CUTTING-EDGE

Countertops Glass is the latest material being used for countertops in modern kitchens. Read on to see why it's so popular, and why it might just be the perfect finish for your home

- HELEN WALLACE

As the old saying goes, 'The kitchen is the heart of the home'. It's a place for nourishment and the coming together of family. When it comes to the layout and design of these well-used spaces, practicality is usually first on the list. This doesn't have to mean compromising on style, though.

Form and Function Countertops have always been a way to put your personal stamp on your kitchen. From wood to marble and granite, all of these choices can speak to your personal aesthetic as well as your time spent preparing food. One of the more cutting-edge finishes that's becoming increasingly popular is glass. Yes, the same substance of decorative stained-glass windows and transparent panes around our houses is now being utilised for the creation of sturdy, modern counters. There are several reasons, including hygiene and sustainability. Also, they just so happen to look pretty beautiful, too.

'The Invitrum kitchen has been developed over 30 years and is made completely from glass and aluminium,' explains Mathilda Venter, Managing Director of Valcucine South Africa. "This was done for three reasons: health, resistance and eco-sustainability.