Make a Splash in Your Kitchen With a Waterfall Countertop
See how this look can work with contemporary and transitional kitchens
When waterfall countertops first arrived on the design scene about six years ago, many designers thought they would be an ephemeral trend. In fact, they seem to be gaining momentum.
Traditionally, a countertop is a horizontal surface that ends at the edge of the cabinets. With waterfall countertops, the material used on the horizontal surface continues vertically to the floor, essentially wrapping the side of the cabinet. The continuity of the material, particularly when it is stone, can create a dramatic focal point in the kitchen. Read on to see if this look might work for you, and what elements you’ll want to consider.
Traditionally, a countertop is a horizontal surface that ends at the edge of the cabinets. With waterfall countertops, the material used on the horizontal surface continues vertically to the floor, essentially wrapping the side of the cabinet. The continuity of the material, particularly when it is stone, can create a dramatic focal point in the kitchen. Read on to see if this look might work for you, and what elements you’ll want to consider.
Pay attention to edge thickness
Waterfall countertops are available in various thicknesses, and the choice really depends on your personal preference. Some edges are only the thickness of the slab itself, as shown in this photo of the blue monochromatic kitchen with brass accents and light wood stools.
Waterfall countertops are available in various thicknesses, and the choice really depends on your personal preference. Some edges are only the thickness of the slab itself, as shown in this photo of the blue monochromatic kitchen with brass accents and light wood stools.
Other counters can be more than 7.5 centimetres thick, as with the stunning brown agate waterfall counter shown in this photo.
There really isn’t a hard and fast rule that determines what thickness will be right for you. Whether thin or thick, a range of edge sizes can work with a variety of design styles. Still can’t decide? This kitchen shows that you can have both thin and thick edges.
Where to put a waterfall
Contemporary kitchen
Waterfall countertops are most often found in contemporary kitchens due to their linear nature and clean lines, which are hallmarks of more contemporary style. The first three images in this story show contemporary kitchens with waterfall countertops.
Transitional kitchen
This photo of a transitional-style kitchen shows that with a little imagination, the waterfall look can work outside of a contemporary kitchen. The island features a distressed-wood waterfall countertop juxtaposed with an elegant white marble countertop on the perimeter cabinetry. The wood waterfall edge adds character and interest to this transitional white kitchen, which blends traditional and contemporary styles.
Contemporary kitchen
Waterfall countertops are most often found in contemporary kitchens due to their linear nature and clean lines, which are hallmarks of more contemporary style. The first three images in this story show contemporary kitchens with waterfall countertops.
Transitional kitchen
This photo of a transitional-style kitchen shows that with a little imagination, the waterfall look can work outside of a contemporary kitchen. The island features a distressed-wood waterfall countertop juxtaposed with an elegant white marble countertop on the perimeter cabinetry. The wood waterfall edge adds character and interest to this transitional white kitchen, which blends traditional and contemporary styles.
Use a waterfall as a standout feature
A plethora of white kitchens are being created these days, so my goal as a designer is to make each one feel unique. One way is to use different countertop materials for the perimeter countertop and the island – whether classic marble or dramatic stone. Another is to mix wood with white. The following photos are of three white kitchens, each with different perimeter and island countertop materials, each evoking a different mood.
1. Muted
The soft colouring of the marble waterfall island gently blends with and complements the white cabinetry. It also coordinates with the backsplash stone, creating a harmonious look. The birdcage pendants, with their colourful occupants, add a touch of whimsy to this otherwise muted kitchen.
A plethora of white kitchens are being created these days, so my goal as a designer is to make each one feel unique. One way is to use different countertop materials for the perimeter countertop and the island – whether classic marble or dramatic stone. Another is to mix wood with white. The following photos are of three white kitchens, each with different perimeter and island countertop materials, each evoking a different mood.
1. Muted
The soft colouring of the marble waterfall island gently blends with and complements the white cabinetry. It also coordinates with the backsplash stone, creating a harmonious look. The birdcage pendants, with their colourful occupants, add a touch of whimsy to this otherwise muted kitchen.
3. Drama
This island, with its dramatic waterfall countertop, adds a stunning focal point to this white and wood kitchen. The stone’s multi-hued colouring pulls together the different elements of this kitchen, seamlessly melding the two-toned cabinetry and four different tiles into one cohesive look.
This island, with its dramatic waterfall countertop, adds a stunning focal point to this white and wood kitchen. The stone’s multi-hued colouring pulls together the different elements of this kitchen, seamlessly melding the two-toned cabinetry and four different tiles into one cohesive look.
Alternatively, you could choose a dramatic waterfall countertop and also use it on the perimeter counter, as in this photo. This quartz countertop with bold black and grey veining brings dramatic glamour to this otherwise white kitchen. The pattern is also echoed in the backsplash.
How to warm up a contemporary white kitchen
How to warm up a contemporary white kitchen
Installing a waterfall not on an island
Waterfall countertops are most frequently used on islands, but not always. Here are some other options.
1. End of a cabinet run
A waterfall edge is an effective way to punctuate the end of a cabinet run. This orange quartz countertop coordinates with the pendant and kitchen chairs to add a pop of colour to this white kitchen.
Waterfall countertops are most frequently used on islands, but not always. Here are some other options.
1. End of a cabinet run
A waterfall edge is an effective way to punctuate the end of a cabinet run. This orange quartz countertop coordinates with the pendant and kitchen chairs to add a pop of colour to this white kitchen.
2. Peninsula
Here, the waterfall edge acts as an end panel on a peninsula. Not only does it protect the side of the cabinets from scuffs and scratches, the overhang above the bar stools creates a counter for eating.
Here, the waterfall edge acts as an end panel on a peninsula. Not only does it protect the side of the cabinets from scuffs and scratches, the overhang above the bar stools creates a counter for eating.
3. Table
Extending the waterfall countertop about 120 centimetres past the cabinetry creates a table at the end of this island. Transparent seats are visually light and keep the focus on the counter’s waterfall shape.
Extending the waterfall countertop about 120 centimetres past the cabinetry creates a table at the end of this island. Transparent seats are visually light and keep the focus on the counter’s waterfall shape.
Think about your outlets
Depending where you live, you may be required by code to have one or two outlets on your island. On a traditional island, these electrical outlets are often embedded in the island’s side panel for easy accessibility, as seen in this photo. Here, a white outlet blends into the surrounding white end panel.
But where should you place an outlet on a waterfall island to avoid distracting from the pattern in the stone? There is no best place, but here are a few options to consider.
Depending where you live, you may be required by code to have one or two outlets on your island. On a traditional island, these electrical outlets are often embedded in the island’s side panel for easy accessibility, as seen in this photo. Here, a white outlet blends into the surrounding white end panel.
But where should you place an outlet on a waterfall island to avoid distracting from the pattern in the stone? There is no best place, but here are a few options to consider.
1. Pop-up outlet
A pop-up outlet like the one shown in this photo will keep the sides of the waterfall counter clean, but the trade-off is that the top of the counter won’t be.
A pop-up outlet like the one shown in this photo will keep the sides of the waterfall counter clean, but the trade-off is that the top of the counter won’t be.
2. Integrated outlet
In lieu of a top drawer on the cabinet side, put in an outlet. This photo shows an outlet that’s both visible and accessible.
In lieu of a top drawer on the cabinet side, put in an outlet. This photo shows an outlet that’s both visible and accessible.
If you don’t want to see the outlet, another option is to hide it behind a false drawer front.
Hiding light switches, outlets and toilet roll holders
Hiding light switches, outlets and toilet roll holders
3. Colour-coordinated outlet
Sometimes it’s just not possible to hide the outlet, and placing it on the vertical edge of the waterfall is the only option. If that’s the case, be certain to colour-coordinate your outlet to the counter material to help it disappear, as shown in this photo.
Sometimes it’s just not possible to hide the outlet, and placing it on the vertical edge of the waterfall is the only option. If that’s the case, be certain to colour-coordinate your outlet to the counter material to help it disappear, as shown in this photo.
Beyond the kitchen
Waterfall edges are not relegated to the kitchen. They work equally well in the bathroom. When the counter and floor are of the same or similar material, the eye sees a continuous line. That smooth transition in materials can contribute to a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere for a bathroom, as shown in this photo.
Cost: If you like this look, it’s important to know that waterfall countertops are more costly due to the added material for the sides, as well as the additional labor for fabrication. You’ll want to price all of this out before you commit.
TELL US
Are you considering a waterfall countertop for your kitchen or bathroom? Tell us more in the Comments below.
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See more kitchen designs
Waterfall edges are not relegated to the kitchen. They work equally well in the bathroom. When the counter and floor are of the same or similar material, the eye sees a continuous line. That smooth transition in materials can contribute to a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere for a bathroom, as shown in this photo.
Cost: If you like this look, it’s important to know that waterfall countertops are more costly due to the added material for the sides, as well as the additional labor for fabrication. You’ll want to price all of this out before you commit.
TELL US
Are you considering a waterfall countertop for your kitchen or bathroom? Tell us more in the Comments below.
MORE
See more kitchen designs
With a waterfall edge, the veining in natural stone or quartz is visible on the horizontal plane, then spills over the edge in a vertical drop to the floor. This vertical view of the counter highlights and dramatises the beauty of the stone’s veining, creating a focal point in the kitchen. Often, this focal point is also visible from other rooms.
Though stone remains a top choice for waterfall counters, recently materials like wood and concrete have also been gaining popularity.