Trend Alert : Waterfall Edge
This really isn’t a new “trend”, but it is a feature I wanted to highlight if you’re building or renovating a kitchen or bath anytime soon. If you’re remember wayyyyy back to last August, I had just finished the design plan for my friend Joanna (of Jojotastic’s) kitchen. Then I shared my tile selections for her back in September, and although her renovation has taken much longer than she expected, it’s safe to say- we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her countertops I picked from my favorite stone source, Polycor, were just installed and they are nothing short of stunning. All of this to say, I designed a waterfall edge countertop feature for her and it’s gorgeous, so I thought this was a fitting time to reaffirm my love for this particular trend. You can catch a sneak peek of Joanna’s kitchen (shown above). In the meantime, click through to view some inspiring examples of waterfall edges, and to read about why this is one of the most functional “trends” you can implement.
Not only is a waterfall edge super durable- you’re basically wrapping your cabinetry in stone, but it is also super easy to clean & maintain. I highly recommend this treatment for high traffic areas in a home (near a door, next to pet areas, obviously in a kitchen, etc). Brooke Wagner also used the same Georgia marble from Polycor, pictured above and below. I went for White Cherokee marble for Joanna’s kitchen, so the veining would add a fun graphic statement.
My friend Kirsten used the same soapstone I used in our previous kitchen (pictured below)! I love the rich, dark waterfall look she created that feels modern and sleek… and obviously you know I adore soapstone. If you’re wondering more about that material, check out this post. Otherwise, you can expect to see it again soon in our current kitchen reno! Unfortunately, I won’t have an area to create a waterfall though.
If you’re looking for an updated way to finish the end of cabinetry rather than a decorative end panel or millwork- waterfall stone is your answer! I also love when designers use it with counter height bar stools or fabricate it with a larger overhang. It makes a dramatic and stunning vignette full of depth.
I’ve also used a waterfall edge in another previous client project… do you guys remember this budget Ikea tuxedo kitchen from 2017? I designed this space for my two best friends and their waterfall edge lives right by the entrance to their backyard. My bestie said her dog brushes up against this on her way in & out of the yard multiple times each day and she doesn’t have to worry because it’s so easy to clean.
Lastly, I wanted to share a different kind of waterfall example- because this doesn’t always apply to countertops or the kitchen. In our guest bathroom (pictured below), I designed the burl vanity table to have a waterfall edge. It’s a really great modern look for any space!
The main thing to remember is grain matching. To achieve the best waterfall look, make sure the wood grain or veining in the stone matches and aligns so it looks like the material is bending. Be sure to communicate this to your contractor or fabricator for best results.
What do you think… are you into this trend? Would you apply this to an area in your own home? It’s definitely modern from an aesthetic point-of-view. I can’t wait to share Joanna’s kitchen reveal soon. She’s wrapping things up in Seattle and I’m hoping to visit and see the space in person soon! It’s going to be beautiful.