I love spending time in the kitchen and I love designing kitchens, but as a long-term renter most of my ideas continue to be dreams. But with a degree in fine arts, I can bet my kitchen would be colorful, which is why I was so excited to discover lava stone countertops.
Now, if you're wondering what lava stone is, it's a beautifully glossy, glazed countertop surface made from volcanic rock that designers say could replace more traditional kitchen countertop materials like granite and marble. It can also be glazed in almost any color. Lucy McSweeny, design assistant at Kate Feather Kitchen Designs, says: “The wide range of colors and edge details available, as well as the stone thickness and size, ensure it fits perfectly into any setting.”
But with so many different colors to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. And just like with color, once you decide on a kitchen color idea, you also need to know how to style it. As usual, it's a dance between balance and contrast, but to put your mind at ease, I asked a few interior designers for advice on designing lava stone countertops. Whether you choose a bright green or a muted mocha, here are four ideas to inspire you.
1. Opt for a bold pop of color
(Image credit: Kate Feather)
An obvious plus point of lava stone countertops is the various bold and brilliant color combinations in which they are available. “Lave stone can serve as an elegant accent in an otherwise planned design,” says Lucy McSweeny of Kate Feather. No two pieces of this surface are the same, and “the small variations in the finishes reflect the craftsmanship that went into making them,” adds Lucy.
You can either fully embrace this colorful countertop trend by drenching your kitchen in a bright hue, or “complement complete tones with neutral kitchen cabinet colors and walls to make your surface shine and stand out,” adds Jennifer Rogers, interior designer at BK Kitchen and bathroom.
“To create an integrated design, repeat the countertop colors with small accents,” says Jennifer. For example, the door and trim in the kitchen shown above reflect the teal tones of the lava stone countertop, creating a harmonious look throughout the room.
2. Mix and match textures
(Image credit: Future, Victoria Maria)
Although lava stone countertops appear shiny and smooth from a distance, their texture is one of the main appeal. Up close, lava stone countertops have a unique crack structure that forms during the firing process – but this is glossed over later, so you don't have to worry about rough workbenches.
But when it comes to styling, “using materials like wood or metal accentuates the stone's natural texture while helping the glossy finish stay in the room longer,” says Jennifer.
In the kitchen upstairs, antique brass cabinets that almost look like wood are paired with a bright lime green lava stone countertop. These two materials play off each other's shine, creating a look that is dramatic yet balanced.
Another way to highlight the high gloss finish of lava stone countertops is to play with different kitchen lighting ideas. “Incorporate warm lighting to bring out the unique and polished shine,” adds Jennifer.
3. Enjoy the high gloss finish
(Image credit: Kate Feather)
Gloss and lacquer finishes are the latest interior design trend that no one expected, and lava stone countertops are an easy way to get in on it. Instead of making the color the focus, focus on highlighting the finish.
“In the navy blue kitchen [shown above]“We took advantage of the wide range of colors and matched the worktop to the color of the cabinets,” explains Lucy. “The two-color palette for the kitchen allowed the light, vibrant blue to look elegant against the white walls rather than overwhelming among other colors.
Decorate with colors that complement blue and pieces like potted plants and table lamps and you'll get just the right balance of playful color and effortless elegance.
4. Keep it tonal and timeless
(Image credit: Kate Feather)
Don't worry if bold colors aren't your thing! You can still install a lava stone countertop even if you prefer more minimalist kitchen designs. The beautiful mocha brown lava stone countertop in the kitchen shown above is one of my favorite options.
Lucy says: “We went for a neutral design in our showroom. The mushroom-colored countertop captures the darker undertones of the wood on the island without overwhelming the design with too many patterns.”
And when it comes to creating this more muted hue, Jennifer adds, “Use minimalist decor like ceramic vases or subtle faucets to enhance the artistic feel without compromising the countertop color.”
“Lava stone countertops are an extremely versatile material and can be designed to suit any design,” says Lucy. And considering that it's more durable than granite and marble and comes in an almost infinite number of colors, I suspect you'll be seeing this candy-colored modern kitchen idea everywhere.