Matte Finish Zinc Countertop, Eased Square Edge, wrapping a farm sink.

Granite and more granite. It’s a great material, and it has become the benchmark in the kitchen for obvious reasons. However, to turn a kitchen into a focal point of a home, designers are turning to alternative materials in 2012.

Brooks Custom specializes in high-end, custom countertops using alternative materials, and owner Richard Brooks has been the one behind the designers and architects who’ve been creating brilliant projects for decades. This year, Brooks is seeing new materials step into the spotlight.

“After 30 years, I’ve found that if we keep being innovative and working hard to stay ahead of the design curve using different materials, there will always be a market,” Brooks said. “This year, in particular, we’ve seen the demand for zinc, walnut and bronze pick up steam.”

In the recent NuKitchens 2012 Trends show, Brooks unveiled a zinc countertop with an integrated sink that turned into the main event for the designers that were in attendance.

“We love zinc. We’ve always been known for our woodworking capabilities, but when people walk in the showroom, it’s hard not to be captivated by zinc,” Brooks said.

Walnut has been the hands-down choice for designers who are choosing wood this year, mainly for its rich, dark color that looks exceptional in the kitchen.

While these materials have been the most requested, integrating different metals and woods is also another trend that Brooks is seeing pick up.

“Designers are really getting creative and mixing the industrial look of certain metals with the warmness of wood. I’m always looking forward to a project that features a combination that I’ve never thought of before - We like a challenge.”

Aside from focusing on what’s being requested, Brooks has been working hard on advancing his new line of Live Edge tabletops. The line is called the Hudson Valley Artisan Collection, and it showcases the natural beauty of the tree, from the sap to the heartwood , with the option of custom bases.

For more information on Live Edge, visit: www.liveedgewoodcountertops.com

For more information on countertops using alternative materials, visit Brooks Custom online at: www.brookscustom.com