While some kitchens are based around a bespoke sense of functionality, others are beautiful to behold. However, there is no reason why both of these qualities cannot work in synergy with one another. There are many decisions which need to take place when designing your dream kitchen and one of the most important involves recognising the different types of kitchen worktops. What qualities will each surface have to offer? How can they impact the overall appearance of this room? Are there any expert tips to keep in mind when making the appropriate decision? Let’s look at each of these questions in slightly more detail in order to appreciate the options at your disposal.
We first need to examine the notion of a dream kitchen from the point of view of durability. Any worktop surface you choose should be able to stand up to the test of time. This is important for a few reasons:
Traditional wood and even some modern composite materials will often suffer from faults and as a result, your dream kitchen could easily devolve into a nightmare. This is when the power of stone work surfaces truly shines through.
The best type of kitchen worktop needs to exhibit a sense of functionality while still boasting a unique aesthetic appeal. So, it should come as no great surprise that stone surfaces often rise to the top of the list.
By its very nature, stone is a permanent fixture within any room. This ageless material is able to exudes a sense of uniformity and yet, it represents a great way to add a stylish flavour to your dream kitchen. Much of this permanency involves how durable stone worktops have become. Granite, quartz and marble have existed in their natural state for millions of years, so there is no doubt that they will prove to be as equally reliable within the modern home kitchen.
We should also examine the advantages of stone from a sanitary point of view. Unlike extremely porous surfaces such as wood, bacteria and similar hazards will be blocked from penetrating. This is particularly the case if you choose to treat the stone with a sealant that offers an impermeable membrane. Cleaning is a cinch and you can rest assured in the knowledge that the health of your love ones will never be placed in jeopardy. Of course, you will also be able to avoid visual problems such as discolourations and unsightly stains.
Many individuals will opt for stone thanks to its durability and longevity. However, we should also mention that designing your dream kitchen needs to take into account the aesthetic beauty of the surfaces themselves. This is another reason why stone is often the preferred choice.
Unlike ready-made surfaces such as vinyl or uPVC; each piece of stone is entirely unique in terms of its pattern and grain. This adds a standalone sense of personality to your kitchen that simply cannot be matched by other methods. Whether referring to the sinuous veins associated with marble, the three-dimensional flecked pattern of granite or the translucent effect of some types of quartz, there is no doubt that you will love the visual nature of these materials.
The same holds true in regards to the colours of the stone surfaces. Perhaps you are looking for a more clean and contemporary appearance. In this case, white and off-white shades of marble could represent an excellent choice. Organic flavours can be perfectly complemented with richer tones of granite while quartz will work great in conjunction with similar floor surfaces and kitchen hardware. The sky’s the limit in regards to your style and design selections.
Designing a dream kitchen should always address the overall “feel” of the room. So, be sure to take into account the colours and styles that you wish to embrace. Lighter surfaces (combined with similar cabinets and furniture) will provide the illusion of space while organic hues are able to add a sense of warmth into the environment. The bottom line is that kitchen worktops often tend to “tie” the entire room together; providing a unique balance between visual form and function.
Shaw Stone are able to provide a wide variety of made-to-measure kitchen worktops fashioned from high-quality materials. If you would like to transform the vision of a dream kitchen into a reality, feel free to contact a member of our team to find out more.