Your kitchen is the most frequently used room in your home, and more Americans eat in the kitchen than anywhere else; 57% of respondents to a National Kitchens and Baths Association trends report survey planned to include a dine-in kitchen in new construction, and an additional 20% identified the standalone kitchen table as an outgoing trend.
Making the kitchen a functional eating space is a common goal for new construction and renovation projects alike, and a raised breakfast bar is useful and looks great– the best of both worlds.
Defining Zones Through Contrast
A raised breakfast bar is a part of a kitchen island that’s a little taller than the main prep space. It makes it easier to pull up a barstool and eat at a convenient height. It’s still part of the island, but the function is a bit different. That means that for visual distinction, some homeowners prefer it to have a contrasting appearance to the rest of the island.
Using a different stone for the raised bar from what’s on the main kitchen counters is an effective way to define zones in an open-plan space. A darker stone like absolute black granite on the bar above white quartz countertops, for example, instantly signals a change in purpose. The bar becomes a distinct feature, while still blending naturally with the kitchen as a whole.
Making Color Work For You
Color selection matters in any kitchen design, but with a raised breakfast bar, it can be used more creatively. This part of the kitchen doesn’t typically see heavy prep work, which opens the door to using lighter or more visually expressive stones that might not be as well-suited for the risks of chopping or hot pans. Think of soft beige marble, dramatic veined quartzite, or even an eye-catching granite with bold mineral patterns.
By treating the bar as a design feature in its own right, you can explore a wider range of color than you might with the main work surfaces. This also gives the kitchen depth, especially in neutral spaces where visual interest comes from material layering rather than bold color on walls or cabinets.
Playing With Texture And Finish
A raised breakfast bar is the perfect spot to introduce variety in finish. Honed or leathered textures feel different under the hand and catch the light in a more subdued way than polished slabs. Imagine a polished marble surface for the lower counter where prep work happens, and a leathered granite surface just above it for the bar. The look is dynamic, and the tactile contrast adds a layer of interest that guests and family members will notice.
Creating Balance Between Style And Function
Even with its decorative potential, a raised bar still needs to be functional. Choosing stone ensures durability and easy cleanup, which matters whether the space is used for quick meals or late-night snacks. The height difference adds a layer of practicality too, helping to hide dishes or messes from view when entertaining guests or multitasking through a busy morning.
The stone you choose should reflect how the bar will be used. A material like quartz resists staining and doesn’t require sealing, which makes it a smart pick for a family kitchen. On the other hand, homeowners who value traditional elegance may find themselves drawn to marble, accepting the need for occasional maintenance in exchange for its distinctive look.
Whatever type of stone you choose, you need a fabricator who can deliver on design and installation. At Cutstone Company, we help our clients make stone choices that make their homes uniquely beautiful. No matter what your plan is for your kitchen renovation, our countertop fabricators can make your dreams come true.
