The reflective qualities of stainless steel make it a good choice for a small galley kitchen. The countertop extends up the wall and around the window. A variety of looks can be attained with a concrete countertop, depending on the color pigment and amount of aggregate added to the mix. Synthetic slate is smooth, unlike its natural counterpart, and its light weight makes it suitable for creating thick countertops.
Zinc looks similar to stainless steel but shows dents and stains with use.
Warm, glowing copper makes an unusual countertop choice. Its pliability makes it a good choice for design details that would be very expensive to create in stone. Architects Ernesto Santalla and Andreas Charalambous of Forma Design in Washington, D.C., think a bit outside the box in their quest for countertop materials that are functional and durable but also unusual. When selecting countertop material, the two men first look at the home's overall decorating scheme. This helps them choose a finish appropriate to the rest of the decor.