Countertops are the workhorses of the kitchen. You prepare food and even eat on your countertops, so you want a surface that's relatively easy to clean. What's more, countertops take up a lot of real estate in your kitchen. As such, you need a material that's both durable and beautiful. Stone countertops fit that requirement and are adaptable to boot. Select a countertop material that complements your décor and your lifestyle.

Bold Granite

Granite is one of the most durable materials, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops. Granite also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. One option is to choose one of the bold hues, such as red, blue or green. These are uncommon colors for granite, so they really draw the eye. As such, these bright colors pair well with either natural wood or neutral cabinetry. Choose a bold granite color if you want to add a creative flair to your kitchen.

Classic Marble

On the other end of the spectrum, marble is a material that offers a classical appeal. Marble is a luxury material, but the surface features the elegant veining that makes it instantly recognizable. As Better Homes and Gardens points out, marble does require some extra maintenance, such as cleaning up spills and shielding it from heat and scratches. Nonetheless, as marble ages, it develops a beautiful, time-worn appeal. Utilize marble in a more formal or Mediterranean-inspired kitchen.

Adaptable Quartz

Quartz for countertops is a manufactured material consisting of ground up quartz bound with polyester resins. The process allows manufacturers to create quartz slabs in a variety of colors and patterns. It can even be created to resemble another material, such as marble or granite. In fact, an especially attractive use of quartz is having it manufactured to resemble black soapstone. Such a countertop presents a beautiful matte black profile that complements a contemporary kitchen. Quartz also tends to cost less than granite or, especially, marble.

Unique Natural Stone

If you want your kitchen to have a unique, homey décor, natural stone is an excellent option. Granite is the popular choice, but limestone and soapstone are also common countertop materials. Though stone needs to be sealed when installed, it's naturally heat resistant. Limestone is especially singular because the buff stone is intermixed with minute fossils. The end result is a countertop that provides a conversation piece.

Choose a stone countertop for a kitchen that fits your unique work and dining style.