool, making it ideal for baking enthusiasts. While it does require a bit more care, the payoff is a timeless, luxurious look that’s well worth it. Consider adding a UV coating to prevent staining and etching. Many of our clients fall in love with the classic, luxurious look of marble, and it never fails to impress!

4. Quartz Countertops

If you’re looking for versatility and durability, quartz is your best friend. This engineered stone offers an impressive range of colors and patterns, making it easy to match with any design aesthetic.

Bathroom designed by Vieve Interiors

Why We Love It: Quartz is practically bulletproof when it comes to durability. It’s non-porous, which means it’s resistant to stains, scratches, and heat – no sealing required! Plus, it’s super easy to clean, making it a practical choice for busy households.

5. Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain is a rising star in the world of countertops, and we’re thrilled to see more and more clients choosing it for their homes. It’s sleek, modern, and incredibly durable, making it a fantastic choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Source: Bedrosians

Why We Love It: Porcelain is incredibly resistant to heat, scratches, and UV rays, so it won’t fade over time. It’s also available in a variety of styles, from marble-look to concrete, allowing you to achieve the high-end look without sacrificing performance. We’ve seen porcelain countertops transform kitchens and bathrooms into stylish, functional spaces that clients absolutely adore.

6. Dekton Countertops

Dekton is like the superhero of countertop materials. This ultra-compact surface is engineered from a mix of glass, porcelain, and quartz, and it’s designed to withstand just about anything.

Source: Cosentino

Why We Love It: Dekton’s durability is unmatched. It’s highly resistant to heat, scratches, and UV rays, making it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor spaces. The variety of finishes and colors means you can get really creative with your designs. We love how Dekton allows our clients to achieve a unique, high-performance look that stands up to the demands of everyday life.

Conclusion

There you have it! These six countertops – quartzite, granite, marble, quartz, porcelain, and Dekton – are beloved by Orange County interior designers for their beauty, durability, and versatility. Choosing the right countertop is a crucial step in creating a space that not only looks stunning but also stands up to the demands of everyday life. So, get excited about your next design project, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need some expert advice. Here’s to creating a gorgeous home where you can host amazing gatherings and make wonderful memories for years to come!

10 of the Hottest Trends in Interior Design in Orange County in 2022

10 of the Hottest Trends in Interior Design in Orange County in 2022

A fresh start to the new year, better energy flow, increased endorphins, more time spent at home, the deep need for more harmony and serenity—it’s a long list of reasons why Orange County homes are receiving revamps in 2022. From minor uplifts to major remodels, we’ve put together our predictions of the hottest trends in interior design in Orange County in 2022. 

1. Sustainability Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

It’s no surprise that sustainability is one of the top interior design trends in Orange County, California this year. With more people taking ownership in the fight for a sustainable future, you are guaranteed to see an increase in recycled furniture (like vintage rugs), upcycled pieces (think unique artwork), locally made decor from reusable and/or eco-friendly sources, and rapidly renewable natural materials like cork and bamboo. 

Another benefit of decorating with sustainability in mind is decreased maintenance costs, reduced utility expenses, and higher returns on your investment. Drought-resistant landscaping and energy-efficient lighting will continue to be in high demand for these exact reasons. Fun fact: the greatest ROI you can receive on your home is switching all your light bulbs to LED lights! 

2. Bold Pattern Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

We talk about bold patterns a lot! Why? We love them. Choosing a bold pattern for your wallpaper, tile flooring, accent wall, shower wall, accent rug, or even your headboard or bedding, can change the entire look of your home. This year, we expect to see a lot of bold patterns in black and white. If you’re on a tighter budget, this should be the one area where you splurge! 

3. Texture Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

The texture trends in Orange County are as vast as the types of textures around the world–from soft and nubby boucle and velvet to hard and sleek stone and metal. We’ll talk about a few texture trends we expect to see in 2022, but the biggest takeaway is this: adding texture makes a room more dynamic and interesting and is what gives your home that cozy, warm feeling. 

The biggest texture trends we expect to see is reeded, fluted, or slatted wood.  This ornamental millwork can be used in more modern applications to walls or cabinets to add interest and repetition in a design.

Using naturally woven textures for seating, lighting, small decor items, and tables is also a hot trend that will continue in 2022. And, these naturally woven textures incorporate a lot of other design trends we plan to see in 2022, like earth tones, nature, and sustainability. 

Incorporating delicate black metal has been, and continues to be, very popular for window frames, stair railing, and even furniture details. It can add a contrast to an otherwise bright white space and gives a modern minimalistic style. 

Plastered wall finishes are an excellent way to add texture throughout your entire home. Bonus: plaster wall finishes generally last longer than paint jobs or wallpaper because once it dries, it hardens to a stone-like finish.  

4. Neutral Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

Classic and in-demand: white and warmer neutrals (with a pop of color). This design style never goes out of style—and, it's perfect for the beach towns in Orange County. Start with a white, clean space (white walls, countertops, sinks, furniture, bedding) and add in natural woods (doors, bed and other furniture frames, fixtures, etc.), and finish off with light neutral colors for decor (pillows, lighting, artwork, curtains, rugs). But, don’t forget to add a pop of color with an accent pillow or art or even a funky chair to liven and cozy-up your home.  

5. Nature and Earth Tone Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

Bringing the outdoors into your home using vibrant plant life and earth tones will continue to be a trend in 2022. Aside from looking beautiful, incorporating live plants and fresh flowers into your home can have a significant impact on your mood, improves memory retention and concentration, and reduces stress! If you don’t have a green thumb, consider decorating with floral patterns or photos of plant and animal life as an alternative way to incorporate nature. And, as we mentioned earlier, other natural elements can also be incorporated into your home, like real wood, stone, and naturally woven materials. 

As for color, cool colors continue to trend out and the use of warm earth tone colors (deep greens, warm browns, terracotta oranges, blues) continues to trend up. These colors do exactly what it sounds like—they warm up your home while also adding a level of sophistication. To tie everything together, use brass, gold or black fixtures and frames. 

6. Alternative Countertop Material Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

White marble countertops are always a classic winner, but other more durable countertop materials continue to be sought after particularly in high use places like the kitchen. Other natural stones like quartzite or dolomite are more durable than marble but still give a gorgeous organic look while porcelain countertops copy the look of marble almost identically. Other alternative materials that are trending include concrete, terrazzo, or the most popular quartz. Quartz is extremely dense and impermeable, so it makes a great kitchen counter surface.  We like the look of simple solid or textural quartz that isn’t trying too hard to look like another stone, but instead honors its own man-made quality.

7. Minimalist Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

Minimalist designs can mean a few different things: Marie Kondo-ing your space, using only a few colors in your design pallet, or incorporating thoughtful negative space to make a home feel clean and uncluttered, etc.  We also love that this is a great way to incorporate some of those sustainable materials and a minimal amount of unique hand-made functional decor instead of filling your space with many manufactured items. A few ideas: locally made kitchen table, hand-made ceramic dishes, wall art, or organic linen pillowcases. The possibilities are endless. 

8. Multifunctional Space Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

Going on year three of a pandemic means we continue to work-from-home and school-from-home. We believe the need for multifunctional spaces is here to stay. If you haven’t already, it’s time to create a space for yourself, or for the kiddos, that’s both functional and enjoyable. To do this, here are a few tips to consider: 

• Make sure the decor you purchase meets your needs

• Consider multifunctional furniture

• Opt for an efficient layout

• Skip oversized furniture

• Make smart choices for storage

• If the room is crowded, go for clean colors so it doesn’t feel cluttered 

• Consider hiring a professional designer to help

9. Bathroom Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

One way to give your Orange County home a new look and feel this year is to zhoosh up the bathroom! Transforming your bathroom can make a huge difference in how you start and end your day. For all our best tips to decorate your bathroom, visit our blog! 

10. Curve Trends in Interior Design in Orange County

A way to add charm and character to your home is to incorporate curves and arches. Along with arched entryways and windows, we are seeing more and more curved furniture and decor items. Couches, end tables, accent chairs, bed frames, area rugs, mirrors, and lighting fixtures are just some of the ways you can add curvature to your home.

To see how we can incorporate the hottest trends in interior design into your Orange County home, book a discovery call. At Viève Interiors, it is our mission to help homeowners love where they live because happy homes are the most beautiful homes!